"While anti-Muslim hate crimes are often underreported in media, it was a relief to read an article that reported on a recent anti-muslim hate crime at UVic Multifaith Centre amidst the rise of Islamophobia in Canada since October 7."
July 30, 2024
Michael John Lo, Reporter, Times Colonist
Bryna Hallman, City Editor, Times Colonist
Dave Obee, Editor, Times Colonist
Dear Mr. Lo, Ms. Hallman, and Mr. Obee
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to thank you for your recent article titled “Feces Left in UVic Multifaith Centre an act of hate, Muslim group says,” published on July 26 in the Times Columnist.
While anti-Muslim hate crimes are often underreported in media, it was a relief to read an article that reported on a recent anti-muslim hate crime at UVic Multifaith Centre amidst the rise of Islamophobia in Canada since October 7.
Your article, which directly quotes Shawn Ullah, the B.C. representative for the National Council of Canadian Muslims, also provided an important voice that is often missing in articles reporting on anti-Muslim hate incidents.
Reporting such as yours amplifies the lived experiences of Canadian Muslims and helps readers appreciate the anxiety within the Muslim community that is deeply needed and lacking in Canadian media.
Thank you again for your commitment to balance in your reporting. Please continue to report on anti-Muslim hate crimes and give space to Muslim voices in the future.
Sincerely,
Debbie Hubbard
CJPME-Okanagan
Kelowna, British Columbia