Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council October Newsletter

A monthly update on CMPAC’s work, our team, and how you can get involved.

October 21, 2023

Rising Islamophobia and Standing Up for Palestine

This month our duas and efforts are with the people of Palestine, particularly in Gaza, as they face renewed ethnic cleansing, the destruction of their city and expulsion from their homes, and our compassion is with the families of those who lost lives in Israel. Our priority is to continue to advocate for their safety through a ceasefire, lifting of the illegal siege on Gaza, and a peaceful long-term solution that ensures their ongoing safety.

The unfolding events of the past weeks have brought a concerning spike in Islamophobic rhetoric and intimidation towards support of Palestine, and the Muslim community. From employers doling out consequences for opposing genocide, to governments seeking to censure members who make statements that don’t elevate Israel, there is a tangible chill on people’s abilities to advocate on the unfolding situation.

Palestine Advocacy

Engaging with the Prime Minister’s Office

CMPAC joined 39 Muslim Community Organizations to call for a ceasefire, end to the illegal siege of Gaza, humanitarian aid access and support for those seeking to flee.

The Prime Minister’s office shortly after committed to pushing for humanitarian aid and support in exiting Gaza, but has yet to call for a life-saving ceasefire or end to the siege. We continue to push for these critical interventions.

Documenting Islamophobia in the wake of attacks on Gaza

Supporters of Palestine and visible Muslims are bearing the brunt of the backlash of growing Islamophobic rhetoric. Communities are reporting and engaging with a spike in verbal and physical assault reminiscent of the post 9/11 environment.

CMPAC is documenting the human impact of this Islamophobia by collecting and compiling your stories to inform our advocacy to push back against framings that put Muslims in harm’s way.

CMPAC Statements

CMPAC Statement on Rising Islamophobia

From statements equating support of Palestine with supporting terrorism, to claims of repeated calls for Palestine supporters to condemn terrorism,

Employees are facing intimidation and reprimand for voicing humanitarian concerns for Palestinians, and there has been a chill on their ability to freely express these concerns.  

Continued Pressure for a Ceasefire, End to Blockade

CMPAC is disappointed to see that the Prime Minister has yet to condemn the unlawful blockade of water, food and fuel, the ongoing bombing of homes, or Israel’s efforts to displace 1.1 million civilians.

Our advocacy to achieve safety and security, and access to essential needs and critical medical care for all in Palestine continues.

Team Spotlight: Sara Mushtaq

Sarah Mushtaq is an accomplished public speaker, panelist and a contributor to CBC Windsor and the Windsor Star. She helps public and private administrations build diversity, implement inclusive practices, and nurture meaningful organizational relationships. Her policy and communications expertise strengthens the CMPAC team.

Sarah is a graduate of the University of Windsor where she completed an interdisciplinary degree in science and policy, and continued on to graduate studies in marketing, strategy, and project management.

Sarah has held several public positions, including with Windsor Regional Hospital and the City of Windsor Diversity Committee.

Grow our Reach

Spread the word about CMPAC’s fight against structural Islamophobia. Forward this newsletter among your networks, and encourage others in the community to connect.

Support our Work

Our advocacy works best when we can rely on the widest networks to push the issues that impact our community. With more resources, we can do more comprehensive research, build deeper alliances, and spread our educational content.

Help us build an institution and fuel the work of CMPAC with a contribution of any amount.