Canadian Imams Stand in Solidarity with Victoria Imam Following Violent Attack
CCI Urges Governments to Support Safety Awareness and Self-Defence Training for Faith Leaders & Targeted Communities
Statement by the Canadian Council of Imams:
The Canadian Council of Imams (CCI) commends a Victoria, BC, Imam for his courage and resilience following a violent incident that occurred on the night of June 18.
According to Imam Ebrahim Ali’s first-hand account, he was seated in his vehicle with his wife when an individual opened the vehicle door and attempted to forcibly remove him.
Despite sustaining injuries, Imam Ebrahim resisted the attack and, while remaining on the phone with 911, pursued the suspect for nearly 20 minutes, providing information that assisted police in locating and apprehending the individual.
The assailant reportedly spat at him and told him to “go back home” to his country. Imam Ebrahim was dressed in traditional Islamic attire at the time.
These comments raise serious concerns that this attack may have been hate-motivated.
We are grateful that Imam Ebrahim is recovering. While he suffered a fracture and bruising, he is otherwise doing well. The Canadian Council of Imams has offered its full support to him and his family, and Imams nationwide stand in solidarity with him.
“What stands out in this incident is not fear, but resilience,” said Imam Sikander Hashmi, Executive Director of the Canadian Council of Imams. “Imam Ebrahim demonstrated remarkable courage, composure, and determination in the face of a violent attack.
His actions reflect the strength, dedication, and perseverance that Imams across Canada bring to their communities every day.”
Coincidentally, the incident occurred one day after the CCI hosted a national virtual security training workshop for Imams and Muslim faith leaders. The attack underscores the importance of security awareness and preparedness for Imams and Muslim faith leaders across the country.
This incident comes amid a sharp rise in Islamophobia in Canada in recent months, particularly targeting mosques and Imams.
Since 2017, eleven Canadian Muslims have been killed in acts of anti-Muslim violence – the highest in the G7.
In light of these incidents, the Canadian Council of Imams calls for:
- Increased government support for security awareness, personal safety, and self-defence for faith leaders and targeted communities.
- Mosques and Islamic centres to strengthen security protocols and take practical measures to support the safety of Imams and staff, particularly during late-night hours.
- All incidents of hate, threats, harassment, and violence to be reported to local law enforcement and the National Council of Canadian Muslims.
- Imams, faith leaders, and community members to remain vigilant and participate in security and personal safety training opportunities whenever available.
We pray for Imam Ebrahim’s full recovery and remain committed to ensuring that all Canadians can practice their faith safely and freely.