Written by: Evy Ayers, Grade 11, Monsignor Doyle Secondary School
“Hearts for Islam” after the Islamic Centre of Cambridge vandalism attack
On the 12th of February 2024, the Islamic Centre of Cambridge had their place of faith debased by a hate-motivated vandalism attack. The vandal evidently spray-painted a large hate symbol on the front of the property, in what can be seen as an attempt to defile the house of worship.
The act of hate rhetoric grabbed the attention of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who offered words of condolences on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Trudeau states, “The vandalism at the Islamic Centre of Cambridge – and the rise in Islamophobia across the country – is alarming, abhorrent, and unacceptable. I strongly condemn this incident and stand with Muslim communities against such hate. We must confront and combat Islamophobia together.”
After this act of aversion, Monsignor Doyle’s Catholic Secondary schools ‘World Religions Course” offered their support during this trying time. Collectively, the classes came together in order to write positive messages for the children and staff of the Islamic Centre of Cambridge. Anne Denomme, the teacher responsible for this coordination, states, “It’s good to know that other people are standing in solidarity with you, not just your own crowd. You know?”
After receiving the ‘Hearts for Islam,’ Denomme exclaims the staff were, “Really surprised and really grateful… that they were going to put the – kind of – display at the front of the school so the students can see it.” When asked if she could even imagine the feeling one may experience after such an event, she states, “No, I can’t. It’s just so disappointing that this is happening in 2024.”
Many people within the general population, including, but not limited to students, parents, and teachers, unanimously agree that the vandalism of a sacred institution – especially one so valued within the community – is unacceptable.
The hate-motivated vandalism against the Islamic Centre of Cambridge can serve as a reminder to onlookers, showing the importance of providing support to those being affected by Islamophobia and bigotry in this new year.
“We Support U.” Photographed by Aryanna Sabourin, 2024. Composed by Evy Ayers, 2024.
This article marks the debut of the WCDSB Jr. Journalist program, a new initiative designed to provide journalistically inclined secondary students with a platform to share stories from their school and showcase their impressive talents. Stay tuned for more!
Are you a Secondary School student interested in joining the program? If so, please contact Lema.Salaymeh@wcdsb.ca
