Joint statement from the NCCM, the ISIJ of Toronto and Thornhill MPP Gila Martow

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Vaughan, ON, May 19, 2020 – The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), the Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat (ISIJ) Toronto, and MPP Gila Martow have engaged in meaningful dialogue and conversation today after a video was recorded in Thornhill on or about May 16, 2020.

NCCM and the ISIJ-Toronto were made aware, via press release, that an individual had made an unauthorized video at the parking lot of the Jaffari Community Centre in Thornhill. This individual is not affiliated with the ISIJ and the video was not sanctioned by the organization. The ISIJ does not permit trespassing.

Authorized spokespersons of the ISIJ are the only persons authorized to speak on behalf of the ISIJ, and they wish to assure all members of the community that they do not in any way sanction the words spoken by this individual. As well, the ISIJ and NCCM wish to reaffirm their commitment to stand against all forms of discrimination, including anti-Semitism, as they stand with their Jewish brothers and sisters against intolerance.

MPP Martow wishes to thank the  representatives of NCCM and ISIJ for their understanding and willingness to confront intolerance. She also commits to contacting representatives of the organizations directly should any further unfortunate incidents occur, and apologizes for any hurt she caused to the community of the Jaffari Community Centre.

The NCCM, the ISIJ and MPP Martow wish to remind members of all communities that respectful dialogue will always overshadow intolerance. We will continue to engage in productive dialogue and continue to demonstrate to all communities that we are stronger when united.

About the Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat (ISIJ) of Toronto

The Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat (ISIJ) of Toronto is a charitable organization comprised of a diverse community of over 7,000 Muslims, the majority of whom reside in the City of Vaughan and the Town of Richmond Hill. ISIJ of Toronto operates three religious centres in the Greater Toronto Area in Thornhill, Brampton and Hamilton. The guiding principles of the ISIJ of Toronto espouse and promote the core Canadian values of equality, fairness and tolerance. ISIJ of Toronto’s progressive and socially responsible ethos is held up as a role model for other faith-based organizations in Canada and abroad. Through its centres, the organization successfully carries out its own youth programs, periodic publications, library, seniors’ activities, burial facilities and various other functions. For more information, please visit jaffari.org

For more information, please contact:

Shafiq Ebrahim, Vice President, Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Toronto,
[email protected]  | 647-972-4422