Protect children of all faiths from hate

Re ‘What you’re doing is very wrong. I’m a kid,’ Jan. 13 We are reduced to tears at the senseless, hateful attack on an innocent child. The Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims (CAJM) is stunned and outraged by such a brazen act of intolerance, the opposite of our Canadian values.

It is frightening to imagine that racist actions directed at a Muslim girl’s hijab today could tomorrow result in snatching turbans from Sikhs or kippas from Jewish children.

We are moved by the thoughtful response of this young girl and her mother, who expressed their commitment to the Canada we all aspire to.

Children of all faith groups and gender identities deserve to be protected from perpetrators of hate and feel safe and welcome to express who they are with pride.

CAJM recently condemned the hate letters sent to synagogues across Canada. It is more than a coincidence that this attack comes one day after yet another racist statement by the president of the United States, with the support of his racist followers. We cannot let his sewage of intolerance seep across our borders.

We invite peace-loving leaders of goodwill from all faiths to raise their voices against all kinds of bigotry. We are reassured to hear that Premier Kathleen Wynne and Prime Minster Justin Trudeau immediately stated their outrage at this violation of Canadian values, and expressed sympathy for this child and her family.

They deserve to hear our messages of solidarity.

CAJM calls on the legal system to strictly enforce our hate laws, giving a clear message that such acts are not tolerated and are a violation of Canada’s promise of protection regardless of a person’s religion, race or background — especially to ensure the safety of children. Shahid Akhtar and Barbara Landau Co-chairs, Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims, Mississauga