The family of a Muslim man who was viciously attacked while on duty at a Markham hotel last month has spoken out about the harrowing incident, which authorities are deeming a “violent, hate-fueled” assault—one of the most severe cases advocates have witnessed. According to police, the 54-year-old victim was assaulted in the early hours of September 28 following a verbal dispute that took a hateful turn upon the assailant learning about the victim’s Muslim identity.
During a press briefing arranged by the National Council of Canadian Muslims, the victim’s wife shared the profound impact the attack has had on their lives. She described witnessing her husband’s agonizing recovery in the hospital, struggling to perform basic functions like breathing and eating due to the life-altering injuries sustained in the assault. Expressing her anguish, she emphasized the emotional toll on their family, stating that the once vibrant and resilient man now bears unimaginable pain.
Preferring to remain anonymous out of concern for their safety, the family conveyed how the assault shattered their perception of Canada as a secure haven. The victim’s wife revealed the pervasive fear, sadness, and disbelief that now permeate their household, replacing joy with anxiety, restless nights, and fervent prayers for her husband’s survival.
Amid the outcry over the attack, various officials and advocates voiced their anger, frustration, and disbelief, underscoring the urgent need to address Islamophobia nationwide. Omar Khamissa, the Chief Mobilization Officer for the National Council of Canadian Muslims, expressed his outrage, citing a disturbing trend of anti-Muslim violence in Canada. The recent assault, he lamented, stands out as particularly abhorrent and highlights the pervasive nature of such hate-fueled incidents.
Less than a month prior, a 54-year-old individual faced charges for allegedly threatening to detonate a mosque and a Muslim family’s residence in Newmarket. In connection with the Markham attack, a 31-year-old Toronto man has been charged by York Regional Police with assault causing bodily harm and making threats. Deputy Chief Kevin McCloskey indicated that discussions are underway with prosecutors to potentially escalate the charges to more severe offenses.
The incident echoes a prior episode in March this year, where a 25-year-old woman was apprehended by Durham Regional Police for attempting to assault a hijab-wearing woman at a public library in Ajax. The assailant reportedly tried to ignite the hijab with a lighter before the victim’s cries for help prompted security intervention.
Highlighting the persistent threat of Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s Special Representative on combating Islamophobia, emphasized the need for immediate action from governmental bodies, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and society at large. Stressing the fundamental rights of safety, dignity, and inclusivity for Muslims in Canada, she called for collective efforts to combat divisive rhetoric and hateful narratives fueling a dangerous climate of intolerance.