A recent study from the Islamophobia Research Hub at York University is urging Canadian governments to enhance supervision over how universities, schools, law enforcement, and Parliament address the recent surge in anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian prejudices. The report also recommends that May 15 be officially acknowledged as Nakba Day in Canada, marking the day following Israel’s independence declaration in 1948 as the start of the displacement of Palestinians.
The report suggests that provincial governments should incorporate Palestinian culture and history into educational curricula, emphasizing the significance of Nakba history. It further advocates for the acknowledgment and adoption of a clear definition of anti-Palestinian racism (APR) at all levels of government, defining it as a distinct and harmful form of discrimination present in various layers of society.
Nadia Hasan, director of the research hub and assistant professor at York University, emphasized the importance of Canada taking proactive measures by recognizing Nakba Day and establishing an official APR definition, positioning the country as a leader in addressing these issues.
The report highlights a rise in Islamophobic verbal and physical assaults against Arab and Palestinian Canadians following the conflict between Hamas and Israel. The conflict, initiated by Hamas-led militants’ attacks near Gaza in October 2023, resulted in significant casualties, with over 1,200 fatalities, including more than 700 civilians, according to Israeli accounts.
Based on virtual interviews with 16 community-based organizations and media reports, the report does not feature direct victim testimonies but sheds light on incidents of anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian racism. It recommends the formation of advisory bodies within post-secondary institutions to combat discrimination, third-party reviews of institutional responses to Islamophobia, and reviews of school boards’ handling of anti-Palestinian racism cases.
Additionally, the report proposes the establishment of hate crime accountability units at provincial and territorial levels to address discrimination complaints effectively. It calls for a review of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) to ensure fair coverage of Palestinian perspectives, citing concerns of biased reporting.
The report also urges the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner to develop a policy holding parliamentarians accountable for disseminating misinformation that targets marginalized communities. It cites an instance involving Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman sharing misleading information about stickers falsely linked to the UBC Social Justice Centre.
In conclusion, the report’s 15 recommendations encompass various aspects, including addressing visa program issues for Gaza refugees and investigating alleged Israeli foreign interference. It emphasizes the need for concrete actions to combat Islamophobia and discrimination, aligning with previous findings that underscore the prevalence of hatred towards marginalized communities in Canada.