Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW): Response to Charges Being Dropped Against Woman Filmed Pulling Pro-Palestinian Protester's Hijab

Written by Canadian Council of Muslim Women

Published in News

As we [Canadian Council of Muslim Women CCMW] witness the harrowing brutality of the genocide unfolding in Palestine, we cannot help but confront a deeply unsettling reality: we are watching in real time as human lives are devastated, entire communities erased, and the suffering of countless people ignored by those who should be defending them.

Our silence and inaction today will echo throughout history, leaving future generations to question us. They will ask why we let this happen, why we looked away, why our response was so restrained while lives, homes, and dreams were torn apart.

It is in these dark times that our humanity is truly tested. Our responsibility is clear — to bear witness, to raise our voices, and to actively stand in solidarity with those who are suffering. Each of us has a role, no matter how big or small, to press for justice and to refuse complicity in the face of oppression.

We must ask ourselves: How will we respond? What legacy will we leave for future generations? Let our actions be guided by empathy and justice. Let us stand together, raise our voices, and demand an end to the atrocities in Palestine and Lebanon.

We stand in solidarity with those who resist the oppression with their voices and banners like our sister, Hayfa Abdelkhaleq. We are deeply disturbed by the recent decision made by Crown prosecutor Moiz Karimjee to withdraw charges against Lorna Bernbaum following the violent assault on Hayfa Abdelkhaleq during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Ottawa on May 14, 2024.

This decision reflects a troubling disregard for the safety and dignity of hate crime victims and undermines the principles of justice that our society upholds.

Hayfa Abdelkhaleq, a Canadian citizen, was subjected to a horrific act of violence when her hijab was violently ripped off while she was exercising her right to protest. This act was not only an assault on her person but also an attack on her identity and her right to express her beliefs.

The subsequent decision to drop assault and harassment charges against Bernbaum, predicated on a mischaracterization of Abdelkhaleq’s protest chants, is unacceptable and raises serious concerns about bias and accountability within our legal system.

The assertion that Abdelkhaleq’s chant, "From the River to the Sea Palestine will be Free," could be interpreted as a call for genocide is not only inaccurate but also diminishes the voices of those advocating for justice and human rights. We stand firmly against any attempt to silence legitimate expressions of dissent or to manipulate the language of protest for political gain.

This decision not only affects Hayfa but also reverberates throughout the Palestinian and Muslim communities in Canada, instilling fear and insecurity.

Victims of hate crimes must feel assured that their voices will be heard and that they will receive justice. The Crown's choice to prioritize perceived public interest over the rights and safety of the victim is a dangerous precedent that must be addressed.

We call for the immediate reopening of the criminal case against Lorna Bernbaum. It is imperative that we uphold the principles of justice and accountability for all acts of hate and violence. We urge the authorities to take this matter seriously and to ensure that victims of hate crimes are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

In solidarity with Hayfa Abdelkhaleq and all who stand for justice, we demand action and accountability. If no action is taken, we are giving permission to those who will not hesitate to rip off another Muslim woman’s hijab and Islamophobic attacks will continue to surge.

We will not remain silent in the face of injustice.

Canadian Council of Muslim Women

The story of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) begins in 1982 when a group of dynamic and devoted Muslim women from across the country congregated in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Led by the late founder of CCMW, Dr. Lila Fahlman, these women sought to mobilize their passion for social justice and faith in order to enrich their communities and work towards the common good of Canadian society.

This inaugural meeting led to the establishment of CCMW, a not-for-profit organization that works to provide equity, equality and empowerment for all Canadian Muslim women. For the past 30 years, its proud and accomplished roster of members have achieved and continue to achieve great milestones for Muslim women and Canada’s multicultural landscape. As a highly diverse organization, CCMW is firmly committed to the overarching vision of improving the status of Muslim women to remain true to their Islamic heritage and Canadian identity.