Latest news with #hatecrime
Globe and Mail
16 hours ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
I was almost burned alive for wearing a hijab. This is what I told my kids
Elshimaa Abdelhafiz is a registered dental hygienist based in Ajax, Ont. One quiet afternoon two months ago, I went to the library, as I often do, carrying my books and my dreams of simply trying to build a better future for my three daughters. Almost everything I do is for them. When I walked in, however, I noticed a woman muttering angrily. I assumed she was struggling. I chose to avoid confrontation and sat quietly with my back to her. But without warning, she launched an unprovoked attack, yanking my hijab, pouring liquid on my head, and screaming, 'I will set you on fire!' as she flicked a lighter again and again. I froze in horror, unable to move. In my mind, both then and since, I kept asking, Why? What did I do? My only 'offence' was being a Muslim woman wearing a hijab. I never even saw her approach, and that has haunted me the most. As a visibly Muslim woman, I've always known there was a risk that I could be targeted. But I never imagined someone would try to burn me alive in broad daylight, in a public space, in front of strangers. I felt humiliated, vulnerable and shaken to my core. What's more, I recently learned that my assailant had been charged last October for allegedly swinging a machete-style knife in a plaza in Ajax, Ont. Why was she allowed back on the streets? As a cancer survivor, a mother and a woman who wears her faith outwardly every day, I've faced many battles. But nothing breaks my heart more than thinking my daughters might grow up feeling unsafe or unwelcome because of who they are. And I think of how close I came to a different ending. If that lighter had worked, my daughters could have grown up looking at a scarred face, or worse, traumatized not only by what happened, but by the reminder of it every single day. That thought still haunts me. And yet, amid all that fear, it was the courage and kindness of strangers that pulled me back toward hope – a hope that we should all try to hold amid a broader wave of fear. This terrifying incident occurred during a time when tensions between Canada and the United States were rising. U.S. President Donald Trump had launched a trade war with Canada, intended to provoke division and instability. These days, it has become too easy to hate. But when I think back to that day at the library, I don't only remember the attack – I also remember the people. I remember the strangers who didn't look like me or share my faith, but who were ready to step in and help. I remember the compassion of the library staff, the bravery of the security guards, and the kindness of the police, all of which reminded me that this country is still my home, and that hate, no matter how violent, will never define us. I am emboldened by the fact that in my darkest hour, I saw light: Canadians standing taller, shoulder to shoulder, more committed than ever to our shared values. It is just one part of a beautiful wave of social cohesion that I've seen rippling across this country. So that's the message I wanted to impart to my children after the attack. When I got home that day, shaken but safe, I sat with my daughters to explain what had happened. They were frightened and confused. Why would someone want to hurt their mama just for wearing something on her head? I told them about the strangers who stood by me – the people who didn't hesitate to do the right thing. I told them that while cruelty exists, compassion is stronger. I reminded them that we don't wear hijab to hide; we wear it to honour who we are. I reminded them that our dignity is not something anyone can take from us. And I showed them that while hate may shout loudly, kindness and solidarity are always louder. I dream of a country where my daughters can walk freely, their heads held high, their faith unshaken. I want them to grow up believing that this is their home, and not just in name. I want my daughters to be able to navigate the world with confidence. I want them to feel a strong sense of belonging – not just as residents, but as an important part of our country, a land where our differences are celebrated and where each unique background helps make our community stronger. I dream of a future where kindness and unity guide us all. My hope for that future is rooted in the Canada I've come to know - and in my daughters.
Daily Mail
17 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Alleged killer of Jewish diplomats was obsessed with whites and and white genocide, leaked texts reveal
The accused killer of two Jewish diplomats was obsessed with white people and white genocide. Elias Rodriguez said in text messages to friends that 'you probably would have to actually genocide white people to make this a normal country.' 'Like even a very targeted and selective rehabilitation program would probably have to lead to the lifetime imprisonments of tens of millions of white people,' he went on. The messages - posted a week after the couple were shot dead in Washington DC - were obtained by journalist Ken Klippenstein. Rodriguez, a 31-year-old Chicago native, was arrested on May 21 after he allegedly opened fire on Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrime 21 times outside the Capital Jewish Museum. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The couple, who were set to get engaged just a week from their deaths, had attended a Young Diplomats event before they were shot that night. During his arrest, Rodriguez was hysterically hauled away while shouting: 'Free, free Palestine,' as he squirmed against an officers' grip. Now, a week after the senseless attack, text messages sent in a group chat from Rodriguez revealed his disturbing obsession with the specific demographic. 'Lol you probably would have to actually genocide white people to make this a normal country,' Rodriguez wrote to friends in a group chat. 'Like even a very targeted and selective rehabilitation program would probably have to lead to the lifetime imprisonments of tens of millions of white people,' he went on. White genocide is a conspiracy theory that claims there is a deliberate plot to cause mass extinction of white people through violence, immigration, and forced assimilation. Friends of the alleged killer claim he 'never, ever said anything remotely racist about Jews or anyone.' But he harbored a strong hatred of Israel, they contend. 'He was a big proponent of "the emerging resistance axis" of Russia, Iran, Hezbollah, Assad's Syria,' one claimed. 'He seemed pretty vocally in favor of Hamas for years — way before 2023,' the pals added. 'He'd always hated Israel and would call it "The Little Satan." ' In other messages to his peers, Rodriguez professed his sadness over the murders of two prominent Hamas leaders - Hassan Nasrallah and Yahya Sinwar. 'Honestly I'm still just feeling sad about the murder of Hassan Nasrallah,' Rodriguez wrote. 'It hurts when people are killed specifically for doing what's right, when so many are afraid to…' After the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a video of the killing of Sinwar - the former chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau - he told the chat: '100% him sadly.' During his arrest, Rodriguez also expressed praise for Aaron Bushnell, the U.S. airman who set himself on fire outside the Israel Embassy - where Lischinsky and Milgrime worked. 'Just now saw the unblurred video and lost it,' Rodriguez told the group in reference to the horrific video of Bushnell setting himself ablaze. Although his messages did not appear to mention anything about murder, Rodriguez's friends told Klippenstein he seemed nicer in the weeks just before. Only one post by Rodriguez revealed what he did the day before the shooting. He told his friends that he met and shook the hand of Rod Blagojevich, the former governor of Illinois who was impeached and convicted for public corruption. After being behind bars for nearly eight years, Blagojevich was pardoned by President Donald Trump earlier this year. When a friend replied, asking if Blagojevich was the ambassador to Serbia, Rodriguez responded: 'Lmao is he? ' After reading a link to an article stating that Trump had considered Blagojevich for the position, Rodriguez added: 'Hilarious.' Meanwhile, has revealed that Rodriguez has a live-in girlfriend. The 'manifesto' he allegedly wrote the day before the killings ended with the words 'I love you Mom, Dad, baby sis, the rest of my familia, including you, O*****.' Rodriguez and the woman – who is believed to have the last name Oliver – moved into a modest Chicago apartment two years ago. The exact number of asterisks were used to match the remaining letters in the name Oliver in the screed about the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. Neighbor John Fry, 71, said Rodriguez's girlfriend mysteriously vanished shortly before the fatal shooting. 'There was a young woman, although I haven't seen her for a couple of weeks now,' Fry added. 'I can't say exactly when she left.' 'I'm guessing she was in her late 20s, about 5ft 3in tall, dark hair. Nothing special about her build. Difficult to really describe her much after that. 'I don't know why she apparently hasn't been around.' 'They were a really quiet couple. Although in these apartment buildings people only tend to just say "hi" to each other, not much more than that,' said Fry. 'I didn't exchange that many words with her.' The shocking double slaying was far from the first time Israeli foreign hubs have been targeted by terrorists. Since 1969, there have been at least 31 terrorist attacks on Israeli embassies or diplomatic staffers around the world, according to Fox News. The murders came amid rising global protests over Israel's treatment of civilians in Gaza.
The Sun
a day ago
- General
- The Sun
Urgent hunt for boys who ‘threw stones at baby in pram' in park as cops probe disturbing ‘attack'
COPS have launched an urgent hunt for a group of boys who allegedly threw stones at a baby in a pram. Officers were called to Cuddington Recreation Ground in Worcester Park, London, last Friday after the disturbing "attack". Cops raced to the scene following reports of trouble involving a group of boys at around 6.30pm. The group were accused of shouting racist abuse at the baby's dad before turning their attention on the pram. Thankfully the child was not seriously injured, according to the Met Police. But cops are now investigating the incident as a suspected hate crime. No one has been arrested at this stage. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "Met Police are currently investigating reports of a hate crime in Worcester Park. "Officers were called to Cuddington Recreation Park at 18:30hrs on Friday, 23 May following reports of a group of boys throwing stones at a baby in a pram. "The suspects racially verbally assaulted the victim before throwing stones at his one-year-old baby in a pram. Thankfully, the baby did not sustain serious injuries. 'Enquiries remain ongoing and no arrests have been made.' is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun. 1
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Hate crime low in Dungannon but stats may show underreporting
The impact of targeted hate crimes often leaves victims feeling traumatised, bereft, fearful and intimidated in their own homes and workplaces – that's according to Victim Support NI Hate Crime Project Manager, Michael Avila. On a visit to Reach food bank in Dungannon last week, Mr. Avila and his colleague, Dawn McCartney, met with volunteers and service users to discuss the effect of hate crimes on victims and their families, and how to access support. Despite Dungannon being one of the most diverse towns in Northern Ireland, the rate of hate crime per capita in the Mid Ulster policing area is among the lowest in Northern Ireland, with the lowest rate in the Fermanagh and Omagh policing area. However, Mr. Avila believes the statistics may not tell the full story. 'In many ways, Mid Ulster is one of NI's councils exhibiting best practice when it comes to integration and fostering good relations between different communities,' he told The Impartial Reporter. 'In the last three financial years, we have had 41 referrals with a Dungannon address. This amounts to 13.7 referrals per year from Dungannon. This is very good when we compare it to other areas with high ethnic diversity. However, I don't doubt that there is underreporting.' He added: 'When we see a spike in referrals, it could either be that hate crimes have increased or that more crimes are being reported. When it's lower, it could be that people feel less likely to come forward.' Language barriers, education levels, service gaps and understanding of local laws could all contribute to underreporting. 'In an area where many migrants are working in factories, people may find it harder to report crimes. Whereas in other parts of NI, more migrants may be working in health or the private sector, which may attract migrants with higher English and education levels who may find the reporting process easier,' he said. Hate crime is defined as any incident perceived to have been committed against a person or property on the grounds of a person's ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or disability. Victim Support NI recognises that these crimes can happen anywhere – at home, in public, or at school or work – and may involve threats, verbal abuse, arson, robbery, violence, or damage to property. Mr. Avila explained that hate crime often begins with 'a slur or a small act of intimidation' but the effects can be long-lasting, particularly if someone has been repeatedly targeted. 'Paranoia is something we see often, but it's a realistic paranoia. If someone is being intimidated in their own home, where most people find peace, they can't experience that. It always plays on their minds,' he said. 'Hate crime leaves people feeling frustrated, fearful, and it can affect their mental health. These types of crimes can be very traumatic, especially as people are likely to be targeted repeatedly because of their identity. In 2023/24, Victim Support NI received 1,013 referrals across Northern Ireland. That rose to 1,369 in 2024/25. Of the 356 increase, more than 300 were racially motivated. Mr. Avila said: 'The riots in Belfast last August accounted for some of the increase but, even if you were to remove that month, racial hate crime has seen a vast increase in the last 3–5 years.' He added: 'Hate crimes have officially been recorded since 2004 and, because of the peace process, we've seen sectarianism decrease over time but as Northern Ireland has become more diverse, race has taken its place. 'Immigration is blamed for a lack of housing, but there would still be a housing crisis without immigration. Minority ethnic businesses remain vulnerable, with housing intimidation and anti-social behaviour on the rise, sometimes orchestrated by paramilitaries. Michael said depleted PSNI neighbourhood teams, alongside a need for education and restorative justice, add to the problem. Support Available Victim Support NI offers assistance regardless of whether an incident has been reported to police. Mr. Avila said: 'From the moment they report an incident to the charity, to all the way through the criminal justice system, victims can receive practical and emotional support. From follow-ups with police, housing issues, signposting to other organisations, after-court support, including complaints, compensation claims, we can help. We are able to move things for people, and we've seen hundreds of people re-homed from extreme situations. 'We see things from the victim's point of view. The criminal justice system is interested in justice and concentrates on the perpetrator, so we focus on the victim and help them navigate the justice system, which can be quite a cold process. 'In the 1,013 referrals we received last year, only 34 were being considered for trial and, only at the point of conviction does the judge ask if there is hate motivation. We don't really have hate crime laws here, we have hate sentencing laws though new legislation is to be tabled at the end of this year with a new statutory aggravation model which should open things up a bit.' Reach food bank manager Ally Moore added:'It is essential that anyone who has been a victim of hate crime has access to this free service that provides guidance and reassurance through all the police and court proceedings. The people from the hate crime advocate service have a wealth of knowledge that can help put the victim's mind at ease and enable them to know that they are not on their own.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
The Left don't care about racist attacks when the victims are Jews
On Monday evening, three Jewish teenagers were attacked at Hampstead Underground station. According to a report by Jewish security charity Shomrim, a group of six or seven men attacked the boys, one of whom had to be taken to hospital. It was, British Transport Police later said, a 'racially motivated assault'. Unless you read the Jewish media, you will be entirely unaware of what seems to be the latest attack on Jews for being Jews. Not a word on the BBC; not a word anywhere. Not a peep from any minister. Not a dickie bird from the Mayor of London. Nothing. It's just another incident. Just another statistic. Just another yawn, in fact. So what; it's only Jews. Let's try a thought experiment. Imagine it had not been Jewish teenagers attacked for doing nothing except being visibly Jewish. Imagine instead it had been three Muslim boys attacked by a gang of skinhead thugs. Do you think there would have been total silence in response? Do you think the Home Secretary and other figures would have been mute? Do you think the Mayor of London would have ignored the attack completely? Or do you think, as I do, that there would have been entirely justified outrage, and that we would likely even now be in the middle of a national debate over bigotry? But it was Jews who were attacked, and – as we have seen with unrelenting, unremitting frequency since the hate marches began after the October 7 massacre of 1200 Jews by Hamas – Jews don't count, as David Baddiel put it in his brilliant book of that title. Because the lack of any response to this attack is not a one-off. It is part of a now deeply entrenched pattern demonstrating that when it comes to hatred and bigotry, so long as Jews are the target then the bar that needs to be crossed for action in response is not so much high as out of sight. The hate marches which are now a regular feature of city life are suffused with anti=Semitism. Backing for Palestinian 'resistance' – terror – is ubiquitous. Support for Hamas and Hezbollah – both of which are prescribed – is repeatedly on display. Calls to 'globalise the intifada' – are the norm. You want to globalise the intifada? Start at Hampstead underground station – after last week's murders in Washington DC. But it's not the perpetrators of hate who are dealt with. It's those who oppose it. Last week, for example, the Telegraph reported that a Jewish counter-protester was arrested and charged after he was seen holding a placard satirising Hassan Nasrallah, the former Hezbollah leader. In his police questioning he was asked over and over again if he agreed that the image would offend 'clearly pro-Hezbollah and anti-Israel' activists. No one who follows the police's actions – last year the Met pinned down a counter-protestor carrying a banner reading 'Hamas is terrorist' at a march and then arrested him – will be remotely surprised by this. At a march in Manchester after the October 7 massacre, for example, a banner reading 'Manchester supports Palestinian resistance' was protected by police standing alongside it. Open anti-Semitism is rarely met by action, but it is often accompanied by drivel, the most frequent example of which is the phrase repeated ad nauseam by politicians that 'There is no place for anti-Semitism', followed by the name of a city or an organisation which has just proved there is every place for anti-Semitism in its fold. In December, for example, after an expose of truly shocking examples of open anti-Semitism from NHS staff, health secretary Wes Streeting came out with the usual words: 'There is no place for anti-Semitism in the NHS'. The expose had shown that there is in fact a warm welcome for anti-Semitism in the NHS, with none of the NHS Trusts or managers having done anything about it. The same phrase falls regularly from the mouths of Yvette Cooper and Sir Sadiq Khan, but only after an incident which has proved the opposite. This time, after Monday's attack on three Jewish boys on the Underground, they can't even be bothered to be as unbothered as before and trot out some meaningless platitude. Jews hate? Assault? We really don't care. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
