01/30/2026
Yesterday, January 29th, marks a day of tragedy and great sadness. On this day, 9 years ago, 6 individuals lost their lives and 19 others were seriously injured when a gunman walked into the Québec City Mosque and inflicted unprecedented violence upon innocent members of the community. These victims were targeted for simply being Muslim. This heinous act was motivated by hate, online disinformation and clear Islamophobia.
We know all too well from our own community, that many Muslims still do not feel safe and continue to fear further attacks on the basis of their faith practices. That is why this day is also a day of action. Across the country, the province and the city, members of all walks of life honour January 29th as a National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia.
We continue to honour the memory of those who lost their lives for simply praying. A right that all Canadians have and should feel safe to express. Every year during the week leading up to January 29, the Green Square campaign takes place. The Green Square is a 58 mm by 58 mm (two inch by two inch) piece of green felt or fabric worn to represent the green carpets of the Québec City Mosque where the victims last stood to pray. It symbolizes the fact that the deceased are in a green garden, a symbolic representation of a better place since they left us that night. We wear A Green Square that represents our continued fight against Islamophobia, against racism and in solidarity for an equitable future with our Muslim brothers and sisters in Québec City, in London, Ontario and across the globe.
Recently, there has been a rise in hate incidents specifically targeting Muslim communities. An individual’s faith alone should never be used as justification for hatred, violence and human rights violations. This day, and this Green Square, is one way that allows us to come together and work towards a better future for all.
We will continue to honour those six Muslim victims who lost their lives this day, 9 years ago:
Ibrahima Barry
Mamadou Tanou Barry
Khaled Belkacemi
Aboubaker Thabti
Abdelkrim Hassane
Azzedine Soufiane
