Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
A woman was allegedly verbally and physically assaulted on a bus in Scarborough this week, which the National Council of Canadian Muslims is identifying as the latest incident of Islamophobia.
In a video posted on social media by the NCCM, a man can be heard yelling “f—ing terror” and “f— off” before allegedly kicking someone and walking away to the front of the bus.
Another woman can be heard yelling after the man that he doesn’t “get to hit girls just because we’re Muslim.” The video did not clearly show if a woman was kicked or who the man was yelling at.
Toronto police’s hate crime unit is aware of the incident and investigating, said Const. Shannon Eames.
She said the incident was on a Durham Regional Transit bus, but was not able to confirm when it took place.
The NCCM said the bus was travelling from Scarborough to Ajax on Monday when the incident happened.
WATCH | Islamophobic threats prompted some places to increase security during Ramadan:
Muslim leaders warn of rising Islamophobia, boost security for Ramadan events
The Toronto Islamic Centre is increasing security for its Ramadan events this year after receiving “deeply disturbing” voicemails threatening violence toward worshippers and staff, the centre said in a news release Friday. Toronto police say they are investigating the incident.
This is just another example in the “rising Islamophobic incidents that often target Muslim women across Ontario and Canada,” said NCCM spokesperson Steven Zhou.
“We urge elected leaders to not ignore this trend, and to work with community groups to formulate a real plan to address such issues,” he said.
The woman who was allegedly assaulted reported the incident to police, said Zhou.
Ajax Coun. Marilyn Crawford said in a video on social media that public transit should be a safe space for all people.
She said she “unequivocally” condemned the Islamophobic incident that “targeted a hijabi woman.”
“No one should live in fear because of their religious identity,” said Crawford. “We must call out acts of racism in our community and ensure that this behaviour is not normalized.”
Durham Region Transit said in an emailed statement Friday that it was aware of the incident and is cooperating with the police investigation.
The organization said it’s “committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for transit customers.”