We, the Quebec Muslim Community Consultative Table (QMCCT), are deeply concerned and strongly condemn the recent incident in which a group of individuals, acting in reckless ignorance, desecrated our national flag. This act of disrespect not only dishonours a powerful symbol of unity and sacrifice but also undermines the values of freedom, justice, and equality that our country represents.

The national flag stands as more than just a piece of cloth—it is an emblem of our shared history, our collective struggles, and our achievements. It represents the sacrifices made by countless men and women to protect the values we hold dear. Disrespecting it is not only an affront to our nation but also to all who have fought to uphold its ideals.

While these individuals do not represent the noble Palestinian cause, their actions, driven perhaps by youthful ignorance or misinformation, cannot be excused. It is vital that all members of our community, and beyond, unite in reinforcing the importance of respecting national symbols and the values they embody. Through education, dialogue, and fostering a sense of pride in our country’s heritage, we can help prevent such acts in the future.

At the same time, we firmly condemn Israel’s war against Gaza and Lebanon, and we stand in support of peaceful, nonviolent demonstrations against the ongoing genocide. The right to protest injustice is fundamental, but it must be exercised in ways that promote unity and understanding, rather than actions that undermine the cause and sow division, like burning the national flag.

We hope that those involved will come to understand the gravity of their actions and will reflect on the significance of the national flag as a unifying symbol. Let this incident serve as a reminder for all of us to promote greater awareness, mutual respect, and a commitment to the values that unite us as a nation.

The Quebec Muslim Community Consultative Table (QMCCT) include these organisations:

Association Bel Agir

Association Musulmane Du Canada/Muslim Association of Canada (MAC)

Centre Al Ansar

Centre Al Jisr

Centre Aman-Laval

Culturel Islamique de Laval Khalid Ben El Walid

Centre Communautaire Musulman de Montréal CCMM

Centre Culturel Musulman de Brossard CCMB

Centre Culturel Musulman de Montréal CCMM

Centre Communautaire Islamique CCI

Centre Islamic Badr

Fondation du Message de L’Islam / Islam’a Davet Vakfi

Forum Musulman Canadien/Canadian Muslim Forum(FMC-CMF)

Institutions Canado-Marocaine D’Amitié et de coopération

Le Centre Culturel Islamic de Laval

Le Centre culturel de Laval-des-Rapides

Regroupement Africaine Musulman de Montreal-Mosquée Tawuba

Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec CCIQ

  Scout Musulman

photo credit : freepik