Source: Globe and Mail
As Canadian Jews, we add our voices in support of Muslim women’s right to choose how they will dress in public, including at citizenship ceremonies.
That is the Canadian way. And it is the value we have learned from Jewish history and tradition.
Stephen Harper has dangerously unleashed bigotry and xenophobia against an entire group in Canadian society. Predictably, it has not taken long for acts of violence to be perpetrated against Muslim women, recently in Montreal and Toronto.
As Jews, we understand the dangers of scapegoating and victimization. As Canadians, we know that our country’s most precious asset – valuing diversity and acceptance of others – is jeopardized by Mr. Harper’s attack on Muslims.
The courts have again upheld the right of women to wear the niqab at citizenship ceremonies – something only two women have done in recent years after fully identifying themselves to citizenship officials.
Observing one’s faith in a way that harms no others is not at odds with Canadian values. It is the essence of Canadian values. So is gender equality. We wish our government had some credibility in speaking on this matter.
Myer Siemiatycki, Karen Mock; Toronto (plus 100 other signatories)
