Residents of Montreal came together to kick off the 2026 edition of Muslim Awareness Week at City Hall on Friday. The 8th annual Muslim Awareness Week will run from Jan. 23 to 31, spanning across Montreal and Laval.
This week-long event was established following the tragic Quebec City mosque attack on Jan. 29 as a means to combat Islamophobia, promote unity, and provide a welcoming platform to explore the diverse experiences of Muslim Quebecers.
Notable figures in attendance at the opening ceremony included Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Montreal police chief Fady Dagher, and various community leaders.
Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the significance of fostering dialogue and understanding within communities to build stronger connections.
An engaging performance by Moroccan-Canadian musician Aziz Daouni added a cultural touch to the proceedings.
Muslim Awareness Week this year offers a variety of activities, from the debut of the poetry collection “Abwab” by Ehab Lotayef to a community trade fair facilitating interactions among members.
A special public gathering to honor and remember the victims of the Quebec City mosque attack will be held on Jan. 29 at the Grande Place in front of the Park metro station.
