Saskatoon community rallies against anti-Muslim hate after attack

Members of the Saskatoon's Eastview community, home to a Muslim man who was stabbed and beaten in June, gathered on Tuesday in a expression of solidarity with the man and condemn racism.

Muhammad Kashif said he was attacked at about 5:30 a.m. CST on June 25 near his home in Eastview. He said he was stabbed, had a portion of his beard cut off and was knocked unconscious by at least two attackers, who yelled,'Why you are here? We don't like you are Muslim."

It took 14 stitches to close the stab wound on Kashif's arm.

More than 100community members and supporters drew up signs at James Anderson Park and walked around the park in a march of solidarity. Caitlin Grant, one of the three organizers, said that they were "disturbed" to hear of the racially-motivated attack in their community and felt they needed to respond.

"We just hoped that it would be something that would show everyone in our community that we don't tolerate hate here and we want everyone to be safe and welcome and celebrated and feel like they belong," Grant said.

They have received donations for the cause which they say will be directed toward appropriate organizations.

Kashif was also at the event. He said it's been tough the past few weeks, especially for his kids,who have been scared since he was attacked. Kashif said it makes him feel better to see all the support, but what he wants is for everyone to live in harmony regardless of their backgrounds.

"My message is no more hate. We can [all]stay under one roof," Kashif said.

Rizwan Qureshi said he's known Kashif for a whileand while he's not from Eastview he came out to show his support.

"This walk is all about ...we need to live together there's no place for hate here," he said.

Islamophobic attack one of several in Canada

Kashif's experience is one of several attacks on members of the Muslim community that has made headlines in the past month.

Four people were killed in a vehicle attack in London, Ontario, that police say was hate-motivated and two Muslim women were attacked in St. Albert, Alberta.

On Friday, MP Bardish Chagger announced a National Summit on Islamophobia that would happen on July 22. In a press release, Chagger said it would bring together community and political leaders, academics, activistsand members with intersectional identities.

"In Canada, diversity is one of our greatest strengths, yet we continue to see hate fuelled by racism and discrimination take an unacceptable toll on our communities," Chagger said in the release.