In the wake of escalating incidents of prejudice and discrimination against Muslims, the International Day to Combat Islamophobia serves as a crucial moment for reflection and united action against the growing wave of hatred. Islamophobia, encompassing fear, prejudice, and hostility towards Muslims, manifests in various forms of harassment and discrimination, both online and on-ground. Rooted in institutional, ideological, and religious animosity, Islamophobia often targets symbols of Muslim identity, which are wrongly perceived as a threat to Western values. The designation of 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia holds significant meaning as it coincides with the anniversary of New Zealand’s Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019. This tragic event, in which 51 people were killed during Friday prayer, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global dialogue and tolerance. Islamophobic Incidents in The United States Since the start of the war on Palestine, both the United States and Europe have experienced a troubling rise in Islamophobic incidents, creating a distressing reality for Muslim communities. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) documented a staggering increase in reported anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias incidents. Since 7 October, CAIR received…
International Day to Combat Islamophobia: Highlighting Prejudice and Discrimination
March 15, 2024
By Belal Nawar
Senior Journalist
