May 12, 2021

Statement from MP Salma Zahid on Eid al-Fitr

As I prepare to gather with my family to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and the end of the holy month of Ramadan, which is usually a time of celebration and happiness, I instead find my heart filled with sadness and worry.

This Eid, my heart is with the innocent worshippers injured by police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem while observing the last Friday of Ramadan. And my heart is with the Palestinian families facing eviction from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah. These are unacceptable violations of human rights that must be strongly condemned by Canada and by all nations.

And I worry for the innocent lives that have been and will be lost as tensions escalate. We must see an immediate end to settlement expansion and territorial annexation, and other provocations that do not move us on the path to what all peoples want: a fair and just two-state solution.

My heart is also with the victims of the recent bombings in Afghanistan, targeting young girls who just wanted to learn. We pray for their families. And my heart is with the Uyghur people, subject to abuse and genocide by the Chinese government.

Canada has long been a voice for human rights, both at home and around the world. On this Eid, I call on Canada to continue this proud tradition and strongly condemn the human rights abuses being faced by Muslim peoples around the world.

Eid is a time to reflect, rejoice, and celebrate with families, friends, and loved ones. Despite the tensions in the world, we must continue to practice resilience, compassion and charity.

As we celebrate a second Eid al-Fitr during the global COVID-19 pandemic, foregoing the gatherings that are such an integral part of our Eid traditions, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our Muslim communities for stepping up and working together during these difficult times, emphasizing the power of giving.

Eid Mubarak.