News & Announcements

IF Chiarman, Haithem Al-Hassani, meets with Canadian Prime Minister

June 2006

The chairman of the Iraq Foundation, Haithem Al-Hassani, was one of a small group of Arab and Muslim representatives invited to meet the Prime Minister of Canada on Saturday, June 10, 2006. The meeting was prompted by the recent arrest of terrorism suspects in Ontario and focused on the need to draw a clear line between the religion of Islam and terrorist violence.

The following issues and concerns were raised at the meeting:

* Canadians need to understand that the religion of Islam is about peace, not violence. Those who claim otherwise are brainwashed by those who preach an ideology of hatred. Muslims should not be labeled as terrorists. The Media has a responsibility to always remind their audience about this when covering news about terrorism. Government officials also share that responsibility.

* Muslim community leaders, Mosques’ Imams as well as the silent majority of Muslims in Canada need to speak up and say: “Not in the name of my religion." They should strongly and clearly condemn violence in any shape or form.

* The need for stronger legislations to fight terrorism was also emphasized. Recently, Bill S-206 to amend the Criminal Code to clarify that Suicide Bombings fall within the definition “terrorist activity” was tabled by Senator Jerry Grafstein in the Senate on April 5th. This Bill is important, because it will ensure that organizers, teachers and sponsors of Suicide Bombers do not elude justice. Using houses of worship to call for holy war, promoting violence or spreading hatred should be punishable by law.

Haithem Al-Hassani told the PM “We (in Iraq) are suffering the most from terrorist activities, and I am of the belief that it is not a matter of (if’), it is a matter of (when) we will get hit in Canada. We have to stand firm against this ideology of hatred.”

There were different viewpoints aired about what may have led a group of young Muslims to consider violent attacks on their own country.

The Prime Minister took detailed notes and assured the group that he recognized the concerns of their community, saying the government will draw a "clear line" between criminal elements and the vast majority of peaceful Canadian Muslims.

Parliamentary secretary Jason Kenney, who was also in attendance, is responsible for following-up with the group.