Young Muslims Corporation

Press Releases 2008

2007

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May 24, 2008
For Immediate Release

The Islamic Foundation of Toronto is selected as a featured landmark for this years DOORS OPEN TORONTO event

Islamic Foundation of Toronto is pleased to participate in DOORS OPEN TORONTO for the 6th consecutive year.

This years event will be taking place on May 24 & 25 and will include all day tours of the landmark mosque in Toronto's east end. Representatives from organizations such as Young Muslims Canada and other community organizations will also be participating in this year's events.

"This is, once again, a great opportunity for one of Toronto's finest Mosques to showcase itself and stand as a shining example of positive Islamic values in western society" stated Javaid Ali Khan, President of Islamic Foundation of Toronto.

This is the 9th year for DOORS OPEN TORONTO and the theme is; 'Special focus on Sacred Spaces, Sacred Circles'. This is an annual event that gives visitors an opportunity to explore over 140 buildings of architectural, historic and cultural importance. Featured buildings this year include many of Toronto's finest churches, chapels, temples, synagogues and mosques

The Islamic Foundation of Toronto is involved in many other initiatives including; Hot Soup Days that feeds over 700 people on a weekly basis; a full time elementary and secondary Islamic school; an appreciation dinner to honour notable achievements among Canadians such as EMS workers, Toronto Police, Fire Fighters, environmental and social justice initiatives. For more information on this event, please visit http://www.islamicfoundation.ca/.

Contacts:

Waris Malik
events@islamicfoundation.ca

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Investigate Alleged Prisoner Abuse at Maplehurst: Human Rights Groups

Steven Chand of 'Toronto 11' thrown into the 'hole'

- For Immediate Release -

(Toronto, Canada - May 8, 2008) - Human rights groups in Toronto are calling on the Ontario government to investigate allegations of prisoner abuse at the Maplehurst Correctional Facility in Milton, Ontario.

The Canadian Council on American Islamic-Relations (CAIR-CAN) and the Presumption of Innocence Project (PIP), supported by nine national and regional organizations, are concerned about recent allegations that Steven Chand, an inmate at the Maplehurst Complex, has been unjustly transferred to what is known as "the hole" - a form of solitary confinement - because of his attempts at religious accommodation during prayer.

Mr. Chand was allegedly dragged from his cell by four guards after covering the toilet in his cell with a bed sheet in an effort to pray in a clean environment, as required by the Islamic faith. Mr. Chand has been held in solitary confinement since May 5 but may be held there for a total of 10 days.

"Prisoners of all religious backgrounds are guaranteed the right to continue practicing their faith while incarcerated," says Sameer Zuberi, a spokesperson for CAIR-CAN. "We are alarmed to hear allegations that Mr. Chand has been punished so severely, simply for attempting to pray according to his religion."

In response to past claims of abuse, Michael Moon, defence counsel for Mr. Chand, has asked the Ontario government to release footage of the prison's video surveillance to prove his client's allegations. "These videos capture everything that goes on on the range," says Mr. Moon. He added, "If he [Chand] did anything wrong, it will be shown on the video. If what he says is accurate, that will be shown."

Mr. Chand, 27, is one of 11 Muslim men and boys who still face charges in the case of the so-called "Toronto 18". Civil liberties advocates insist that, despite the nature of the charges, all the accused men remain innocent until proven guilty and must be guaranteed conditions of incarceration that meet the minimum requirements afforded to all prisoners.

The following organizations support the call for an investigation into Mr. Chand's allegations of abuse: Canadian Arab Federation (CAF), Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CAN), Canadian Muslim Civil Liberties Association (CMCLA), Canadian Muslim Forum (CMF), DawahNet Canada, Islamic Circle of North America Canada (ICNA Canada), Federation of Muslim Women (FMW), Islamic Society of North America Canada (ISNA Canada), the Presumption of Innocence Project (PIP), Salaheddin Islamic Centre and Young Muslims Canada.

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March 27, 2008
For Immediate Release

CANADIAN MUSLIM YOUTH ORGANIZATION URGES MUSLIMS TO PARTICIPATE IN EARTH HOUR

Young Muslims Canada is pleased to announce that they have joined a growing list of supporters of Earth Hour, a World Wildlife Fund initiative. On March 29, 2008, cities across Canada and around the world will turn off their lights at 8pm for Earth Hour.

In 2007 Earth Hour was a single event held in Sydney, Australia and this year in as many as 20 cities, on 6 continents, will be participating. In one year it has become a global phenomenon.

Young Muslims' Spokesperson, Summayah Poonah announced yesterday "some of the largest Muslim organizations in Canada are on-board this initiative including the Islamic Foundation of Toronto. These organizations will be actively participating in Earth Hour during their Friday prayer services".

According to Media Relations Representative Noor Aubie; "Earth hour is sending a statement to governments across the world that we want to see dramatic changes in environmental policies. I hope that the global Muslim community takes part in this expression. Working together we can make a difference in the fight against climate change".

As a Canadian youth organization, Young Muslims Canada has recently spearheaded many environmental initiatives - Waste Diversion 2010 which looks to reduce waste in major mosques across Canada at a rate of 50% by 2010, 'Adopt a Park' which is a partnership with the City of Mississauga's Anti-Litter program and most recently supporters of Earth Hour.

Contacts:

Sumayyah Poonah
####@youngmuslims.ca

Noor Aubie
416-303-3934
####@youngmuslims.ca

Syed Reza
####@youngmuslims.ca

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