From the Muslims in Canada Archives: Debating and Opposing Zionism by Muslims in Canada
The Muslims in Canada Archives (MiCA) preserves the histories of Muslims in Canada, many of which remain undocumented or underwritten in public heritage institutions. As a part of the Anti-Zionist Idea conference in November 2024, we sifted through our collections to spotlight histories of anti-Zionist debate, activism and thinking among Muslims in Canada. We also highlighted various records where the topic of Palestine – its people, place, and land – are related to, felt with, and advocated for. As anti-Zionist intellectual debates and Palestine’s liberation struggle continue on a global scale, we’re pleased to now present these materials from our collection, online. In 1972 and 1973, a series of meetings were held among representatives of local and regional Muslim communities from across Canada. These gatherings led to the ratification of a constitution for the Council of Muslim Communities of Canada (CMCC); ostensibly the first national Muslim organization in Canada. For founding chair Dr. Fuad Sahin, the organization was established out of a need for a “conciliatory body” and “consultative council” in which “Muslims living in Canada were able to communicate with each other with greater ease and confidence [and] … plan together.” CMCC was one of the first organizations to pursue a national agenda and inclusive approach, at its height, convening over 50 distinct Muslim communities in more than ten cities across the country and acting as a significant voice for Muslims living in Canada. While the CMCC disbanded in the 2000s, several initiatives that grew out of their work still exist to this day, and many of which shed light on how Muslims in Canada have organized to oppose Zionism. This included synthesizing and re-presenting anti-Zionist debates throughout the 70s-80s by way of programs, activities publications.
In 1976, on the heels of a related UN meeting, Dr. Sahin of the CMCC, attended “Zionism & Racism”, a seminar in Tripoli, Libya. The seminar materials donated to MiCA by Dr. Sahin consist of schedules and papers including a discussion of the “colonial and settler character of Zionism” in Africa. This trip demonstrated the extent to which the Council was attuned to these debates and participating in critical dialogue. At this time, the Libyan government provided financial and in-kind support to the Council’s operations.
Another important CMCC initiative that circulated anti-Zionist analyses in Canada was Islam Canada, the first known national Muslim publication in which news of the wars on and ongoing ethnic cleansing in Palestine was a central focus. In 1978, an issue of Islam Canada raised awareness among readers to address proposed anti-Arab legislation in Ontario seeking to undermine a boycott movement against Israel. It is within an issue of Islam Canada that CMCC also acknowledged the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people. And in a 1982 issue of the magazine, CMCC invited a professor of modern history and international affairs, Dr. A.B. Cunningham, to share critical reflections on Zionism and foreign policy.
Notably, in 1982, CMCC produced and distributed a pamphlet on Palestine, which focused in part on critiquing Zionism. The publication of the pamphlet led to the revocation of the organization’s charitable status that same year, and embroiled the organization in a lengthy appeal process.
CMCC also directed their energy to humanitarian relief efforts through the establishment of International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF), which began as a program to sponsor displaced refugees and currently operates medical clinics in Gaza and delivers other lifegiving support.
Tracing the work of the CMCC points to only some, albeit impactful, organizing and thinking around anti-Zionism among Muslims in Canada. For many Muslim migrants who have been living on this land since the 1800s, ties to, knowledge of, and a love for Palestine and its wider region has long been present. More recently, magazines such as The Muslim Tribune, published in Scarborough, ON, have dedicated their covers to stories of Palestine, its occupation, and its resistance.
Archival materials offer researchers a window into the historical present. To further explore the Muslims in Canada Archives, visit muslimsincanadaarchives.ca
Guest post by Aly Rattansi and Mitra Fakhrashrafi, archivists at the Muslims in Canada Archives. With thanks to Omar Sirri for support.
Art Beyond Occupation
Maryam Rehman
The Merits of Revisiting the Footnotes of History: Joe Sacco’s Graphic Novels
Timothy Bodoumit
Resistance Through the Thread
Nivaal Rehman
Beyond Fertile Memories: Palestinian Cinematic Expressions of Generational Female Resistance to Patriarchal and Colonial Oppression
Danah Owaida