The Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) has responded to a column by National Post's Terry Newman that highlighted controversial aspects of its May 2026 convention. In a statement, MAC emphasized that the event, attended by thousands of Canadian Muslims in Toronto, was primarily focused on faith, community, and civic engagement.
Conference Focus on Faith and Civic Duty
Over three days, MAC Convention 2026 featured speakers and sessions on Islamic scholarship, family life, youth identity, civic responsibility, and democratic participation. Attendees also enjoyed a bazaar and prayed together. MAC reported that attendance exceeded previous years, underscoring the community's enthusiasm.
MAC stated that the convention's portrayal on social media does not reflect the event's reality. The organization highlighted that the gathering was about living a faith-rooted life in full engagement with Canada.
Word Cloud Incident Sparks Controversy
The controversy centers on a word cloud generated during a youth session through an anonymous audience-participation exercise. An image of the word cloud, captured by Juno News, shows 50 entries. The most prominent words, scaled by frequency, include "United," "Justice," and "Strong." Other words like "Peace," "Equality," "Equity," "Freedom," "Safety," "Diverse," "Supportive," and "Impactful" appear in slightly smaller fonts.
However, one entry—"Jew free"—has drawn widespread criticism. MAC noted that the facilitator did not notice the term during the session, and Juno News, which took the photograph, did not call it out at the time but later published it, sparking public debate.
MAC Condemns Antisemitic Remark
MAC unequivocally condemned the phrase "Jew free," stating it is offensive and hurtful to Jewish Canadians, Muslim Canadians, and all committed to pluralism. The organization emphasized that the remark does not represent MAC's values, Islamic teachings, or the views of Canadian Muslims.
"The phrase 'Jew free' is offensive and hurtful to Jewish Canadians, to Muslim Canadians, and to anyone committed to a pluralistic society," MAC stated. "Neither MAC nor the Muslim community should be defined by an anonymous submission to an open platform, but we will always name hatred for what it is."
MAC further asserted that antisemitism and Islamophobia are not competing hatreds and often travel together. "Any organization genuinely committed to combating hate understands that you cannot separate them. MAC understands this all too well," the statement added.
Broader Context and Response
MAC's response comes after Newman's column highlighted a talk by an activist who praised the Muslim Brotherhood and the word cloud incident. MAC argued that the record should be complete, noting that thousands of Canadian Muslims attended the convention for faith and community, not the controversial elements highlighted in media.
The organization reiterated its commitment to pluralism and combating hate, urging a focus on the convention's positive aspects and the values of Canadian Muslims.
