Over the past weekend, international scholars and speakers invited to the Muslim Association of Canada’s (MAC) annual convention in Toronto reportedly faced extraordinary immigration scrutiny. MAC stated that many had their electronic travel authorizations delayed for months or cancelled shortly before departure, while others had visas revoked without notice. Several were reportedly interrogated for hours at Toronto Pearson Airport, denied water and refused a space to pray.
MAC described the treatment as “deliberate and coordinated.” Among those affected was former South African ambassador to the United States Ebrahim Rasool, a veteran of the anti-apartheid struggle who was himself expelled by the Trump administration earlier this year. British Muslim commentator Anas Altikriti reportedly spent 11 hours under questioning before ultimately abandoning efforts to enter Canada. In each case, those targeted had been publicly critical of Israeli policy or involved in Palestine-related advocacy.
These incidents follow earlier cases: French Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan was denied entry into Canada earlier this year, and former UN Special Rapporteur Richard Falk was detained and interrogated in November. Falk later said Canadian officials questioned him extensively about his work on Gaza and his criticism of Israeli policy, suggesting he posed a threat to national security. Analysts argue that these cases reveal a political pattern where the Canadian government uses immigration law to suppress dissenting voices on Israel.
Canada presents itself as a defender of multiculturalism and human rights, but Muslim scholars and Palestine advocates increasingly face barriers at its borders. Pro-Israel lobbying groups, such as HonestReporting Canada and B'nai Brith Canada, have long worked to marginalize Palestine solidarity activism. These groups campaigned against the MAC convention, leading to heightened state suspicion of Muslim political expression.
The author, who attended the convention, describes the atmosphere as reflective and community-oriented, focused on spirituality, parenting, and civic engagement, not extremism. However, the tightening of border policies is causing many Canadian Muslims to feel alienated and subject to conditional citizenship. The author warns that this trend is dangerous for democratic societies, as once governments begin policing ideas at the border, it rarely stops there.
Source: www.aljazeera.com