Woman Speaks Out After Alleged Hijab Attack at Ajax Library

A disturbing incident at an Ontario library has renewed calls to address rising Islamophobia in Canada. On Saturday, March 22, a woman wearing a hijab was allegedly targeted in an unprovoked hijab attack at the Ajax Public Library. The suspect reportedly attempted to set the woman’s hijab on fire, raising alarm from community leaders and human rights advocates.

The victim’s statement, delivered through the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), describes the incident as one of the most terrifying moments of her life.

What Happened at the Ajax Public Library?

Timeline of the Incident

According to Durham Regional Police:

The woman was studying at the library around noon on Saturday.
An unknown woman approached her, shouting profanities and throwing objects.
The suspect allegedly tried to remove the victim’s hijab.
She then poured an unidentified liquid on it and attempted to ignite it with a lighter.

Police said the 25-year-old suspect fled the scene but was arrested hours later. She faces multiple charges, including:

Two counts of assault with a weapon
Three counts of failing to comply with a probation order

Victim’s Statement and Community Response

“What if the lighter had worked?”

The victim, who remains anonymous, shared her account through a statement read by Fatema Abdalla, NCCM’s senior advocacy officer. The message conveyed both fear and disbelief.

“I never imagined that a visit to my favourite, quiet corner of the library would turn into one of the most terrifying moments of my life,” her statement read.

She expressed lingering trauma and distress, asking a chilling question:

“What if my hijab had caught on fire?”

Calls for Hate Crime Investigation

NCCM Demands Stronger Action

NCCM’s CEO Stephen Brown called the attack “outrageous” and urged Durham police to investigate it as a hate-motivated crime.

“This kind of violence has become a regular occurrence,” Brown said.
“It is time for our elected leaders to step up.”

NCCM staff cited recent deadly incidents—like the 2021 London attack, which killed four members of a Muslim family, and the 2017 Quebec mosque shooting—as grim reminders of the dangers of unchecked Islamophobia.

The group also reported hundreds of Islamophobia-related calls to their intake line last year, noting that many such cases remain underreported due to mistrust of authorities.

Local Leaders Speak Out

Town of Ajax Condemns the Attack

Deputy Mayor Sterling Lee addressed the media during a news conference on March 24, calling the event a “shocking reminder” of the intolerance that still exists.

The Town of Ajax released an official statement:

“The library strives to be a safe and welcoming space for everyone, and acts of hate and violence will not be tolerated.”

What’s Next?

NCCM is calling on federal political parties to present clear, actionable plans to address Islamophobia. With the upcoming federal election, advocates are urging leaders to prioritize:

Hate crime legislation reform
Community education and outreach
Stronger data collection and reporting mechanisms

The attack at Ajax Public Library has shaken the local community and reignited national conversations around hate crimes and religious discrimination. As the investigation continues, advocacy groups, public officials, and residents are urging collective action to ensure that public spaces remain safe for all.

For those affected by Islamophobia or seeking support, the National Council of Canadian Muslims continues to provide resources and legal assistance.

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