EDMONTON — Women wearing hijabs received flowers Wednesday as they waited at an Edmonton light-rail transit station where two Muslim women were targeted in what police say could be a hate crime.
The woman who organized the gesture said she hoped it sends a powerful message.
Janelle Venne said Canada is stronger when diversity is accepted and Muslim women are welcome and deserve to feel safe.
Last month, a man approached two women at the station wearing hijabs, fashioned a noose in a rope he took from his pocket, said it was meant for them and then sang O Canada.
A suspect was taken into custody on Tuesday, but no charges have been laid.
A woman who received a flower Wednesday called the initiative amazing.
“There is so much hate going around, especially in the last couple months ... and it’s amazing to know there are people here that want you to feel wanted,” Yasmeen Abdallah said.