Flower power: Group hands blooms to welcome women in hijabs at transit stop
Posted December 7, 2016 4:59 pm.
Last Updated December 8, 2016 8:20 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
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.
(CTV Edmonton)