Canadian Muslims are “shocked, horrified, and disgusted” after this arson attack at the residence of MP Salma Zahid, the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) said on Thursday.
Zahid has been a prominent critic of Israel.
In a written statement on 27 August, Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East MP Zahid said an “individual” set her car and another vehicle outside her home on fire overnight.
Statement regarding a possible arson incident at my home. pic.twitter.com/HJU2iI5iK9
— Salma Zahid (@SalmaZahid15) August 27, 2026
According to a statement, her son noticed the fire and immediately called 911, along with neighbours. Toronto Fire Services responded promptly and extinguished the flames. Both vehicles were destroyed, but the home sustained no damage, and Zahid’s family is safe.
NCCM added:
We are in contact with her. While she remains resilient and brave as ever, we know many in our community are deeply alarmed given MP Zahid’s years of passionate advocacy for human rights and against all forms of racism.
In her statement, Zahid said she didn’t want to speculate on a possible motive, adding that:
We will await the results of the investigation. But such attacks are unacceptable and will not deter me from my work serving Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East.
Cowardly act
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the attack on social media, calling it a “cowardly act of violence and intimidation” that is “unacceptable” and “not who we are as Canadians.”
However, he stopped short of calling it Islamophobic, as noted by some.
The only member of parliament wearing a hijab had her house attacked with arson, and you refuse to call it hate motivated
But when people protest a genocide, you scream anti-semitism https://t.co/6QIOP44zyU
— Aidan Simardone (@AidanSimardone) August 27, 2026
Aidan Simardone, a Canadian lawyer and journalist, said to Carney:
The only member of parliament wearing a hijab had her house attacked with arson, and you refuse to call it hate-motivated. But when people protest a genocide, you scream anti-semitism.
Zahid’s support for Palestine
Zahid has often criticised Israel in public.
For instance, in January 2024, Zahid travelled to the West Bank and Jordan with a delegation of Liberal and NDP MPs on a week-long trip sponsored by Canadian Muslim Vote. During that visit, Zahid raised serious concerns about Israeli settler violence targeting Palestinians.
In October 2025, Zahid publicly condemned Israel’s interception of a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza, calling the action “nothing less than piracy.”
The interception by Israel of peaceful vessels in international waters carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza is nothing less than piracy. Canada must demand the safe treatment and return of Canadians aboard the #SumudFlotilla. Israel must stop blocking aid. https://t.co/Ab7QsHLqoW
— Salma Zahid (@SalmaZahid15) October 3, 2025
In September 2025, the MP also spoke in the House of Commons, thanking Carney for Canada’s recognition of a Palestinian state.
She added that the genocide in Gaza has continued.
Earlier this week I rose in the House to thank Prime Minister @MarkJCarney for Canada’s recognition of the Palestinian state. While historic, I noted the genocide in Gaza continues and there needs to be a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages and prisoners. pic.twitter.com/5rOn13DIxi
— Salma Zahid (@SalmaZahid15) September 25, 2025
The attack on her merits all the adjectives already used to describe it: shocking, horrifying, disgusting, cowardly, and unacceptable.
Featured image via the Canary
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