Elshimaa Abdelhafiz, a registered dental hygienist, was subjected to an unprovoked hate-motivated attack in an Ajax library two months ago. An assailant yanked her hijab, poured liquid on her head, and repeatedly flicked a lighter while screaming threats to set her on fire. The attacker had previously been charged in October for allegedly swinging a machete-style knife. Abdelhafiz recounts the horror and humiliation, but also highlights the courage and kindness of strangers, library staff, security guards, and police, which helped her find hope and reinforced her message to her daughters about resilience, dignity, and the strength of compassion over hate.
Opinion: I was almost burned alive for wearing a hijab. This is what I told my kids
Opinion
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Elshimaa Abdelhafiz, a registered dental hygienist, was subjected to an unprovoked hate-motivated attack in an Ajax library two months ago. An assailant yanked her hijab, poured liquid on her head, and repeatedly flicked a lighter while screaming threats to set her on fire. The attacker had previously been charged in October for allegedly swinging a machete-style knife. Abdelhafiz recounts the horror and humiliation, but also highlights the courage and kindness of strangers, library staff, security guards, and police, which helped her find hope and reinforced her message to her daughters about resilience, dignity, and the strength of compassion over hate.
Trending- 1 October 2024: Assailant charged for allegedly swinging a machete-style knife in a plaza in Ajax.
- 2 Around March 2025 (two months prior to article publication): Elshimaa Abdelhafiz was attacked in an Ajax library.
- 3 May 29, 2025: Opinion piece published detailing the incident and its aftermath.
- Elshimaa Abdelhafiz experienced trauma and humiliation.
- The assailant was charged.
- The incident highlighted the presence of hate but also the power of compassion and solidarity.
- Abdelhafiz used the experience to teach her daughters about resilience and dignity.
What: Elshimaa Abdelhafiz, a Muslim woman, was attacked in a library for wearing a hijab, with the assailant attempting to set her on fire.
When: Two months ago (from May 29, 2025, so around March 2025); Assailant previously charged last October (2024).
Where: A library in Ajax, Ontario, Canada.
Why: The attacker targeted Elshimaa Abdelhafiz due to her visible Muslim faith and wearing a hijab, an act of hate. The author also links it to rising tensions between Canada and the United States and a broader wave of fear.
How: The assailant yanked Abdelhafiz's hijab, poured liquid on her head, and repeatedly flicked a lighter while screaming threats.