Ottawa police arson investigators are still not calling an arson last weekend at a west end Islamic school a hate crime as they continue their search for a suspect. Abraar School at 1085 Grenon Ave. was the site of a fire early Saturday morning that caused about $100,000 in damage. It fell on the first day of the Muslim religious month of Ramadan, observed by fasting from sunrise to sunset and extra prayers. Const. Isabelle Lemieux said arson officers are investigating but so far the hate crimes unit is not involved. Specific criteria are used to assess whether an incident is a hate crime. Although the fire targeted a religious site and fell on a significant date, there was no "messaging" on the school that would indicate religious motivations. It isn't entirely being ruled out, however. "Saying it's a hate crime is a big thing and ... we're not ready to jump the gun on this one," said the school board's chairman, Abdala Kheireddine. WAIT FOR FACTS Imam Gamal Solaiman, during his sermon Monday night, urged worshippers to wait for the facts from police. "We have to respond sensibly to this unpleasant situation," he said. Meanwhile, religious leaders around the city rallied their support for Islamic community. "I don't really care what you call it -- arson is arson is arson," said Rabbi Reuven Bulka. "It's worse if it's motivated by hate, but I can't see any arson motivated by love." Ottawa's Archbishop Marcel Gervais also condemned the arson. |