Flower power: Group hands blooms to welcome women in hijabs at transit stop

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)