Dar al-Iman elementary school completely denies RueFrontenac.com’s baseless allegations

English version by Point de Bascule

Original French version HERE
Original French version archived on PdeB

Montreal, January 20, 2011 / CNW Telbec /
Dar al-Iman school authorities denounce with vigour the statements published today by journalist Vincent Larouche from RueFrontenac.com to the effect that Dar al-Iman elementary school indirectly contributes to the financing of international jihad. “This is a completely foolish and baseless statement more akin to sensationalism than journalism. Not only is the journalist involving the parents and the children of the Muslim community in Montreal, but he is also creating distrust and hatred towards this community”, underlines Dar al-Iman elementary school principal, Mr. Lazhar Aissaoui, who recalled that the school was the target of vandalism in the hours following the publication of a similar article by the same journalist last December.

An independent elementary school

Although Dar al-Iman elementary school is affiliated to the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC), it is a completely independent organization with its own board of administration, its own parent committee and it manages its own affairs. All the funds received by the school are spent on services, on school activities and on extra-curricular activities benefiting the pupils.

Inversely, Dar al-Iman elementary school is in no way responsible for the Muslim Association of Canada’s decisions for which journalist Vincent Larouche expresses his doubts. Larouche is notably concerned about the use of funds given by the Muslim Association of Canada to various charities, recognized as such by Canadian authorities.

A Muslim elementary school, not an Islamist one

It is important to specify that contrary to what journalist Vincent Larouche has written, Dar al-Iman is a Muslim elementary school, not an Islamist one. Islamism, the political doctrine aiming at the instauration of an Islamic government, is not part of the school’s educational project. This educational project aims at leading the pupils towards academic excellence and towards a moral, social and emotional fulfilment. This educational project completely conforms to the guidelines and the policies of the Department of Education.

“Our mission is to insure that the education of the pupils respects the values of the Muslim faith and those of the Québec and the Canadian societies. Parents, teachers and school administrators are completely convinced that Muslims in Québec and in Canada have a positive contribution to offer to society”, underlines elementary Dar al-iman school principal, Lazhar Aissaoui.

Located in Montreal, in the Saint-Laurent borough, Dar al-Iman school is a community and religious school whose mission is to serve the Muslim community on the island of Montreal. The school holds a permit from the Department of Education, Recreation and Sports since its foundation in 2000 and is a member of the Fédération des établissements d’enseignement privés since then; 230 pupils are currently enrolled from preschool to sixth grade.

Information:
SOURCE: Mr. Lazhar Aissaoui
INFORMATION: info@dar-al-iman.org