The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) recently canceled a planned Arabic calligraphy workshop for over 2,600 students. The workshop was to be led by an artist known as Calligraphy by Zakera, who is recognized for her artwork that includes political themes related to Israel and Palestine. The cancellation raised questions about the approval process for such events and the school board's vendor screening procedures.

The workshop was intended to celebrate Islamic Heritage Month. However, Zakera's portfolio features artwork that depicts Israel and the Palestinian territories as a unified entity called "Palestine." Some of her pieces include messages that have been interpreted as anti-Israel. Haras Rafiq, a counter-extremism expert, described her work as part of a trend he calls the "Palestinianization of Islam," which he argues misrepresents the issue by framing it solely as a Muslim concern.

Rafiq pointed out that one of Zakera's artworks includes a silhouette of Israel with the text "Palestine is ours." Another piece features a prayer that is not from the Quran but attributed to the scholar Ibn Taymiyyah, who is often associated with extremist ideologies. Rafiq, who identifies as a Muslim, expressed concern over the implications of such messages, stating, "To me, he’s an extremist fundamentalist."

In addition to her politically charged art, Zakera has conducted workshops aimed at Muslim women, teaching them to create their own representations of "Palestine." Her previous events have included participation in exhibitions that promote messages of resistance against Israel. Critics argue that her art and workshops may serve as a form of proselytization, particularly given her statement about spreading Islam through art.

While not all of Zakera's work is political, with many pieces focusing on traditional calligraphy, the TDSB's decision to cancel the workshop reflects a growing concern about the appropriateness of certain artistic expressions in educational settings. The board's actions have prompted discussions about the need for a thorough review of its event approval processes to prevent similar situations in the future. The cancellation has been viewed as a necessary step to ensure that school activities align with educational values and do not inadvertently promote divisive or extremist viewpoints.