Toronto

A Canadian-born Muslim woman says two men attacked, robbed and hurled racial slurs at her while she was heading to pick up her kids at an elementary school in Flemingdon Park.

The victim’s brother says his family is clinging to the tenets of their religion — love, peace and forgiveness — while struggling to comprehend Monday’s cruel attack that has left his sister “scarred” for life.

“Hopefully, these ruthless criminals can be apprehended before (committing) another heinous act,” the sibling, who asked not to be identified, said Tuesday.

The man said his 33-year-old sister was walking to Grenoble Public School, in the Don Mills Rd.-Eglinton Ave. E. area, to pick up her two sons around 3 p.m. when two men approached from behind, pulled on her hijab, hurled obscenities, and assaulted her.

He claimed the men called his sister “a terrorist,” yelled “go back to your country,” knocked the woman to the ground, and repeatedly kicked and punched her as she pleaded for them to stop.

The attackers then allegedly robbed her and ran off.

“Who does that?” the brother asked.

The man noted he and his sister are not immigrants and attended Grenoble Public School as kids.

“We were born and raised here,” he said, explaining his parents came to Canada from India more than 35 years ago.

The man said his family knows the acts of “a few cowardly individuals” do not represent the majority of Canadians.

Toronto Police say the investigation is ongoing and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

“Obviously, it’s a crime that is very concerning to the community and it’s horrendous for the family to have to endure such a thing,” Supt. Mark Barkley said.

“This is a peaceful, innocent family that has done nothing and they were attacked,” he added. “We’re going to get to the bottom of this and make sure those responsible are apprehended.”

ATTACK TREATED AS HATE-MOTIVATED ROBBERY

The 33-year-old woman claims her frightening ordeal unfolded on Grenoble Dr. as she made the short walk from her home to Grenoble Public School to pick up her two sons, around 3 p.m. Monday.

She alleges two men approached from behind, yanked on her head scarf, hurled racial slurs, then attacked her.

The assailants allegedly shouted: “You terrorist, you don’t belong here, you dirty s---, go back to your country.”

The men allegedly knocked her down, then repeatedly kicked and punched her while she was on the ground.

She claims her attackers stole her wallet and cellphone, then ran off.

The woman then ran to her kids’ school for help.

A staff member at the elementary school went out to the street and flagged down a passing police car.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Investigators are reviewing video from area security cameras.

chris.doucette@sunmedia.ca