Mosque in Toronto Enhances Safety Measures for Ramadan

A mosque located in midtown Toronto has stepped up its security for Ramadan after receiving two threatening phone calls aimed at it and its staff.

The Toronto Islamic Centre and Community Services, situated on Yonge Street north of Bloor Street, has brought on a second security guard for the month of Ramadan following the “deeply disturbing” calls received last Wednesday, according to general manager Shaffni Nalir.

Nalir mentioned that the mosque is also maintaining its standard protocols to ensure worshippers feel secure.

“We have groups of volunteers that don’t participate in the communal prayer and they watch the door instead. And after we’re done praying the communal prayer, we switch spots just because of the sake of safety,” Nalir told CBC Toronto.

However, these threats have caused concern among community members, with many families asking him “what is the plan” to ensure worshipper safety.

On Tuesday evening, though, there was some support coming from outside.

Rabbi Michael Dolgin, senior rabbi at Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto, was set to visit the mosque that night as a show of solidarity.

“We want them to know that hatred against anyone, hatred that would prevent Muslims from coming and marking the beginning of Ramadan, targets all of us and that we stand with them,” Dolgin said before his visit.

Rabbi Michael Dolgin, senior rabbi at Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto, says: ‘We want them to know that hatred against any anyone, hatred that would prevent Muslims from coming and marking the beginning of Ramadan, targets all of us and that we stand with them.’ (CBC)

Dolgin emphasized how crucial interfaith connections are in ensuring no community feels isolated.

“It enriches us in our congregation and enriches everyone when we have the opportunity to develop a real relationship,” Dolgin stated.

Police looking into phone calls

Toronto police have confirmed they are looking into these phone calls. The centre reported receiving them on Feb. 11 at 7:20 p. m. and 8:41 p. m.

The first call lasted about a minute while the second went on for 14 minutes. The centre got this second call while a staff member was dialing 911.

In an email sent Tuesday night, police did not specify if they’re treating these threatening calls as hate crimes.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), an advocacy group, shared audio from one of those calls on their Instagram page.

Dramatically during this call, someone references Brenton Tarrant who killed 51 Muslims praying at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand back in 2019.

The caller identifies himself as non-Canadian and instructs listeners to search for Tarrant’s name.

“Another Christchurch is going to happen to you,” warns the caller.

‘Ramadan spirit is still alive,’ general manager says

Despite these threats hanging over them, Nalir expressed there’s still a celebratory atmosphere at the mosque. Ramadan is considered both the ninth month and holiest period in Islam’s calendar year.





Praising this spirit he added:
“The Ramadan spirit is still alive and booming and thriving,” Nalir said.

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This year Eid al-Fitr will conclude Ramadan on March 19.NCCM spokesperson Steven Zhou mentioned:, “It’s heartening seeing support pouring in from other communities.” He urged elected officials provide more assistance protecting worshippers across various faiths.“

This ongoing situation showcases how many communities now face unsettling realities where better options are needed so people can look after themselves properly,Zhou concluded.

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