#Ramadan should be a sacred and peaceful time of reflection. Saddened to hear of this hateful act. #Mississauga stands in solidarity with our neighbours. I hope the community can continue to celebrate the positive love and joy that Ramadan brings. https://t.co/dYXXsgZvSx
— Bonnie Crombie 🇨🇦 (@BonnieCrombie) March 31, 2023
The Towfiq Islamic Centre in Toronto was defaced by hateful messages last night and I am worried about the growing number of Islamophobic acts that have taken place recently in Canada. Such hate has no place in our country. #Islamophobia https://t.co/XrCTo0GhjT
— Senator Salma Ataullahjan (@SenatorSalma) March 31, 2023
We’re investigating possible hate-motivated graffiti at the Towfiq Islamic Centre. @TPS12Div & our Hate Crimes Unit are engaged & reviewing the incident. We’re committed to investigating every potential hate crime & encourage the reporting of any suspected hateful act to police.
— Chief Myron Demkiw (@TPSMyronDemkiw) March 31, 2023
“Suspected Hate-Motivated Mischief Investigation,Oak Street and Weston Road area
Unit: 12 Division
Case #: 2023-696807
Published: Friday, March 31, 2023, 1:33 PMThe Toronto Police Service is informing the public of a suspected hate-motivated investigation.
On Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 5:30 a.m.,
the Toronto Police Service received a call for a Hate Crime/Mischief that occurred at an Islamic Centre in the Oak Street and Weston Road area.
It is reported that:
- two suspects spray painted graffiti on an Islamic Centre building at approximately 12:26 a.m.
- the graffiti contained hateful messages
The suspects are described as wearing dark clothing and were seen fleeing the area on foot eastbound along Oak Street.
After consultation with the Service’s specialized Hate Crime Unit, the investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence.
Investigators are seeking anyone who witnessed the offence, or who were driving in the area at the time and have dash camera footage, to contact police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.
When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation will be led by a Divisional investigator.
The Hate Crime Unit will be made aware and specialized officers from that unit will support the investigation as needed.
If it is alleged a criminal offence was committed (such as assault or mischief) and it is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, the officer-in-charge will consult with the Crown.
If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the Judge will take into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.
Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent.
Members of the Hate Crime Unit will provide assistance and support to the divisional investigators in seeking the Attorney General’s consent to lay these charges, if applicable.
These charges are often laid at a later time.”
I understand @TorontoPolice are investigating possible hate-motivated graffiti at the Towfiq Islamic Centre in the Weston Road community.
I'm extremely troubled by this act of vandalism in the midst of the holy month of Ramadan.
— Jennifer McKelvie (@McKelvieTO) March 31, 2023
We want all residents to be able to celebrate their faith in peace in our city.
— Jennifer McKelvie (@McKelvieTO) March 31, 2023
NEW by me: Investigation underway after 'hateful messages' spray painted on North York mosquehttps://t.co/knurfxIF3B
— Joanna Lavoie (@JoannaLavoie) March 31, 2023
![](http://30Masjids.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/020-CTV-News-Toronto-At-Six-Day-9-of-Ramadan-Hateful-Messages-Painted-Over-Towfiq-Islamic-Centre-North-York-Toronto-Friday-March-31-2023-590x333.jpg)
CTV News Toronto – Broadcast on Thursday evening March 30 2023
“If we don’t know each other, we hate each other sometimes.
But when we come to know each other, then we will know who we are, who you are, who I am.
You know,
Those who put this hatred words on our walls,
They come to their sense,
And realize what they are doing is, in 2023, not the right thing.
Come, visit us.
Talk to us.
We will show you who we are.
We are not the hatred people.
We’ll show you.
But come and join us even.
I wanna invite them and come and join us,
And see what we have in here.”
— Abdul-Kedir Nagei, Speaking to CTV News Toronto
This is such a thoughtful response to such a disturbing act of Islamophobia. We need to reach out to each other. Learn from each other. Understand one another. That is how we can end such hateful acts. Let's stand with the Towfiq Islamic Centre. https://t.co/DnntyflPA7
— Salma Zahid (@SalmaZahid15) March 31, 2023
Very disturbed to learn about this incident at the Towfiq Islamic Centre. There is no place for Islamophobia in our city.
It is incredible to see that despite the vicious hate, the community has responded with love. https://t.co/wmQ0bHjvHK
— Mitzie Hunter (@MitzieHunter) March 31, 2023
![](http://30Masjids.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/010-CTV-News-Toronto-At-Six-Day-9-of-Ramadan-Hateful-Messages-Painted-Over-Towfiq-Islamic-Centre-North-York-Toronto-Friday-March-31-2023-590x333.jpg)
I strongly denounce the hateful vandalism against Towfiq Islamic Centre. Islamophobia has no place in our society and I stand with Toronto's Muslim community.
— Josh Matlow (@JoshMatlow) March 31, 2023
Hate crimes are message crimes that we condemn. This is deeply troubling, especially as families gather at our mosques and community centres during Ramadan. https://t.co/YbfwjsvrrL
— Amira Elghawaby (@AmiraElghawaby) March 31, 2023
More than past our time to get serious about hate. I stand in solidarity with the Islamic community tonight. As a Jew, I know your pain. From strength to strength. https://t.co/G9lRmqbdip
— BernieFarber (@BernieFarber) April 1, 2023