A mosque in Cambridge, Ont., was damaged in what officials are calling a hate-driven attack.
The Baitul Kareem Mosque suffered serious damage and had items stolen, according to a statement from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada on Thursday.
The statement described it as an “act of hate, with damages exceeding tens of thousands of dollars.”
“We are deeply troubled to learn of this attack on the Baitul Kareem Mosque,” said Lal Khan Malik, national president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada said in a release.
“Our mosques have always served as symbols of peace in the community, and it is hurtful for us to see our mosque attacked and vandalized in this fashion.”
Asif Khan, national public relations director for Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada, mentioned in an interview that they believe the damage happened between 2 p. m. and 4 p. m. ET on Wednesday, “in the middle of the day, which is alarming.”
Khan explained police were called when the imam arrived at the mosque at 4 p. m. and heard noise inside. Officers came to the scene and spoke with some people outside the building.
“There’s quite a bit of damage,” Khan said. He pointed out that the door had been smashed open, kitchen appliances like the stove were destroyed, electronics were stolen, and even their surveillance system was damaged.
Islamic books were “tossed all over the room,” he added.
Maqbool Sheikh is with Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada. He went inside the Baitul Kareem Mosque in Cambridge on Thursday to survey the damage. (Hala Ghonaim/CBC)
While standing inside surveying what happened, Maqbool Sheikh from Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada said people were feeling ” little bit distraught.”
“We don’t know 100 per cent for sure what motivated whoever did this, but needless to say, as you can see from around us here, there was definitely some element of hate,” he said.
Mosques aren’t just places for prayer, Sheikh added; they also serve as spots where members gather with their community.
“We’ve had some great outreach by all our neighbours and Canadians-people just dropping by today saying they heard about it and support us. They agree this is just an act by a minority but something we need to address.”
Police investigation ongoing
The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) issued a release Thursday saying they got reports about a break-in and property damage at around 5:30 p. m. Wednesday at the mosque.
Police believe someone forced entry then caused “significant damage” while stealing property from inside.
“We are deeply disturbed by this senseless criminal act and significant destruction,” WRPS Chief Bryan Larkin stated in their release.
“Places of worship are sacred, and this criminal act cannot and will not be tolerated in Waterloo Region. Rest assured, we are actively investigating and committing appropriate resources to this investigation. My thoughts are with our Muslim community as they cope with this destructive and hateful crime.”
The Baitul Kareem Mosque is located in Cambridge’s Galt area. The sign outside reads ‘Love for all, hatred for none.’ (Hala Ghonaim/CBC)
Members of WRPS’s forensic team worked on-site.
Constable Andre Johnson told reporters Thursday afternoon he didn’t have any details about suspects yet. The service’s hate crimes unit is handling this case.
He also mentioned that their equity, diversity & inclusion unit has reached out to both this mosque and other local Muslim groups offering support and safety advice.
“We’ll keep having regular patrols around there during our investigation,” Johnson added. “And again-we’re asking anyone who knows anything to contact police or send anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.”
Security boosted
The national Canadian Muslim community expressed being “shocked” over what happened.
Police confirmed they’re collecting evidence at the site.
We hope that we can change hearts. We’re not out to get anybody. Whoever did this damage, if you’re willing to come to the table, we’re willing to forgive.- Asif Khan, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada
Meanwhile, the group has increased security steps at mosques across Canada.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims posted on Facebook how “greatly disturbed” they were hearing about such vandalism.
They urged police “to carry out thorough investigations including looking into potential hate motivations.”
Cambridge Mayor Kathryn Mc Garry visited Thursday morning stating she was “shocked and I was horrified” upon seeing vandalism.
She wanted personal meetings with mosque members so she could offer her deepest sympathy.
“Any act of vandalism especially targeting places where people worship amounts to hate,” she noted.“It’s spiteful-mean-and hateful stuff-and most importantly people should feel safe here.”
Mc Garry commented such acts unsettle both locals generally but particularly those connected directly with mosques. She vowed her support toward rebuilding efforts. The mayor stressed residents don’t want racism tolerated locally.“We’re above that,” she said.“Everyone deserves peaceful lives free from these hateful things.” Cambridge Mayor Kathryn Mc Garry met churchgoers after hearing about vandalism early Thursday (Hala Ghonaim/CBC).
At a press conference later that afternoon Premier Doug Ford stated plainly,“there’s no room for any hate here” across Ontario. He called on courts being tougher when dealing with hate crime offenders.“We gotta make sure folks caught get charged properly, and judges-I’m talking directly-stop handing out light sentences letting them walk right back out. We need tough penalties.”
Ford shared how light punishments frustrate communities & cops alike. He reminded listeners criminal code matters fall under federal jurisdiction.“So Prime Minister [Justin] Trudeau-it’s time we get tougher against crime, making streets safer,” Ford added.
Spike In Anti-Muslim Hate
Damage done comes amid rising anti-Muslim attacks reported throughout Canada recently. Members at Hamilton mosque voiced strong concern over Imam Kamal Gurgi’s family following police probing alleged hate crimes against two women Monday evening. A 40-year-old man from Cambridge faces charges including assault using weapon, dangerous driving, and death threats. Surveillance footage shows much destruction:![]()
Inside Baitul Kareem Mosque kitchen lies scattered debris after intruders caused severe harm & stole electronics officials report.(Hala Ghonaim/CBC)
This incident follows closely behind last month when four family members died hit by someone reportedly driven by hatred after running them down near London Ont. Salman Afzaal(46), wife Madiha Salman(44), daughter Yumna Afzaal(15) plus Salman’s mother Talat Afzaal(74) died after truck jumped curb hitting them. Their nine-year-old son Fayez survived injuries recovering now. Last month an Edmonton mosque faced swastika graffiti believed linked possibly other recent local hate acts. Federal government previously announced emergency Islamophobia summit scheduled July 22.
‘We’re Willing To Forgive’
Khan shared plans within mosque preparing for upcoming Eid Al-Adha next Tuesday. Opened since 2006, the center hosts several outreach activities locally.”Our local community feels obviously shaken,” Khan noted.”It confuses many members; honestly it’s concerning.”He added younger congregation members will pitch in cleaning up mess left behind. They’re ready fix damages too. Khan hopes event could educate whoever did it:”If those responsible want dialogue, we’re open – we’re part of community-not hostile.”He finished:”We hope that we can change hearts. We’re not out to get anybody. Whoever did this damage; if you’re willing come talk, we’ll forgive.”
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