Paul Chiang, Member of Parliament for Markham—Unionville, MPP Daisy Wai, Mayor David West of Richmond Hill, Mayor Iain Lovatt of Stouffville and a host of esteemed dignitaries from Municipal, Provincial and Federal Government, joined the the Dawoodi Bohra community of Toronto to celebrate Eid at their masjid – or mosque – in Richmond Hill.
Following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, this was the first time since 2019 that the local Bohras had been able to gather in-person for Eid – which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar.
In a joyous and festive atmosphere, families and their guests enjoyed cementing old friendships and building new ones, while enjoying the Bohras’ renowned cuisine, particularly after a month of fasting for Ramadan.
In a speech expressing gratitude for being invited back to the masjid, Mayor West reminded the audience that this mosque was the oldest standing Dawoodi Bohra masjid in the western world. “The wealth of your culture is woven into the fabric of our city’s heritage.”
Paul Chiang MP described how the Bohra community has helped shape the progress of Canada for many years. “The Dawoodi Bohras have established a community organisation that stands tall to this date to reinforce their beliefs, practices and continued growth,” he said.
With COVID-19 restrictions lifted, the Dawoodi Bohras of Toronto look forward to increasing their contributions to Richmond Hill. Under their global Project Rise initiative, the Bohras plan to undertake more food and clothing drives to support local vulnerable communities, and protect the natural environment through park clean-ups and tree planting drives.