In 1938, Dany Assaf’s great grandfather was a member of the Muslim community that established Canada’s first mosque in Edmonton, Alberta. Today, his legacy continues with Assaf joining a group of Toronto-based Muslims who have set up some of the country’s first public celebrations of Ramadan.

Iftars — the meal with which Muslims open their fasts — have been hosted at Toronto’s City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square, and Mississauga’s Celebration Square.

Big crowds of Muslims and non-Muslims across the city have been welcomed to hours-long festivities with comedians, spoken word poets, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, fireworks, and lots and lots of food.

Assaf was the organizer of “Fast in the 6,” an iftar held at Nathan Phillips Square on June 9. He wanted to host “a public free event in the soul of the city,” and after a quick conversation with the Mayor (“he was immediately on board”) set up the celebration that he thought would reflect the true diversity, unity and prosperity of the city.

“I wanted this to be the Canadian-Muslim equivalent of the Santa Claus parade,” said Assaf, “which is to say that no matter what faith or background you are, it was something you can enjoy. In that case it’s to enjoy the spirit of Christmas; for us, it was to enjoy the spirit of Ramadan.”

The premise was to experience Muslim culture in “a genuine and open way” to showcase the common principles Islam shares with all faiths: sacrifice, sharing and being grateful.

The rise in Islamophobia and hate crimes against Muslims across the country has been of increasing concern to Assaf and Mohammed Hashim, a member of the Toronto and York Region Labour Council and organizer of the iftars at Toronto City Council and Mississauga. These public events were created to counter such narratives of hate and distrust.

“Through these public events we wanted to tell the Muslim community ‘you belong here, this is your space, your city, your city council and your country’,” said Hashim, “but also to let the rest of the country know that we’re inclusive and welcoming and want them to join us in our celebrations.”

Hashim found it inspiring and moving to hear the call to prayer given in city council chambers for the very first time. The iftar was co-hosted by Councillor Neethan Shan, who saw it as a way to prove that “City Hall belongs to us all.”

At the public iftar held in Mississauga, representatives of a local synagogue, church and gurdwara were all present to help the Muslim community break their fast. “I can’t remember Ramadan being quite so open,” said Sanaa Ali-Mohammed, a visitor to the event. “It makes everything more normal,” said her friend Sabiha Sumra. The sight of hundreds of people praying together in the open space outside Mississauga’s City hall was, for many, a first-time experience.

“Every community matures at a certain time, and often gels because of crises,” said Hashim. “Now, it’s the natural evolution of that conversation to say that we really need to be able to claim Canada and embody everything this country has given to us which is tolerance, compassion and inclusivity.”

Proof of the manifestation of these feelings can be seen in the “over enthusiasm” for such events from politicians to community members and sponsors alike.

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“Here at City Hall we have hosted events that celebrate various religions including Christianity and Judaism,” said Mayor Tory, “it should be no different when it comes to the Muslim faith.”

For Assaf, Fast in the 6 was “a true Canadian effort.”

“A city that celebrates Ramadan in this time is a city that is safe for everybody.”