Toronto Islamic Centre Implements Buddy System After Islamophobic Incidents

Toronto's Islamic Centre has implemented a community-based buddy system during Ramadan following a series of violent incidents targeting worshippers.

“Toronto Islamic Centre using ‘buddy system’ in wake of alleged Islamophobic incidents Posted March 19, 2026 12:03 pm”

CityNews Toronto

The centre reported that a family of five was leaving prayers around midnight on Saturday when they were confronted and attacked by an individual.

CityNews Toronto

In this incident, a 13-year-old boy was assaulted while his parents and four siblings were present.

In a separate incident on Sunday, another worshipper was allegedly punched while walking home from the mosque near Bloor and Yonge Streets.

These attacks prompted the centre to establish the buddy system where volunteers and staff walk with congregants leaving the mosque as a safety measure.

The Toronto Police Service responded to the reported violence but has provided limited information about their ongoing investigation.

According to the centre, police were notified of both incidents, and officers arrived at the scene following Saturday's assault.

The Star

The arrival of police resulted in one person being arrested in connection with the Saturday assault.

However, Toronto police have not yet responded to inquiries from media outlets about the details of the arrest or the charges being faced.

The centre's general manager, Shaffni Nalir, confirmed that officers have spoken to the congregation about the incidents.

Police have not yet provided updates on potentially increasing their presence in the area to enhance safety.

The Toronto Islamic Centre described the buddy system as a community-driven effort to 'empower ourselves' in response to what they characterized as an ongoing pattern of Islamophobic incidents.

“Toronto Islamic Centre using ‘buddy system’ in wake of alleged Islamophobic incidents Posted March 19, 2026 12:03 pm”

CityNews Toronto

While the congregation 'is not new' to similar acts of violence, Nalir emphasized that 'there was a deep demand from the community to do something' about the recent surge in attacks.

The buddy system involves volunteers and staff from the mosque walking with worshippers leaving on Yonge Street and in the surrounding areas.

This initiative is described as an effort by the community 'holding one another together' during the holy month of Ramadan.

Similar attacks have been particularly targeted at Shia mosques and Muslim individuals across Canada during this period.

National Muslim organizations and government agencies have responded to the escalating incidents targeting Toronto's Muslim community.

The National Council for Canadian Muslims issued a statement condemning the 'multiple threats and attacks' against the Islamic Centre during Ramadan as 'truly disheartening and disappointing.'

The Star

The organization called on elected officials to condemn the recent wave of Islamophobic incidents affecting Muslim communities across the country.

Meanwhile, the City of Toronto's violence intervention and support unit has established contact with the Islamic Centre.

The city's unit initially reached out on Wednesday to offer support and coordinate safety measures in response to the concerning pattern of violence targeting worshippers.