Popular mosque burnt at Peterborough

Masjid Al-Salaam

An investigation into a late-night blaze at Peterborough’s only mosque Saturday has determined that the fire was deliberately set. Firefighters responded to the fire at Masjid Al-Salaam at about 11 p.m. after receiving a call from a neighbor. No one was injured in the fire. The building suffered heavy smoke damage inside, with little damage evident outside. Damage is estimated at $80,000, fire officials said.
 “The police are treating it as a hate crime, as far as we know, but we don’t have any more details,” said Kenzu Abdella, KMRA president.

Abdella, KMRA vice president Zahid Sultan and a few other members gathered outside the mosque Sunday as city police, Peterborough Fire Services and the OFM investigated. Al-Salaam is the only mosque in the Kawarthas and has 200 members.
With ISIS claiming Friday’s attack on Paris, killing more than 120 people, Abdella and Sultan said the fire set at Al-Salaam could be connected.
“It has come across our mind that it could be, but we don’t know,” said Abdella.
“It’s too premature to say anything at this time,” said Sultan.
Whatever the motivation, Abdella said the incident is very concerning.
“It’s horrible, it’s very upsetting. It’s a big concern. You are safe one moment and then all of a sudden you have to worry about what’s going to happen,” Abdella said.

Meanwhile, St. John’s Anglican Church is collecting funds for KMRA to help Alsalaam back on its feet as soon as possible.
Bonnie Williams, St. John’s warden, said it’s a way to show support and God’s love. “In terms of the faith communities and the community of Peterborough, we have to support the Muslim community and be an inclusive community,” said Williams.
 “Attacking a place of worship is a despicable act,” he wrote, adding Masjid Al-Salaam