York Regional Police hosts first-ever Interfaith Iftar Dinner
YRP brought together members of our service and the community to share a meal and celebrate the rich diversity of our region
An Iftar is a meal consumed by Muslims at sunset to break their daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan and is traditionally shared with friends and family.
Superintendent Ahmad Salhia, who helped organize the event, explained that Ramadan is “a time of reflection, compassion and community.”
“In honour of this meaningful occasion, York Regional Police welcomed more than 300 attendees to an evening rooted in unity, peace and mutual understanding,” he said.
The event included a keynote address from Mohammed Hashim, from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. Hashim also led the national taskforce on hate crime, of which York Regional Police was a proud partner.
The Iftar was also attended by Imams representing the Canadian Council of Imams, the Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Toronto, the Islamic Society of Vaughan and the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Community.
Captain Gregg Bailey and the YRP chaplaincy were also present.
As a group, all who attended acknowledged the diversity of cultures, beliefs and traditions which make York Region truly exceptional and reaffirmed their commitment to stand up to hate and intolerance in all forms.
York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween said the Iftar dinner represented more than just a shared meal.
“We are sharing our stories, lived experiences and the universal human values that unite us all,” he said. “This Iftar is not just a tradition for our Muslim brothers and sisters, marking the end of a day’s fast during the holy month of Ramadan – It is a symbol of unity, of coming together across different faiths to acknowledge and celebrate our diversity.”
Superintendent Salhia echoed Chief MacSween’s comments, saying the event “brought together members of our service and the broader community to share a meal and celebrate the rich diversity that defines York Region.
“By breaking fast in one another’s company, we renewed our collective commitment to inclusivity, respect and connection,” he said.
The event marked a first for York Regional Police, with many attendees remarking on the evening’s overwhelming success.
