Cambridge Mosque ransacked in ‘act of hate’

Waterloo police are investigating after a Cambridge Mosque was severely vandalized in what officials are calling an ‘act of hate.’

The Baitul Kareem Mosque on Elliott St. was ransacked during a break and enter around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Police say there the Mosque sustained significant damage and several items were stolen.

“We are deeply disturbed by this senseless criminal act and the significant destruction towards the Baitul Kareem Mosque in Cambridge,” said Bryan Larkin, Chief of Police in a statement. “Places of worship are sacred, and this criminal act cannot and will not be tolerated in Waterloo Region. Rest assured, we are actively investigating, and committing appropriate resources to this investigation. My thoughts are with our Muslim community as they cope with this destructive and hateful crime.”

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada officials released images of the aftermath. In the photos, appliances and technology can be seen with extensive damage. Several boxes have been ripped open and books and flyers can be seen on the floor.

“We are deeply troubled to learn of this attack on the Baitul Kareem Mosque,” said National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada, Mr. Lal Khan Malik in a statement. “Our mosques have always served as symbols of peace in the community, and it is hurtful for us to see our mosque attacked and vandalized in this fashion.”

Officials say the damage exceeds tens of thousands of dollars.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada says it has heightened security measures at its mosques and prayer centres across the country.

Members of Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Unit have spoken with members of the Baitul Kareem Mosque and the Muslim community to offer support and discuss safety measures.

The incident comes just days after two Muslim women were attacked by a man in Ancaster.

Police say a mother and her 26-year-old daughter were walking through a parking lot at Shoppers Drug Mart Monday evening.

They say a vehicle was pulling out of a parking spot and nearly struck one of the women accidentally.

Police say the interaction escalated and the driver uttered threats and slurs targeting the Muslim community towards the women.

The victims ran across the street and hid behind some bushes, however, the driver allegedly followed the pair in his truck.

Police say he eventually found one of the women and threatened to kill her.

The other woman ran screaming for help and witnesses came to assist the pair.

A 40-year-old Cambridge man has been arrested and faces a slew of charges.

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