Muslims across the Toronto area welcomed the arrival of Ramadan this week, but many say this year is different as the ongoing suffering and loss of life in Gaza remains top of mind.
“It’s really been a sombre start to Ramadan,” said Saima Sarwar, the team lead for western Ontario at Islamic Relief Canada.
“People are wondering ‘Should we even decorate? Should we even have our big gatherings that we normally have?’ And if we do, then [we’re] making sure that we’re showing our solidarity and we’re not forgetting the people of Palestine who are suffering every day.”
Sarwar said fasting — when Muslims refrain from
