A North York resident is advocating to erect a large ‘Ramadan’ sign in one of Toronto’s busiest intersections.
Inspired by a TikTok video of Ramadan lights in London, U.K., high school student and President of the Toronto Youth Muslim Council Laila Soliman thought creating a similar display in Toronto would bring unity amongst diverse Muslim populations while encouraging other cultures to reflect on the purpose of the holy month.
“I decided that seeing how diverse and welcoming Toronto is, we need to be celebrating with fellow Torontonians…We are hoping that the launch of the sign will put smiles on everyone’s faces and bring even more excitement,” Soliman told Now Toronto.
Soliman teamed up with middle and high school students from the Coalition of Single Sex Schools of Toronto (COSSOT), the Toronto Youth Muslim Council and the Toronto Islamic Centre to create a fundraiser on Feb. 3. The goal was to raise $27,685 before Feb. 28, the first night of Ramadan.
So far, the fundraiser has raised $27,716, with some people donating up to $5,000 in one go.
The money will be sent directly to the manufacturers to build the sign, according to Soliman, who also said the large sign would look best at Nathan Phillips Square due to its central location for bringing people together.
“There have been so many great events at Nathan Philip Square, like Fast in the Six, so it is already a familiar and memorable area for Muslims and Torontonians,” Soliman said.
In a statement to Now Toronto, the City of Toronto says Soliman’s sign will be erected to celebrate the holiday.
“The City of Toronto embraces its diversity by celebrating community events, festivals and traditions at Nathan Phillips Square, including Ramadan. In response to a first-time request from a community organization, temporary Ramadan signage will be installed—positioned to align with City requirements and approved by event organizers. This initiative underscores the significance of Ramadan for Toronto’s Muslim communities and reaffirms the City’s commitment to inclusivity,” a city spokesperson said in an email.
