BradfordToday welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected] or via the website. Please include your full name, daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letter is in response to council’s decision to not have the town host the Jalsa Salana Canada conference in 2025.
Before I begin, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the town council for supporting Jalsa Salana Canada in July 2024. Jalsa Salana provided countless individuals with long-lasting, beautiful memories. I also want to sincerely apologize to anyone who was inconvenienced during those three days; for that, I am truly sorry.
Today, I write with a heavy heart regarding the recent decision to deny our community the opportunity to hold a peaceful convention in a country that celebrates diversity and offers hope to so many. As I sat in the council meeting on Oct. 1, I was overwhelmed by a flood of emotions — joy and belonging quickly turned to nervousness and, ultimately, disappointment.
I am proud to be Canadian, grateful to live in one of the best countries in the world. Every day, I connect with people from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences, and I cherish that richness. We coexist with a spirit of understanding and acceptance.
During our last convention, I had the pleasure of meeting many non-Muslim residents from the area who attended with open hearts, feeling welcomed as part of our Canadian community. Isn’t that what we need more of — a true sense of belonging?
I, and many others like me, dedicated months to preparing for this convention. It is not merely a gathering; it symbolizes peace, understanding, and the chance to grow alongside others from all walks of life. Isn’t that what we truly need in these times?
I also noted the suggestions from one councillor about alternative locations. I would like to clarify that the grounds where Jalsa Salana was held represent something profoundly significant to us. Our members, young and old, have contributed over the years to purchase this land. It feels like our names are etched into its very soil, and that bond makes this location uniquely special for our community.
Throughout the discussions, I heard our Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at members express their willingness to collaborate with the council to address any concerns and collectively provide solutions. Yet, those pleas seemed to be overlooked. Our community actively participates in various initiatives across Bradford, the province, and Canada. We are committed to finding ways to contribute positively to the country we call home.
I sincerely hope you will reconsider your decision and engage with our community. Together, we can build bridges of understanding and foster the spirit of unity that defines our shared Canadian identity.
Aisha Malik
Bradford
