Niagara Falls Eid gathering lasted seconds, mosque says
Mayor criticized for not distancing in video filmed for annual celebration
A group of more than five people, including Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, were gathered together only long enough to shoot a 30-second video during what was a two-hour drive-in religious celebration this past weekend.
That’s the message Ziad Hajifazul, a representative of the Peace Mosque Islamic Community and Conference Centre, said he wants to get out to the public after Diodati was accused by some on social media of ignoring social distancing regulations.
He said people gathered in their decorated vehicles at the Caledonia Street mosque last Sunday to celebrate Eid, the end of the month of Ramadan.
Hajifazul said attendees in their vehicles were wearing masks and gloves, while two or three people — who were also wearing protective gear — handed out sweets and gifts.
He said the only time there was a gathering was when people left their vehicles to be part of Diodati’s video message, which was shared around the world.
“I have family in three different continents, and they look more forward to the mayor’s greeting than they do for our prime minister’s greeting,” he said. “As soon as the video ended … everyone went back in their cars.”
Hajifazul said mosques around the
world held similar events that included visits from elected representatives. He said the only time people, including Diodati, took off their masks was for the short video.
“Everyone sends this video all over the world, so they want to be seen in it.”
Hajifazul said when Diodati arrived, he was wearing a mask and gloves and did not shake anyone’s hands.
He said Diodati was willing to record a video from his office, but mosque representatives “insisted” he attend because people wanted to hear his speech in person.
“This is the type of mayor he is for our community — you stop him at Walmart or anywhere, he goes out of his way, he gives everyone the time.”
Hajifazul said prior to the event, mosque representatives and staff in the mayor’s office discussed the importance of following proper protocols.
“It was a happy event. It’s our Christmas.”
In a video posted to his social media accounts, Diodati is seen standing in the centre of at least 10 people and appears to be closer than two metres from some of them.
He’s not wearing a mask in the video, during which he wishes everyone Eid Mubarak and points out that members of the local Muslim community are front-line workers and that many of them were there handing out toys.
A photo of the event posted to social media criticized the mayor for not setting a good example.
In an interview with the St. Catharines Standard Wednesday, Dr. Mustafa Hirji said both Diodati’s appearance and the Eid celebration did not appear to conform to public health guidelines designed to limit the spread of the potentially lethal virus.
Public health officials have urged people to stay at least two metres apart, and when that kind of physical distancing is not possible, wearing masks is recommended.
The provincial government has also limited gatherings to no more than five people under its emergency orders, which have been extended until June 9.
In an interview with the Niagara Falls Review Tuesday, Diodati called the photo, which appears to be a still image from his video, “misleading” and criticized people with “accusatory agendas.”
Public health recommendations do not have exemptions for appearances or for clarity of speech.