The public relations director at the Windsor Mosque is thanking the public for an outpouring of support after the massacre in New Zealand.
"By email, letters, phone calls, people stopping by, offering their condolences. It's been overwhelming," said Sinan Yasalar. "The WIA [Windsor Islamic Association] membership and the board of directors are very thankful."
Yasalar told BlackburnNews.com the mosque wants to maintain its open door policy during main prayer times but has made some changes. More doors will be locked, adjustments have been made to the cameras, and Windsor police will be monitoring Friday prayers.
"We have had no direct threats from any part of our community, and the reason the security is being stepped up has more to do with New Zealand," he said. "There have been no threats from Windsor, just love, open arms and condolences."
Those who have offered their support include churches and synagogues, unions, and members of the general public.
"Windsor is a multi-cultural city. Canada is a multi-cultural country. We're all from somewhere. We're all brothers and sisters working together for one community," he said. "We're very lucky."
A week and a half ago, officials at the mosque met with Windsor Police to assess security at the place of worship, but Yasalar said the meeting was scheduled months ago, before the massacre that killed 50 people.
Following the shootings, Yasalar said many in the community were anxious.
"It's natural for people to be fearsome, anxiety," he admitted. "But we do have places in check, and we did remind our members of the added security."
About 4,000 people attend Friday prayers at the Windsor Mosque.
-With files from Allanah Wills.
