The Timbuktu Islamic Middle, often a bustling a part of Harlem’s Muslim neighborhood, was devastated when a fireplace broke out of their constructing forward of the annual Eid al-Fitr vacation. However in response to the injury, the encircling neighborhood, an actual property developer, and elected officers rallied assist for the mosque and its congregants.
The mosque is positioned on West 145th Road and St. Nicholas Avenue. Based on Kane Mamadou, the Timbuktu Islamic Middle coordinator, flames erupted within the kitchen space on March 18 and brought about intensive injury to all 4 flooring and the basement. The mosque runs an Islamic faculty, marriage companies, youth middle, daycare, and funeral help companies on the identical location. Mamdou mentioned it was disheartening as a result of that they had simply moved into the constructing final yr.
In an act of fine religion, mosque management reached out for assist and located loads of neighborhood members able to donate issues, like meals and a prayer house.
“We can have a number of prayers all through the day. Everyone could be very blissful,” mentioned President of Timbuktu Islamic Middle Modibo Souoman at morning prayers on Eid final week.
The One45 housing undertaking, a three-building advanced, is at present being developed by actual property mogul Bruce Teitelbaum of the 145 for Harlem possession group. The a million sq. foot advanced is located at West 145th Road and Malcolm X Blvd inside Councilmember Yusef Salaam’s district. After years of contestation, the mega housing undertaking was permitted by the town council in 2025.
“Our Jewish religion teaches us the significance of, and obligation to do what’s proper, particularly so when somebody is in want. So we’re glad to lend a serving to hand to our Muslim pals who’re worshiping the Holy day of Eid,” mentioned Teitelbaum in an announcement. “There’s an excessive amount of divisiveness, anger, and hate these days so any alternative to do some good and discover frequent floor is a blessing.”
Teitelbaum constructed a brief tent for the mosque on an empty nook of their lot to host Eid service, which is the holiest day in Islam, on Friday, March 20. Lots of of Muslim males, ladies, and kids clothed in conventional garb arrived on the outside makeshift mosque to wish, eat, and have a good time with household and pals all through the day.
Some got here so far as the Bronx, mentioned Salif Fofana. Regardless of the constructing fireplace, he and his household have been extremely proud of the outside celebrations.
Salaam and Metropolis Council Speaker Julie Menin additionally visited the tent on Eid.
“I wish to personally commend Bruce Teitelbaum for his distinctive management and ethical readability. When the Timbuktu Islamic Middle’s mosque was broken by fireplace simply days earlier than their holiest celebration, Bruce and the One45 staff didn’t hesitate — they determined to cease building, delay their demolition schedule, and open their doorways to welcome 300+ of our Muslim neighbors for Eid Al Fitr,” mentioned Salaam, the Committee to Fight Hate chair, in an announcement.
“To the Timbuktu Islamic Middle: you belong right here, and we stand with you,” mentioned Salaam.
Mamadou mentioned that they’re elevating cash in the direction of repairs to the constructing, and have some time to go earlier than they will transfer again into their beloved masjid.
