Syrian newcomers celebrate their first Canada Day with Ahmadiyya Muslims

Syrian refugees in the GTA celebrated their first Canada Day along with the Ahmadiyya Canadian Muslim community.

• Syrian family celebrates 1st Canada Day away from scars of war

Hundreds of people gathered for celebrations at Baitul Islam mosque in Vaughan.

This year, thecelebrations were extra specialfor the Muslim community because they coincided with the last Friday in Ramadan, a significant holy day for Muslims.

"I am very, very happy," said Mutaz Alkazak, a Syrian newcomer. "I want to say to all people in Canada and the government...thanks. We pray Canada keeps us safe all the time."