Vancouver's oldest mosque vandalized with disturbing graffiti
The Vancouver Police Department is hoping witnesses will come forward after the city’s oldest mosque was vandalized overnight.
An investigation is underway after “distressing graffiti” was discovered on the Al Masjid Al Jamia Mosque in Fairview.
According to the VPD, officers were on a proactive patrol in the 800-block of West 8th Avenue early on Friday, Nov. 13, when a maintenance worker at the Al Masjid Al Jamia Mosque approached them.
The worker reported that graffiti reading “UK BLOOD IS ON YOUR HAND” had been spray-painted across the front doors of the building.
VPD
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VPD officers have started an investigation, including searching the area for evidence and surveillance video.
“This type of incident has a significant impact on the people who gather to worship and connect with their community,” said Sgt. Adam Donaldson in a release.
“We want to reassure the Muslim community that these acts won’t be tolerated, and if the evidence supports hate crime charges, we will pursue them.”
Al Jamia Masjid was established in 1963 as the oldest mosque in B.C. and the second-oldest in Canada.
A hub for the Muslim community in Vancouver, the mosque gives back to the community through various initiatives, including food drives and fundraisers.
Al Jamia Masjid (@Shaiful Azrin Zakaria/ Instagram)
VPD added that investigators are actively working to identify the person responsible for the graffiti, and that officers will be conducting additional patrols in the area of the mosque.
“Anyone with information about this incident, or who may have dash-cam or surveillance footage from the area, is asked to contact VPD,” added the department.
A Vancouver Sikh temple was also vandalized with English and Punjabi graffiti in 2025.
Images and videos were shared on social media at the time showing the vandalism near the entrance of the temple, with some claiming that it depicted pro-Khalistan graffiti.
With files from Amir Ali