The Timbuktu Islamic Center, usually a bustling part of Harlem’s Muslim community, was devastated when a fire broke out in their building ahead of the annual Eid al-Fitr holiday. But in response to the damage, the surrounding community, a real estate developer, and elected officials rallied support for the mosque and its congregants.
The mosque is located on West 145th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue. According to Kane Mamadou, the Timbuktu Islamic Center coordinator, flames erupted in the kitchen area on March 18 and caused extensive damage to all four floors and the basement. The mosque runs an Islamic school, marriage services, youth center, daycare, and funeral assistance services at the same location. Mamdou said it was disheartening because they had just moved into the building last year.
In an act of good faith, mosque leadership reached out for help and found plenty of community members ready to donate things, like food and a prayer space.
“We will have several prayers throughout the day. Everybody is very happy,” said President of Timbuktu Islamic Center Modibo Souoman at morning prayers on Eid last week.
The One45 housing project, a three-building complex, is currently being developed by real estate mogul Bruce Teitelbaum of the 145 for Harlem ownership group. The one million square foot complex is situated at West 145th Street and Malcolm X Blvd within Councilmember Yusef Salaam’s district. After years of contestation, the mega housing project was approved by the city council in 2025.
* Muslim attendees during Eid’s morning prayers in Harlem on March 20. (PHOTO CREDIT: Ariama C. Long) 
* From left to right: Homeless rights advocate Shams DaBaron (far left), President of Timbuktu Islamic Center Modibo Souoman (center right), and real estate developer Bruce Teitelbaum (far right). (PHOTO CREDIT: Ariama C. Long) 
* Members of the Timbuktu Islamic center enjoy donated coffee and pastries on the morning of Eid holiday. (PHOTO CREDIT: Ariama C. Long) 
* Members of the Timbuktu Islamic center begin ‘salah’ prayers on the morning of Eid. (PHOTO CREDIT: Ariama C. Long) 
* Members of the Timbuktu Islamic center. (PHOTO CREDIT: Ariama C. Long)
“Our Jewish faith teaches us the importance of, and obligation to do what’s right, especially so when someone is in need. So we are glad to lend a helping hand to our Muslim friends who are worshiping the Holy day of Eid,” said Teitelbaum in a statement. “There is too much divisiveness, anger, and hate nowadays so any opportunity to do some good and find common ground is a blessing.”
Teitelbaum built a temporary tent for the mosque on an empty corner of their lot to host Eid service, which is the holiest day in Islam, on Friday, March 20. Hundreds of Muslim men, women, and children clothed in traditional garb arrived at the outdoor makeshift mosque to pray, eat, and celebrate with family and friends throughout the day.
Some came as far as the Bronx, said Salif Fofana. Despite the building fire, he and his family were incredibly happy with the outdoor celebrations.
Salaam and City Council Speaker Julie Menin also visited the tent on Eid.
“I want to personally commend Bruce Teitelbaum for his exceptional leadership and moral clarity. When the Timbuktu Islamic Center’s mosque was damaged by fire just days before their holiest celebration, Bruce and the One45 team didn’t hesitate — they decided to stop construction, delay their demolition schedule, and open their doors to welcome 300+ of our Muslim neighbors for Eid Al Fitr,” said Salaam, the Committee to Combat Hate chair, in a statement.
“To the Timbuktu Islamic Center: you belong here, and we stand with you,” said Salaam.
Mamadou said that they’re raising money towards repairs to the building, and have a while to go before they can move back into their beloved masjid.
This is beautiful and we need
More unity between Muslims and Jews.
Yes!!