In the 1960s, the first Khoja Shia families started moving to Toronto, Canada. This picked up pace in about 1972 at the time of Ugandan exodus and currently the Toronto community is the largest in the Western world and one of the largest in the world.
 
In order to document our heritage, history and accomplishments in Canada, the ISIJ Toronto is launching a project to preserve this rich history, recognize the selfless sacrifices of various community members for their contributions in developing and shapingof this vibrant community. I have  appointed Br Shiraz Datoo to coordinate this Archive Project. 
 
The best source for acquiring the resources for this project is obviously our own  community members themselves, who have documents, first-hand reports, photos and anecdotes that can help us document our history for our forthcoming generations. 
 
It is planned to send out regular mails(not in any particular sequence) to the membership that would provide interesting readings and pictures and at the same time appreciate thecontributions of various selfless members who worked hard to develop our Jamaat  in Toronto.
 
We appeal to one and all to participate in this exercise of collecting and preserving our history before we lose it completely. 
 
The members are requested to forward their feedback, comments and suggestions to me on rdamani@rogers.com and to Br Shiraz Datoo on shirazdatoo@gmail.com.
 
With this message, it gives me great pleasure to include the pictures of Br Mahmud Habib, who was not only amongst the first immigrants, but also the first President of theJamaat.
 
Thank you.
 
Razak Damani,
President,
ISIJ of Toronto.