Remembering Our London Family
Today, we commemorate the third anniversary of the tragic attack on June 6, 2021, that claimed the lives of four innocent members of the Afzaal family in London, Ontario. This senseless act of violence, driven by Islamophobia and hatred, left a permanent scar on our community and the hearts of Canadians across the nation.
The Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Afzaal family and to all those who continue to be affected by this unimaginable tragedy. We honour the memory of Yumna Afzaal, Madiha Salman, Salman Afzaal, and Talat Afzaal, and we hold Fayez Afzaal, the young survivor, in our thoughts and prayers as he continues to heal from this profound loss.
This solemn day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to combat Islamophobia and all forms of hatred in our society. We call on all Canadians to reflect on the values of compassion, inclusivity, and respect for everyone. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that such acts of violence never happen again.
In honouring Our London Family, we recommit ourselves to fostering understanding and unity within our communities. We urge policymakers, educators, and community leaders to work together to create safe, inclusive spaces for all, and to implement measures that address and prevent hate crimes. Education and awareness are crucial in dismantling the prejudices that fuel such acts of terror.
As we remember and honour the Afzaal family, let us also be guided by their legacy of love, kindness, and community spirit. May we transform our grief into action, and our sorrow into a steadfast commitment to stand together against hatred and discrimination in all its forms.
Book a Digital Anti-Racism Education Workshop with CCMW!
Conversations around hate and Islamophobia continue to be extremely important. With increased community requests and CCMW’s commitment to anti-racism and anti-Islamophobia work, we are continuing to offer workshops on topics such as Anti-Islamophobia and Countering Cyberhate. Download the program overview to learn more. For more information and/or to schedule a workshop, please contact educationcoordinator@ccmw.com.