June 6th, 2023
June 6th, 2023
QUEEN’S PARK – Two years ago, on June 6, 2021, an act of Islamophobic terror ended the lives of three generations of a Muslim family in London, Ontario. London MPPs Peggy Sattler (London West), Terence Kernaghan (London North Centre), and Teresa Armstrong (London-Fanshawe) marked another solemn anniversary of that tragedy. Their statement:
“We move through today with a heavy heart. Today is the two-year anniversary of a vile act of Islamophobia and hatred which stole the lives of the Afzaal family: Talat, Madiha, Salman, and Yumnah.
Out for a family walk, they were targeted for the way they appeared, in a despicable act by a weak person. We must not simply ask ourselves how this could happen. We also must ask what can be done to make sure this never happens again.
White supremacy gathers many targets. Over the last few years, xenophobia, anti-Black racism, antisemitism, homophobia, and transphobia, have increased to alarming levels.
No matter where you come from, how you worship, how you appear, your background, your abilities, your age, gender, or whom you love, everyone deserves to have a safe home and community where they can live free from violence.
Rather than building fences or focusing on what divides us, let us instead find our common humanity and recognize that we are one family sharing this earth. On this day, we listen to others with an open heart. We remember to make space, elevate voices, bring others forward, and share privilege.
Love will conquer hate – but it’s up to us all to make sure that happens.”