Afzaal Family Tribute
UPDATE : CBC report July 16, 2021
In honour of Madiha Salman and Salman Afzaal, who were recently killed on June 6, 2021, Western University has established two scholarships in their names. The two scholarships are a result of advocacy and commitment on the part of university and community members and are profoundly poignant and encouraging initiatives. Madiha Salman was posthumously given her doctorate in civil and environmental engineering from Western University. Please read the full story in the link below.
In honour of Madiha Salman and Salman Afzaal, who were recently killed on June 6, 2021, Western University has established two scholarships in their names. The two scholarships are a result of advocacy and commitment on the part of university and community members and are profoundly poignant and encouraging initiatives. Madiha Salman was posthumously given her doctorate in civil and environmental engineering from Western University. Please read the full story in the link below.
Statement from Embassy Cultural House
Some of us went for a walk last night. We walked to commemorate the five members of the Afzaal family who were targeted in an horrific attack on the evening of June 6. They were a family out for a summer walk in their northwest London neighbourhood.
Their innocent walk ended in a senseless mass murder. An enraged Islamophobe remorselessly ran over the Afzaals as they stood on the sidewalk.
Four of the family members died. The sole survivor is nine-year old Fayez. He is now recovering in hospital, facing the painful realization that he has lost his older sister Yumna, both his parents, Madiha and Salman, and his 74 year-old grandmother, Talat Afzaal. A vigil on Tuesday was held on the grounds and surrounding streets of the London Muslim Mosque which was attended by thousands of grieving citizens. Funeral prayers attended by the public were held outside of the Islamic Centre of Southern Ontario on Saturday, followed by a private burial. Each of their coffins was covered with the Canadian flag.
Their killer faces four counts of homicide. The police say the family was targeted because they were visibly Muslim, and the murders have been categorized as an act of terrorism, motivated by an ideology of anti-Muslim hatred. In an opinion piece for The Globe & Mail (June 12, 2021), the author Omer Aziz writes: "Islamophobia begins with ideas. It always ends in violence ."
The rise in Islamophobic hate crimes is related to the increasing trend in assaults against Indigenous, Black and People of Colour (IBPOC). And these racist violent acts are in part the product of the vitriol and bigotry of right-wing media personalities and politicians, whose statements have given license to attacks against Muslims.
Dear Yumna, a talented teenager, created with the assistance of her resourceful mother, a mural inside the Islamic School that she and her brother attended. The words "Learn Lead Inspire" float aloft a night sky adorned with the moon, planets, and stars. This optimistic work of art is a reminder of Yumna's youthful positivity, and expresses the antithesis of her killer's ignorance, malevolence, and prejudice.
Muslims from across the country and beyond, as well as Canadians of all backgrounds, have gathered to memorialize the Afzaal family, to express shared grief, and to reflect on the meaning of this troubling incident. Let us come together to challenge the life-denying doctrines of hatred and violence that have long been a part of Canada's colonial history.
We all should be able to walk in the neighbourhoods of our cities free from fear of racist violence.
June 14, 2021
*****
This ECH tribute page for members of the Afzaal Family includes statements of support, condolences, and accompanying images sent to us from concerned friends who refuse to be silent in the face of anti-Muslim violence.
Statement from Hanny Hassan
We are in the midst of mourning the loss of four members of the London Muslim community, the Afzaal family, who perished, on June 6th, according to London police, due to a horrific act, perpetrated by someone who hated Muslims. The sole survivor, a 9 year old boy of this hate-crime is in hospital – left without his immediate family, his mother, father, sister and grandmother, all murdered while out for a Sunday evening walk in their neighbourhood.
Most Muslim spokespersons and the politicians, that spoke at the vigil, for the family, said that something had to be done to curb Islamophobia. No specific ideas were presented. I have long believed that Islamophobia has been stoked, not only by on-line hate, but also by a lack of knowledge about Islam and Muslims and the connection of Western civilization to Islamic civilization.
Yesterday the CBC reported, in the context of this crime, that 1 in 3 Canadians have negative impressions about Muslims. Similarly, CBC noted that negative attitudes towards First Nations peoples are held by 1 in 5 Canadians. Those statistics demonstrates the lack of esteem in which the IBPOC communities are held by the broader society and that there is a long way to go to create an equitable society. Hate is bred in ignorance of the other. Education is an important antidote.
While the proposed Summit on Islamophobia may come up with concrete ideas, far too often these conversations lead to a report that languishes for many years, as is the case with the “94 calls to action” that are outlined in the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015) which are are yet to be realized. I believe that we need to educate not only about the other but also to implement anti-racism initiatives. There is no reason to delay that process.
Muslims have been Londoners since the beginning of the last century. My father landed in Canada in 1914. He had little formal education. He had been trained as a stonemason. Through his imagination and industry, he established a successful small business and, with my mother, raised 11 children. Our parents valued the education that was not available to them as children. They were prepared to sacrifice any personal wealth they accumulated to help their children complete university. Of the 11 of us, 10, not only completed university, but have post-graduate degrees. Despite the prejudice that he frequently encountered my father praised Canada for the opportunities he had. He knew that most people were fair-minded. He did not believe in collective guilt.
An Islamic imperative, contained in the verses of Qur’an, reads, "O people! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other, not that you may despise each other. Verily the most honoured of you, in the sight of God, are those who do good." A related passage urges people of faith to adhere a shared value. “O People of the Book (people of faith), let us arrive at a word that is common to us all . . .” The common word is Love. See A Common Word Between Us and You | An Interfaith Initiative. These verses have been my motivation to work, with others, for equity and justice.
Hanny Hassan, June 11, 2021
Condolences and expressions of solidarity from GardenShip colleagues
Jamelie, family, and the Muslim community,
I know you are feeling anguish over the recent deaths of four Muslim people, by a racist in the truck. I want to say that I stand with you and offer my condolences. I mourn the fact that this is what Canadian society has come to. We can only pray that this will not become a way of life in Canada, as it has in the United States.
~Jeff Thomas
Several days ago, 4 members of a Muslim family here in London were murdered in a hate crime by a 20-year-old driver. This is shattering for our communities, and shows that Islamophobia is current and dangerous, and must be stopped.
How can I respond to this tragedy, following as it does the news of Kamloops?
By acting in solidarity with people experiencing the effects of violence, racism, and colonization, and reaffirming my commitment to real systemic change.
I believe that as an artist and educator, my privileged position makes the work of change a responsibility, and it is the focus of my hope.
My love and prayers go out to you, Jamelie & Ron, your family, and the Muslim community, especially the Afzaal family.
~Patrick Mahon
To Jamelie, Ron and Family and the London Muslim community,
Having lived and worked in London many years ago, I was horrified by the news of this terrorist attack. I recall my time at the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre and our work on anti-racism and cultural awareness, this after having the most amazing time living in a Muslim community in Indonesia, I will never forget the generosity and love shown to me by the Muslim community. I am heartbroken for the loss of such lovely human beings and both saddened and angered that these acts of terror continue. I hold all of you in my heart and will continue the work in combating the societal ills that cause these acts of hate.
In solidarity and with love,
~Adrian Stimson
I would like to also express my deep sadness and anguish over the recent death of four Muslim people in London. This was a truly horrible tragedy and I want to add my sincere condolences to you, Jamelie, your family, and the Muslim community, especially the Afzaal family. My thoughts are with all those that are suffering as a result of this terrible crime.
~Sean Caulfield
Dear Jamelie and Ron:
I send my deepest condolences to you, your family, and to the Muslim community; and especially to the Afzaal family. This act of unspeakable, Islamophobic violence is horrifying and heartbreaking. I stand by you in my heart as we mourn the senseless and targeted murder of this precious family. And I echo the others who have sent messages of love and solidarity at this difficult time in reaffirming my commitment to working towards systemic change that will end such violent racism and lead to a safer world for all.
~Joan Greer
I am saddened by the incident and deepest condolences to you, the Afzaal family, and to the Muslim community. My prayers and love to you.
~Sharmistha Kar
My heart is with you Jamelie, Ron, your family, the Muslim community, and the surviving young son as we mourn the loss of four members of the Afzaal family. Sending lots of love and support your way.
~Amelia Fay
I know you are feeling anguish over the recent deaths of four Muslim people, by a racist in the truck. I want to say that I stand with you and offer my condolences. I mourn the fact that this is what Canadian society has come to. We can only pray that this will not become a way of life in Canada, as it has in the United States.
~Jeff Thomas
Several days ago, 4 members of a Muslim family here in London were murdered in a hate crime by a 20-year-old driver. This is shattering for our communities, and shows that Islamophobia is current and dangerous, and must be stopped.
How can I respond to this tragedy, following as it does the news of Kamloops?
By acting in solidarity with people experiencing the effects of violence, racism, and colonization, and reaffirming my commitment to real systemic change.
I believe that as an artist and educator, my privileged position makes the work of change a responsibility, and it is the focus of my hope.
My love and prayers go out to you, Jamelie & Ron, your family, and the Muslim community, especially the Afzaal family.
~Patrick Mahon
To Jamelie, Ron and Family and the London Muslim community,
Having lived and worked in London many years ago, I was horrified by the news of this terrorist attack. I recall my time at the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre and our work on anti-racism and cultural awareness, this after having the most amazing time living in a Muslim community in Indonesia, I will never forget the generosity and love shown to me by the Muslim community. I am heartbroken for the loss of such lovely human beings and both saddened and angered that these acts of terror continue. I hold all of you in my heart and will continue the work in combating the societal ills that cause these acts of hate.
In solidarity and with love,
~Adrian Stimson
I would like to also express my deep sadness and anguish over the recent death of four Muslim people in London. This was a truly horrible tragedy and I want to add my sincere condolences to you, Jamelie, your family, and the Muslim community, especially the Afzaal family. My thoughts are with all those that are suffering as a result of this terrible crime.
~Sean Caulfield
Dear Jamelie and Ron:
I send my deepest condolences to you, your family, and to the Muslim community; and especially to the Afzaal family. This act of unspeakable, Islamophobic violence is horrifying and heartbreaking. I stand by you in my heart as we mourn the senseless and targeted murder of this precious family. And I echo the others who have sent messages of love and solidarity at this difficult time in reaffirming my commitment to working towards systemic change that will end such violent racism and lead to a safer world for all.
~Joan Greer
I am saddened by the incident and deepest condolences to you, the Afzaal family, and to the Muslim community. My prayers and love to you.
~Sharmistha Kar
My heart is with you Jamelie, Ron, your family, the Muslim community, and the surviving young son as we mourn the loss of four members of the Afzaal family. Sending lots of love and support your way.
~Amelia Fay
Dear Jamelie and Ron,
It has been four days since the murder of four beautiful Londoners and two days since thousands and thousands of people gathered in front of London Mosque to stand together against this horrifying expression of terror and hate. Miriam and I stand with you, the Muslim community, and the Afzaal family, and we send our love and deepest condolences. I am so terribly sad and angry, but more resolved than ever to reimagine and remake our community--our shared home. I am grateful for your leadership, friendship, and fellowship in this work. With love and in solidarity, ~Tom Cull Dear Jamelie and Ron, The unfolding of so many tragedies over the past few weeks has taken a toll on all of us, but because of your passion and empathy it has been particularly hard on you Jamelie. And so, I wanted to extend love and care to you, the Muslim community, and the Afzaal family. Asa, Angus, and I stand with you against hate and violence, but also against complacency and systemic white supremacy. With sincere condolences and solidarity, ~Michelle Wilson |
Condolences and expressions of solidarity from ECH community and supporters
Dear Jamelie,
Thank you so much for sending this. Such a moving and compelling tribute to such a horrific act of terrorism. No words are adequate to capture or convey the grief and acute heartbreak, and yet we must find them and continue to speak out. The racism and Islamophobia that continues to fester must be challenged repeatedly and relentlessly in every way possible; hate has to be extinguished by love. My heart goes out to you, the Afzaal family, and London’s Muslim community—I hold you in my thoughts and wish for you peace, safety, comfort, and a profound shift in the state of things so that these unconscionable acts and that which drives them are eradicated.
~Dr. Christine Sprengler
Dear Jamelie and family,
We're so sorry to learn over the past several days about the unspeakable act of hateful violence and murder which was perpetrated against a London Muslim family on Sunday evening, one which is numbing for the entire Muslim community and for millions of others of different faiths.
As horrifying as this is for all of us, we can only imagine how you must feel. Watching the news reports, and the vigils last night, this profound sadness and shock are difficult to manage but the message that was repeated again and again is that hate can be conquered by love.
Thinking of you all.
~Museum London Board, staff and volunteers
Hi Jamelie,
Thanks for your email. The news of attacking and killing the innocent Afzaal family was shocking and sad. Once again, it revealed the deep and hidden layers of racism at its core in Canada; in other words, it was a hate crime. It shocked me, and it scared the world that something like this could happen in Canada! Thanks for your readings’ recommendation; all very true.
~Fatima Garzan
Dear Jamelie,
I have been in shock over the last week-and-a-half over what happened in London, Ontario. I apologize for not reaching out to you until now. You have been very much on my mind and in my heart.
I am so saddened by the racism and violence around us. To have it so near to your home as you have witnessed is unimaginable. I am so sorry for your loss.
I don’t know if words can ever be of any consolation, but please know that you are in my prayers and that I am sending you wishes of comfort and peace.
~Sara Angel
Hi Jamelie,
It’s been hard to communicate lately with all the tragedy around us. My only hope is the slight silver lining in the recognition on the part of more Canadians, of the racism that continues around us, and the terrible toll it takes on so many of our brothers and sisters.
~Madeline Lennon
Dear Jamelie,
Many apologies for my late message. Since the passing of the Afzaal family, I have been thinking about your sorrow, but also your energy and commitment to the Muslim community. Words are not easy to come by when it comes to violence perpetrated by hate. There is no debating that what happened to the Afzaal family was the direct result of Islamophobia and white supremacy at work in so-called Canada. Yet, It is hard to locate and to understand how fear of the unknown can manifest in such permanent, irreversible pain and grief for so many. My heart goes out to the Muslim community in London who are mourning three generations of a single family. My heart goes out to the wider Muslim community in Canada, who I know is also experiencing grief, fear, and sadness. Lastly, My heart goes out to you and your family, who care so much and so deeply for the Muslim community at home in London, and abroad.
~Olivia Mossuto
Dear Jamelie,
I hope this email finds you safe and healthy. We have been thinking of you so much in recent days, as the news from London has been heartbreaking and I cannot imagine what it is like to be there at present. It is the kind of terrible act that creates an unspeakable grief, and words fail me now as I try to articulate the condolences I wish I could be sharing in person.
We have been following all the stories with #OurLondonFamily, and I hope that the support in the community brings some strength with it. Please know that those of us beyond London are thinking of you and your city in these weeks of mourning.
~Jocelyn Anderson
I just read of the targeted, racially-motivated murders of a Muslim family in our London; I feel sick, and can’t imagine how the larger Muslim community in London is feeling right now. (June 7, 2021)
The tribute page with the mural by Yumna is powerful, and poignant.
Omar El Akkad was a guest on CBC Sunday Magazine today (June 20, 2021). He addressed the horrific tragedy of the attack in London, and spoke about holding Canadian columnists and other individuals with power accountable for their contributions to a murderous Islamophobia.
~Chris Gittings
what horror this country, these revelations of the horror within now on a continuing basis, a pandemic of hate,
my heart is with you in mourning the loss of the members of the Afzaal family in london,
words don’t express any of what its necessary, our actions from love and rage so needed,
warmth and peace to you and yours in these times,
~Jayce Salloum
Thank you so much for sending this. Such a moving and compelling tribute to such a horrific act of terrorism. No words are adequate to capture or convey the grief and acute heartbreak, and yet we must find them and continue to speak out. The racism and Islamophobia that continues to fester must be challenged repeatedly and relentlessly in every way possible; hate has to be extinguished by love. My heart goes out to you, the Afzaal family, and London’s Muslim community—I hold you in my thoughts and wish for you peace, safety, comfort, and a profound shift in the state of things so that these unconscionable acts and that which drives them are eradicated.
~Dr. Christine Sprengler
Dear Jamelie and family,
We're so sorry to learn over the past several days about the unspeakable act of hateful violence and murder which was perpetrated against a London Muslim family on Sunday evening, one which is numbing for the entire Muslim community and for millions of others of different faiths.
As horrifying as this is for all of us, we can only imagine how you must feel. Watching the news reports, and the vigils last night, this profound sadness and shock are difficult to manage but the message that was repeated again and again is that hate can be conquered by love.
Thinking of you all.
~Museum London Board, staff and volunteers
Hi Jamelie,
Thanks for your email. The news of attacking and killing the innocent Afzaal family was shocking and sad. Once again, it revealed the deep and hidden layers of racism at its core in Canada; in other words, it was a hate crime. It shocked me, and it scared the world that something like this could happen in Canada! Thanks for your readings’ recommendation; all very true.
~Fatima Garzan
Dear Jamelie,
I have been in shock over the last week-and-a-half over what happened in London, Ontario. I apologize for not reaching out to you until now. You have been very much on my mind and in my heart.
I am so saddened by the racism and violence around us. To have it so near to your home as you have witnessed is unimaginable. I am so sorry for your loss.
I don’t know if words can ever be of any consolation, but please know that you are in my prayers and that I am sending you wishes of comfort and peace.
~Sara Angel
Hi Jamelie,
It’s been hard to communicate lately with all the tragedy around us. My only hope is the slight silver lining in the recognition on the part of more Canadians, of the racism that continues around us, and the terrible toll it takes on so many of our brothers and sisters.
~Madeline Lennon
Dear Jamelie,
Many apologies for my late message. Since the passing of the Afzaal family, I have been thinking about your sorrow, but also your energy and commitment to the Muslim community. Words are not easy to come by when it comes to violence perpetrated by hate. There is no debating that what happened to the Afzaal family was the direct result of Islamophobia and white supremacy at work in so-called Canada. Yet, It is hard to locate and to understand how fear of the unknown can manifest in such permanent, irreversible pain and grief for so many. My heart goes out to the Muslim community in London who are mourning three generations of a single family. My heart goes out to the wider Muslim community in Canada, who I know is also experiencing grief, fear, and sadness. Lastly, My heart goes out to you and your family, who care so much and so deeply for the Muslim community at home in London, and abroad.
~Olivia Mossuto
Dear Jamelie,
I hope this email finds you safe and healthy. We have been thinking of you so much in recent days, as the news from London has been heartbreaking and I cannot imagine what it is like to be there at present. It is the kind of terrible act that creates an unspeakable grief, and words fail me now as I try to articulate the condolences I wish I could be sharing in person.
We have been following all the stories with #OurLondonFamily, and I hope that the support in the community brings some strength with it. Please know that those of us beyond London are thinking of you and your city in these weeks of mourning.
~Jocelyn Anderson
I just read of the targeted, racially-motivated murders of a Muslim family in our London; I feel sick, and can’t imagine how the larger Muslim community in London is feeling right now. (June 7, 2021)
The tribute page with the mural by Yumna is powerful, and poignant.
Omar El Akkad was a guest on CBC Sunday Magazine today (June 20, 2021). He addressed the horrific tragedy of the attack in London, and spoke about holding Canadian columnists and other individuals with power accountable for their contributions to a murderous Islamophobia.
~Chris Gittings
what horror this country, these revelations of the horror within now on a continuing basis, a pandemic of hate,
my heart is with you in mourning the loss of the members of the Afzaal family in london,
words don’t express any of what its necessary, our actions from love and rage so needed,
warmth and peace to you and yours in these times,
~Jayce Salloum
Please read Omer Aziz's words on Islamophobia in light of the horror of Sunday June 6, 2021, published by Globe and Mail:
Islamophobia begins with ideas. It always ends in violence
Islamophobia begins with ideas. It always ends in violence
Nehal El-Hadi writes in response to this tragedy, published by THE CONVERSATION:
What is most shocking about hate in Canada is how mundane it can be. How it resides in the atmosphere, building up, until it strikes suddenly and seemingly randomly.
What is most shocking about hate in Canada is how mundane it can be. How it resides in the atmosphere, building up, until it strikes suddenly and seemingly randomly.
Banner Image: Niloufar Salimi, Imam Mosque, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan, Iran, 2017