Leaders in the Muslim community of London, Ont. emphasize that more efforts are needed to fight hate nearly five years after a tragic attack claimed the lives of four members of a Muslim family during an evening stroll.
“It’s been a challenging five years,” said Imam Abd Alfatah Twakkal on CBC’s London Morning.
“This isn’t just about recalling the date itself; it’s about what actions we’re taking to address the roots of that terrible terrorist attack in our city,” he explained.
“You can’t simply say ‘problem solved,'” he noted.
On June 6, 2021, Yumnah Afzaal, 15, along with her parents Madiha Salman, 44, and Salman Afzaal, 46, and grandmother Talat Afzaal, 74, were deliberately hit and killed by a truck. A young boy who was seriously hurt was their only survivor.
The man responsible for their deaths is currently serving a life sentence after being found guilty of terrorism, four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder during his trial in Windsor, Ont., in 2023.
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A woman holds a sign that reads: ‘our work to dismantle hate, racism and discrimination of all forms starts in our homes.’ She marched alongside thousands just days after a terrorist attack left dead. (Michelle Both/CBC)
“I often say there are two main causes behind any form of racism or discrimination,” he stated. “One is ignorance; the other is arrogance.”
“As we come together tonight or this weekend to remember what happened five years ago, it’s crucial that we engage in these sometimes difficult but necessary conversations.”
WATCH | Remembering Our London Family 5 Years After Tragic Attack:
Remembering Our London Family 5 Years After Tragic AttackIt’s been five years since an act of terror took four members from the Afzaal family in London, Ont. Imam Abd Alfatah Twakkal co-hosts an upcoming community event called “Rooted in Remembrance and Growing Together as Allies.” He spoke with London Morning about progress made against hate and what’s still required moving forward.
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In 2023 crowds gathered ahead of speeches on Hyde Park Road commemorating two years since the hate-fueled attack (Isha Bhargava/)
(City Of london)
With files from Andrew Brown and Michelle Both
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Allyship and Difficult Conversations
This Tuesday evening, Twakkal is cohosting an event titled Rooted in Remembrance and Growing Together as Allies at the Earl Nichols Arena in south London from 6 to 8 p. m. Twakkal stated that his speech will honor “the good that the family represented” while also focusing on understanding allyship better and identifying concrete steps individuals can take against discrimination. London, Ont., Imam Abd Alfatah Twakkal mentions that the trial may stir up tough emotions for many people. (Kate Dubinski/CBC) He mentioned that members of London’s Muslim community face or witness some form of racism or discrimination daily-this includes online hatred present in various posts or articles regarding Islam and Muslims. “We don’t live isolated lives; instead, people encounter these ideologies every day,” he remarked. “Ongoing work is essential to root out all forms of racism and discrimination.” To him, being an ally means standing alongside fellow humans to ensure their safety without allowing any space for discrimination or bigotry. LISTEN | Imam Abd Alfatah Twakkal on London Morning: London Morning9:29Remembering the Afzaal family Five years have passed since a terrorist attack took away four members of the Afzaal family in London. Imam Abd Alfatah Twakkal is cohosting a community event Tuesday night called “Rooted in Remembrance and Growing Together as Allies.” He joined London Morning to discuss advancements made against hate and what still needs addressing. “We can support people even if we don’t completely agree with everything they say,” he said. “But we stand by them when it comes to acknowledging their humanity.” Twakkal hopes this anniversary serves as a moment for reflection within the community-a chance for everyone to consider their understanding of these issues, recognize implicit biases they may hold, and assess how they are acting as Londoners to support those facing injustice.
Remembering Our London Family 5 Years After Tragic AttackIt’s been five years since an act of terror took four members from the Afzaal family in London, Ont. Imam Abd Alfatah Twakkal co-hosts an upcoming community event called “Rooted in Remembrance and Growing Together as Allies.” He spoke with London Morning about progress made against hate and what’s still required moving forward.
A March This Saturday
This Saturday evening supporters will come together for a commemorative event followed by a march at the site where the tragedy occurred. A ceremony will begin at Hyde Park near South Carriage Road at 6 p. m., leading into a march toward Oakridge Secondary School around 7:30 p. m.-the school Yumna attended.
Selma Tobah from Youth Coalition Combating Islamophobia is among those organizing this symbolic gathering.
The incident fundamentally shifted how Muslims feel about safety and belonging within London’s community,” she noted.
“We’re reclaiming our streets while honoring their memory,” she added.
P I think many organizations-including those within city government-have committed themselves towards making London safer than before,” she expressed further.” However our ongoing responsibility involves communicating effectively so everyone understands how Islamophobia shows up around us while striving for inclusivity across all communities.” This Saturday expect road closures and traffic delays throughout affected neighborhoods such as Fitzwilliam Boulevard; Prince Philip Drive; & South Carriage Road according to City officials advising drivers plan accordingly using alternate routes wherever possible avoid unnecessary holdups!(City Of london)
With files from Andrew Brown and Michelle BothSource link
