Six Years Since the Tragic Downing of Flight PS752

Dozens of people gathered in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Thursday to honor the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752, marking six years since the plane was shot down in Iran.

On Jan. 8, 2020, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps brought down the aircraft with two surface-to-air missiles shortly after it took off from Tehran.

All 176 individuals aboard lost their lives, including 55 Canadians and 30 permanent residents. The flight was en route from Tehran to Kyiv. According to the Ontario government, a total of 44 victims had ties to Richmond Hill through work or study.

Kourosh Doustshenas, a representative for the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims, shared that the ceremony served not only as a tribute to those who were lost but also as a platform for seeking justice by revealing the truth about what transpired. The association organized the event.

“Without truth and justice, we don’t have any closure in our lives. The pain is raw, and we’re still fighting. Emotionally and physiologically, many of the families are still really struggling,” Doustshenas said.

‘It was very unjust,’ son says of mother’s death in crash

Amirali Alavi lost his mother, Neda Sadighi, in the plane crash. Sadighi was an optometrist practicing in Toronto, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, and London, Ont. Before moving to Canada, she worked as a doctor in Iran, he mentioned.

“My mom was the kindest person I knew. Her laughter was the loudest in every room. She was the most supportive of the people around her,” Alavi said.

“Just as we thought maybe her life would get easier after years and years of studying and working hard, on this trip her life ended very abruptly,” he reflected. “This is what bothers me a lot. She didn’t really get to enjoy her life. It is difficult to process and it was very unjust.”

Alavi noted that “every loss is difficult” but losses complicated by injustice and violence are even harder to come to terms with. “We haven’t been able to get our closure.”

Amirali Alavi is pictured here at his mother’s funeral in Toronto. (Submitted by Amirali Alavi)

Minister extends condolences to families of victims

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand spoke at the ceremony and offered “heartfelt and very deepest” condolences on behalf of the federal government to those affected by this tragedy.

“It was an incredible honour and privilege for me before the ceremony began to meet some of the mothers who have suffered for six years after losing their children and family members,” she expressed.

“And I deeply commit to all of you that we will continue our efforts to seek justice, truth, and accountability.”

Anand emphasized that the grief experienced by these families motivates Canadian political leaders towards greater action for justice while reaffirming that they will pursue every legal option available against Iran regarding this incident.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand hugs a relative of one of the victims of downed Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 as she arrives at a ceremony commemorating its sixth anniversary in Richmond Hill on Thursday. (Eduardo Lima/The Canadian Press)

Anand remarked that they are closely monitoring ongoing protests in Iran while condemning any violent or oppressive measures taken by its government against dissenters. She asserted that Canada will keep advocating for human rights protections.

“I recognize that many many of you have family members or friends back home who may be affected or likely impacted by these current events. Your families remain in our thoughts while I’m personally inspired by both courage and determination shown by protesters seeking real change,” she stated.

Ontario pledges $350K to help build memorial for victims

The Ontario government also announced on Thursday through a news release that it would provide $350 thousand dollars toward building a memorial for those lost during Flight PS752 within Richmond Hill.

Graham Mc Gregor,, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism stated: “Ontario is proud to support this important initiative honoring the victims of Flight PS752 while providing space for reflection and healing.” He added: “This memorial serves as both remembrance for lives lost alongside recognition toward enduring strength demonstrated among families continuing pursuit for justice.”

The province indicated collaboration between City officials along with provincial & federal governments will oversee construction beginning mid-2026; completion anticipated sometime into late-2027 timeframe ahead.

The planned memorial comprises steel panels combined with engraved granite base listing all names associated; designated site located within Unity Park area situated throughout Richmond Hill community overall importance.

This particular project represents Ontario’s inaugural commemoration honoring persons connected due circumstances surrounding aforementioned tragedy unlike previous memorials unveiled elsewhere across different regions nationally earlier prior establishing first public monument set forth marked July fifth year two-thousand twenty-five date specific timeline line following initially tragic events occurred upon fateful day end result leading onward changing landscapes forevermore impacted beyond comprehension levels unrecognized beforehand till now revealed fully publicly acknowledged momentous occasion shaping perspectives anew yet furthering understandings collectively raising awareness whenever possible where ever needed most urgently present high stakes involved situations arising requiring attention focused directly upon them indeed!!.

Candlelight vigil held Wednesday evening marking anniversary

Human rights advocates alongside elected officials attended candle light vigil taking place unity park located downtown areas observed past Wednesday night hosting speeches given various attendees including mayor local member parliament shared sentiments expressed outpouring support standing together throughout community united way

Additional events scheduled highlight significance surrounding annual observance set forth planned occurring Windsor alongside Vancouver respectively respective locations serving similar purposes reaching out gaining awareness alike throughout different crowds engaged more broadly than before simultaneously uplift hopes ideals resonate deeply felt entire populace wishing better futures emerge from darkness witnessed lately reignited hope amongst so many needing reminding time heals wounds ultimately bringing solace sought forward into light once again eventually restoring peace internally despite external struggles faced regardless distances separating us each other ultimately connecting hearts souls bridging gaps understanding cross borders societal expectations faced daily instead rising above challenges conquer defeating hurdles blocking pathways dreams alive henceforth continue pressing forward journey always awaiting discovering new possibilities beyond horizon established previously unknown realms infinity stretching boundlessly outward forever evolving never stagnant essence alive thriving passionately embracing change continually unfolding destiny shaped purposefully collective efforts undertaken striving relentlessly amidst chaos beauty found nonetheless blossoming resilient spirit humanity yearning illuminate path brighter tomorrow ahead.

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