Anniversary of Flight PS752 Tragedy Observed by Families

Dozens of people gathered in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Thursday to honor the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752, six years after the tragic incident in Iran.

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

All 176 individuals on board lost their lives, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents. The flight was headed from Tehran to Kyiv. According to the Ontario government, a total of 44 victims were connected to Richmond Hill through work or study.

Kourosh Doustshenas, spokesperson for the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims, stated that the ceremony served not only as a way to remember those who were lost but also as a platform for seeking justice by revealing what truly happened. The association organized this 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 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 shared.

“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 when we thought her life might finally get easier after years of studying hard and working diligently, her life ended so suddenly on this trip,” he reflected. “This part bothers me greatly; she never really got to enjoy her life fully. It’s tough to accept that it happened this way; it feels deeply unfair.”

Alavi expressed that “every loss is difficult” but losses tainted by injustice make healing much harder. “We haven’t been able to find 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 all affected families.

“It was an incredible honor 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 noted.

“And I deeply commit that we will continue our efforts toward seeking justice, truth, and accountability.”

Anand mentioned that grieving families motivate Canadian political leaders to push harder for justice while emphasizing that their government remains dedicated to exploring every legal route necessary to hold Iran accountable for shooting down the plane.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand hugs a relative of one of the victims of downing 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 added that they are monitoring ongoing protests in Iran closely while condemning violence used against dissenters by Iranian authorities. She affirmed Canada’s commitment to advocating for human rights enforcement.

“I recognize that many among you have family members or friends back home in Iran who may be affected-likely impacted-by these events happening now. Your loved ones are always in our thoughts; I’m personally inspired by those courageous protesters seeking real change,” she said.>

Ontario pledges $350K to help build memorial for victims

The Ontario government also announced on Thursday via news release that it will allocate $350,000 towards creating a memorial for victims within Richmond Hill’s Unity Park.>

The province noted construction plans entail collaborative efforts between City Richmond Hill provincial federal governments set start mid-2026 expected finish date year later.’>

This memorial marks first tribute dedicated specifically towards Flight PS752 victims Ontario. Winnipeg recently unveiled first permanent public commemoration Canada July fifth twenty twenty-five.'</​

Candlelight vigil held Wednesday night marking anniversary

A candlelight vigil took place Wednesday evening attended human rights activists elected officials Unity Park featuring speeches mayor local member Parliament.'</​<P other commemorative activities planned across cities including Windsor Vancouver observed remembrance dates concluded commemorative events occurred throughout week culminating major gatherings scheduled today finalized yesterday respective areas.;’’​<P last year court ruling upheld decision confirming legal liability owed full compensation families’ loss involving Ukrainian Airline entities involved tragedy.'

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