A vigil will be held in London to mark the anniversary of the devastating attack that rocked London's community three years ago Afzal family.
June 6th marks the third anniversary of the murder of a family of four in London, Ontario, while walking in the city's east end. The family was deliberately struck while waiting at the intersection of Hyde Park Road and South Road.
Salman Afzal, 46, his wife Matiha Salman, 44, their daughter Yumna Afzal, 15, and Salman's mother Talat Afzal, 74, were killed. The couple's then 9-year-old son survived the attack with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The murderer was 23-year-old Nathaniel Veltman earlier this year. Sentenced to life imprisonment He was jailed for the attack, which was considered terrorism. Appeal the decision In April.
A memorial service will be held on South Road, west of Hyde Park Road, from 7.45pm to 9pm on Thursday evening. Community leaders and guests will speak, and all Londoners are invited to attend.
London Mayor Josh Morgan said in a statement: “On the anniversary of the tragic loss of four members of the London family, let us come together to remember them and support each other, as we did three years ago. Hate has no place here. The City Council and our community partners remain committed to tackling all forms of hate and Islamophobia in our city.”
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Abdul Al Fateh Twakar, chairman of the London Imams Council, said three years on, London's Muslim community was still feeling the impact.
“I’m not sure we can ever feel completely safe on the streets because this possibility is always on our minds,” Twakar said. “But at the same time … we shouldn’t let fear rule our lives. We’re going to get on with our lives.”
Twakar said this year's vigil is especially important for the community because Veltman has been designated a terrorist with ties to white nationalist ideology, a first in Canada.
“It's important that people recognize it for what it needs to be recognized for. This is a hatred that has resulted in the senseless loss of life of three generations of one family. Being able to understand the roots of this hatred is the first step to taking action to eliminate discrimination and racism in any form.”
To allow for the vigil, the southbound carriageway will be completely closed from Hyde Park Road to Prince of Wales Gate from 11am to approximately 10pm on Thursday.
Attendees may park at St. John French Immersion Catholic Elementary School at 1212 Coronation Drive, the Real Canadian Superstore at 1205 Oxford Street and RONA North at 1335 Fanshawe Road West. Shuttle buses will provide pick-up and drop-off at the Real Canadian Superstore and RONA parking lots.
City Hall will also fly an Our London Family flag, and both City Hall and the J. Allyn Taylor Building will be lit up purple and green in honour of the Afzaals. Several other events are planned across the city, and free Our London Family signs can be picked up around the city. For more information visit City of London website.
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