By: Mujahid Ahmed
The world of every Muslim in Canada shook on June 6th, 2021, when the lives of three generations of a Muslim family in London, Ontario were snuffed out by an act of Islamophobic terror.
Four members of the family left behind loved ones who continue to struggle with loss, including a little boy who survived the attack. They will never be the same. We will never be the same.
They were simply on a family walk after maghrib prayer. They never imagined that an act of savage violence could be so close.
Though their lives were taken by hate, Islamic relief and our allies will keep their memories alive as a beacon against the evil that grows in corners of Canadian society. Together, we can and must make a difference. We must push our communities and leaders to act against Islamophobia and racism. That is why, one year after the tragedy, we stand in solidarity with all Canadians of good will to commemorate the memory of Our London Family, and to stare hate in its face. On June 4th Islamic Relief joined together with the community in action against Islamophobia, racism, and hate at Holland park in Surrey. The event was attended by political members from federal and municipal levels along with people of mixed ethnicities and background.
Community member Bilal Cheema gave a speech about actions we must take as Muslim Canadians to make sure events like these don’t happened anywhere in this country. After the speech, everyone gathered together to walk in solidarity around Holland park. The evening concluded with Islamic Relief collecting donations for supporting the preservation of the mural in London, started by the youngest member of Our London family who perished in the attack and funding an arts program for youth in London, Ontario in the memory of Our London Family.
