Muslim family killed in London, Ont., attack to be honoured with 5 days of events for 1-year mark

Nearly a year since four members of the Afzaal family were killed in a vehicle attack in London, Ont., five days of events starting June 3 have been organized to honour them and bring attention to the issue of Islamophobia.

The City of Londonand a number of organizations, including the London Muslim Mosque, Youth Coalition Combatting Islamophobiaand the Muslim Wellness Network arehosting the events June 3-8.

"Lives were lost as a result of Islamophobia" said Selma Tobah with the youth coalition. "It's really necessary for the city to commemorate what happened and to really have an understanding as to how it is that we got to that point."

On June 6, 2021, the Afzaal family was struck by a truck on Hyde Park Roadin what the police described as a crime motivated by anti-Muslim hate. Talat Afzaal, Salman Afzaal, Yumna Afzaal and Madiha Salman died, while a young boysurvived.

The event shocked the nation andshineda light on the effects of unchecked Islamophobia.

'The nature of Islamophobia in London'

"The events really, I think, have a number of goals," Tobah added. "I think not only remembering the Afzaalfamily, remembering what happened on June 6 of last year but also really having, I guess, a public conversation about the nature of Islamophobia in London."

Youth Coalition Combatting Islamophobia is hosting a march on June 5 from Oakridge Secondary School to the London Muslim Mosque, and a vigil on June 6.

The London District Catholic School Board and the Thames Valley District School Board are hosting a walk for students, and the Islamic Social Services Association King's College and the Muslim Resources Centre for Social Support and Integration are hosting two workshops focused on anti-Islamophobia, on June 7 and 8.

There will also be an art gallery and prayer services, hosted by the London Muslim Mosque.

"I really hope Londoners take the opportunity to show their solidarity, and really come out to learn about the issues affecting the Muslim community," said Tobah.

A 21-year-old man has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder, with associated terrorism charges. He's expected to go to trial next year.