On the first anniversary of a premeditated attack against a London family, residents in Windsor-Essex can show solidarity against Islamophobia, racism and hatred by participating in a community walk.
The Windsor Islamic Association, the National Council of Canadian Muslims, and Islamic Relief are hosting the walk starting at 7 p.m. on Monday at the Bert Weeks Memorial Garden. The walk will take participants west along the riverfront trail to Assumption Park about an hour later.
A memorial continues to grow at the corner of Hyde Park and South Carriage roads in honour of a Muslim family who was run down Sunday night, June 8, 2021. Photo by Blair Henatyzen.
It follows a vigil and community walk in London on Sunday, marking one year since a pickup truck plowed into a Muslim family of five out for an evening walk. About 2,000 people participated in the event organized by the Youth Coalition Combatting Islamophobia.
Also in London on Monday, a prayer service at an Islamic cemetery, a formal dedication ceremony at a community garden, and an art exhibit.
Public schools in London have lowered their flags to half-mast.
Salman Afzaal, his wife, 15-year-old daughter, and mother were all killed in the attack. Only his nine-year-old son Talat survived.
The trial of a London charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one of attempted murder is expected to start in September 2023. A hearing requesting a change of venue is scheduled for later this month.
Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued a statement Monday commemorating the attack on the Afzaal family, saying that hatred has no place in the province.
"A horrific act of hate-motivated terrorism claimed the lives of four innocent people and left a young boy without his family," said Ford in a media release. "Today, as we continue to grieve this tragic and senseless loss, I join all Ontarians in honouring the memory of the Afzaal family. Our government will always stand with Ontario’s Muslim community. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fight Islamophobia and defend everyone’s fundamental right to practice their faith free of fear, intimidation and violence."
* With files from Tamara Thornton, Mark Brown, and Miranda Chant
