The city of London will be holding a vigil to honour the Afzaal family, who were tragically killed in a deliberate attack three years ago. The family, consisting of Salman Afzaal, Madiha Salman, Yumna Afzaal, and Talat Afzaal, were struck by a vehicle while out for a walk, resulting in the deaths of four family members. The lone survivor, Salman and Madiha’s then nine-year-old son, sustained serious injuries but survived the attack. The perpetrator of the murders, Nathaniel Veltman, was sentenced to life in prison earlier this year, with his actions being deemed terrorism. Veltman appealed the decision in April, but a vigil will be held to commemorate the family’s lives on the anniversary of their tragic loss.
The vigil for the Afzaal family will take place on Thursday evening, with community leaders and guests speaking at the event. All Londoners are invited to attend the vigil, which will be held on South Carriage road west of Hyde Park road. London Mayor Josh Morgan emphasized the importance of unity and support in honouring the family’s lives and combating hate and Islamophobia in the city. Chair of the London Council of Imams Abd Alfatah Twakkal highlighted the ongoing impact felt by London’s Muslim community three years after the attack, expressing concerns about safety and security while emphasizing the importance of not allowing fear to dictate their lives.
This year’s vigil holds particular significance for the community as Veltman was designated as a terrorist linked to white nationalist ideologies, a first in Canada. Twakkal stressed the need to address and eliminate forms of discrimination and racism that lead to such senseless acts of violence. To accommodate the vigil, South Carriage Road will be fully closed, and shuttle buses will be available for attendees. City Hall will also fly an “Our London Family” flag, with the building being lit in purple and green in honour of the Afzaals. Additionally, free “Our London Family” signs can be picked up at various locations throughout the city, with more information available on the city of London website.
The London community continues to remember and honour the Afzaal family, with various events planned throughout the city to commemorate the anniversary of their tragic loss. The city remains committed to combatting hate and promoting unity and support for all its residents. The impact of the attack on the Muslim community is still deeply felt, with concerns about safety and security prevalent among community members. Despite these fears, the community is determined to continue living their lives without allowing hatred to dictate their actions.
As the community comes together to remember the Afzaal family and stand against hate and Islamophobia, the vigil serves as a poignant reminder of the need for unity and understanding in the face of tragedy. By recognizing and addressing the root causes of discrimination and racism, the community can work towards eliminating such forms of hatred and senseless violence. The vigil and other events planned in honour of the Afzaals are a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the London community in the face of tragedy.
