Afzaal family photo provided
It has officially been three years since the events of the act of terrorism that took the lives of four members of London’s Afzaal family.
To remember the family and the events that shook the city, a vigil will be held on Thursday, June 6, held by members of the London Muslim community and others with the City of London.
“The event will mainly commemorate the incident that happened and show that we’re stronger when we’re united,” says .
Volunteer with the Youth Coalition Combating Islamophobia, Hisham Ellaw.
He says the vigil also serves as a reminder of the change that still needs to happen.
“In order for us to see change in our society, we need to first of all change what’s within ourselves and we need to change what’s within our systems.”
The event is set to be held at South Carriage Road, west of Hyde Park Road, and expected to last from 7:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..
Community leaders and special guests will share words of encouragement and healing during the vigil and all Londoners are invited to participate.
Ellaw says though that plenty of positive effects have been seen since the act of terrorism occurred.
The mural on the corner of South Carriage Road, where the original tragedy took place.
“We can’t turn a blind eye to this, but there has been an increase in people being more aware of islamophobia,” says Ellaw.
“Recently, as you may know, the trial has happened, so we can see that there has been a legal acknowledgement, but obviously there is a long way to go.”
The event as a whole is being labeled as a standing event, but Londoners are welcomed to bring lawn chairs.
For those looking to drive over, parking will be available at St. John French Immersion Catholic Elementary School (1212 Coronation Drive), the Real Canadian Superstore (1205 Oxford Street) and RONA north location (1335 Fanshawe Road West).
In the case of an extreme weather event, Oakridge Secondary School (1040 Oxford Street West) has been secured as an alternative venue for the vigil.
The full list of details for the event and more can be found at https://london.ca/our-london-family.
