For Immediate Release
Winnipeg Vigil to Honour and Remember three generations of the Afzal Family
On Sunday, June 6th, A Muslim family of five was struck with a truck in a premeditated terrorist attack. Four members were killed, and nine-year-old Fayez was injured who has lost his parents, sister, and grandmother and is now recovering in hospital with serious injuries.
This beautiful family was targeted because they were Muslim. This act of barbaric violence is a stark reminder of how deadly Islamophobic hate is in our country
Islamophobia has been on the rise for over two decades in Canada. The Canadian Muslim community has been a target of harassment, verbal and physical aggression, mosque vandalism, and since 2017 killings of innocent worshipers in Quebec, Toronto, and now a family taking a Sunday walk in London Ont.
This carnage has to stop. There is no room for Islamophobia in our country and any other form of hate. All Canadians, irrespective of their beliefs, race, cultural background, and appearance should be able to live in this country freely and not have to worry about their family’s safety.
Our hearts and prayers are with family & friends of those who lost their lives, and we pray for his speedy recovery of that Fayez Afzal from his physical and emotional injuries.
We worry about our sisters and daughters who are easily identifiable as Muslim, but we will stay strong and not allow fear to consume us or deter us from the path of justice.
We call on all levels of government to take action on Islamophobia. Words on condemnation and statements are not enough we need action -Now!
A special drive-in vigil will be held Thursday, June 10, 2021 at the Manitoba Islamic Association at 8:00pm. The vigil is open to the general public but requires registration at www.miaonline.org/
Al-Hijrah Islamic School
Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute
Islamic Social Services Association
Husseini Association of Manitoba
ICNA Winnipeg Chapter
Masjid Bilal
Manitoba Islamic Association
Muslim Students Association
Winnipeg Central Mosque
Winnipeg Rahma Islamic Centre