CRRF’s Statement on the Terrorist Attack In London, ON

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation is deeply saddened and dismayed by the deadly attack on the Afzaal family in London, Ontario. Violence motivated by hatred of a person’s religion, skin color, or country of origin is a dangerous trajectory that our society cannot afford to accept. This tragedy is emblematic of the unacceptable cruelty that is taking root in our community and is further evidence of the Islamophobia that many Muslim Canadians have long been aware of and warned against. These warnings must always be heeded and taken seriously. We recognize the growing and justified fear that Muslim Canadians are feeling as a result of this senseless violence.

We must all take this moment to not only mourn the deaths of these four innocent people but also to reflect on how we as a society can stop hate crimes before they become acts of terrorism like the one that occurred last Sunday. The CRRF stands in solidarity with the Afzaal family and all Muslim Canadians at this time. We also call for swift justice for all victims of hate crimes.