https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/london-ontario-report-against-islamophobia-1.6336969
Eight months after the attack on the Afzaal family and London, Ont., began a reckoning with Islamophobia, a newly released city report recommends a permanent memorial at the site of the killings, more education about the contributions of Muslims, and establishing an advisory council to keep politicians accountable.
“The Muslim community remains hurt and frightened. They are angry, they are frustrated and they are desperate for all levels of government to stand by the commitments that were made following the terror attack,” said Rumina Morris, director of London’s anti-oppression and anti-racism division, and author of “A London For All: An Action Plan to Disrupt Islamophobia.”
“This [the attack] is not something that people have moved on from, in spite of the fact that it hasn’t received as much attention in the last few months.”
London’s Muslim community is diverse, but people want to see more action to help prevent future hate-filled incidents, Morris said.
It’s been 6 months since members of the Afzaal family in London, Ont., were killed. What’s changed?
The report was commissioned after the June 6, 2021, attack.
Salman Afzaal, 46, his wife Madiha Salman, 44, their daughter Yumna Afzaal, 15, and Salman Afzaal’s mother, Talat Afzaal, 74, died after being hit by a truck in what police say was an Islamophobic attack. A nine-year-old boy survived.
The event sparked a national conversation about Islamophobia and calls for all levels of government, as well as community groups, to act.
A man who was 20 at the time of the attack faces first-degree murder charges, one attempted murder charge and associated terrorism charges. He’s made numerous appearances by video link from Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre and the case is still making its way though the court process
Among the report’s recommendations:
A permanent memorial, costing $150,000, at Hyde Park and South Carriage roads where the attack happened, including a plaque, a garden, a youth-led art project and the crosswalks at the intersection painted green and purple — the colours that came to symbolize the attack.
Proclaiming October Islamic Heritage Month, June 6 as a Day of Remembrance of Our London Family, and Jan. 29 as the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action.
Developing training for Muslim youth, and making community centres and public spaces more inclusive and welcoming for Muslims, especially women.
An anti-Islamophobia advisory council to provide oversight of implementation of the plan and hiring a Muslim community liaison adviser.
More education about the contributions of Muslims, including bringing a U.K. exhibit to London.
Create an online reporting tool for hate-related harassment incidents, and beef up the existing public nuisance bylaw so anyone saying yelling hateful things to Muslims, newcomers or immigrants could be charged.
The recommendations were made after consultations with numerous Muslim groups and individuals, Morris said….
Eight months after the attack on the Afzaal family and London, Ont., began a reckoning with Islamophobia, a newly released city report recommends a permanent memorial at the site of the killings, more education about the contributions of Muslims, and establishing an advisory council to keep politicians accountable.
“The Muslim community remains hurt and frightened. They are angry, they are frustrated and they are desperate for all levels of government to stand by the commitments that were made following the terror attack,” said Rumina Morris, director of London’s anti-oppression and anti-racism division, and author of “A London For All: An Action Plan to Disrupt Islamophobia.”
“This [the attack] is not something that people have moved on from, in spite of the fact that it hasn’t received as much attention in the last few months.”
London’s Muslim community is diverse, but people want to see more action to help prevent future hate-filled incidents, Morris said.
It’s been 6 months since members of the Afzaal family in London, Ont., were killed. What’s changed?
The report was commissioned after the June 6, 2021, attack.
Salman Afzaal, 46, his wife Madiha Salman, 44, their daughter Yumna Afzaal, 15, and Salman Afzaal’s mother, Talat Afzaal, 74, died after being hit by a truck in what police say was an Islamophobic attack. A nine-year-old boy survived.
The event sparked a national conversation about Islamophobia and calls for all levels of government, as well as community groups, to act.
A man who was 20 at the time of the attack faces first-degree murder charges, one attempted murder charge and associated terrorism charges. He’s made numerous appearances by video link from Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre and the case is still making its way though the court process
Among the report’s recommendations:
A permanent memorial, costing $150,000, at Hyde Park and South Carriage roads where the attack happened, including a plaque, a garden, a youth-led art project and the crosswalks at the intersection painted green and purple — the colours that came to symbolize the attack.
Proclaiming October Islamic Heritage Month, June 6 as a Day of Remembrance of Our London Family, and Jan. 29 as the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action.
Developing training for Muslim youth, and making community centres and public spaces more inclusive and welcoming for Muslims, especially women.
An anti-Islamophobia advisory council to provide oversight of implementation of the plan and hiring a Muslim community liaison adviser.
More education about the contributions of Muslims, including bringing a U.K. exhibit to London.
Create an online reporting tool for hate-related harassment incidents, and beef up the existing public nuisance bylaw so anyone saying yelling hateful things to Muslims, newcomers or immigrants could be charged.
The recommendations were made after consultations with numerous Muslim groups and individuals, Morris said….
