City of London commemorates 1 year anniversary of terrorist attack on London family
June 6, 2022 will mark the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attack that took the lives of four of the five members of the Afzaal family.
Members of the London community, along with the City of London are honouring the family with several community events in hopes of continuing the healing for the community.
Please note that all Londoners are welcome to attend the events below.
Community Events:
Please continue to check this site often for updates to the events listed below as details are being confirmed and may change.
May 31 to June 7, 2022 Events
Commemorative Buttons and Book Displays
The London Public Library is highlighting contemporary Muslim authors, stories and experiences. Visit any location to borrow books for adults and children by Muslim authors, honouring Muslim experiences and exploring themes of racism and empathy. Beginning May 31, 2022, individuals are also invited to pick up a pin-back button to honour Our London Family and show support for the community. Available from all library locations, while supplies last.
June 3, 2022 Events
Remembering Our London Family Lecture and Invocation
Hosted by the Muslim Wellness Network, this event will give the community an opportunity to take some time to remember and honour Our London Family. Community is welcomed to attend from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information on this event, please visit the Muslim Wellness Network. All are welcome to attend this event. The Muslim Wellness Network is located at 990 Gainsborough Road.
June 4, 2022 Events
The Muslim Association of Canada are hosting a Our London Family Gym Dedication on Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend this event which takes place at 1175 Hyde Park Road, Unit #9.
June 5, 2022 Events
Our London Family March
Organized by the Youth Coalition Combatting Islamophobia (YCCI), the Our London Family March will take place on June 5, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. starting at the Oakridge Secondary School and will end at the London Muslim Mosque at approximately 5:00 p.m. Program will start at 1:30 p.m. For more information on this event, please reach out to the YCCI at yccimarch@gmail.com. The Oakridge Secondary School is located at 1040 Oxford Street West. The London Muslim Mosque is located at 151 Oxford Street West. All are welcome to attend this event.
Please ensure you stay aware of the weather for this event, and prepare appropriately -ie: sunscreen/umbrella. It is also important to note that there will be traffic impacts on Oxford Street due to this event.
Traffic Impacts: To accommodate the march, there will be traffic impacts in the surrounding areas. On June 5, there will be lane reductions on Oxford Street beginning at approximately 12:00 p.m., with full closure expected as the march begins. There will be no parking available on the school property.
June 6, 2022 Events
Our London Family Prayer Service
The London Muslim community will be hosting an Our London Family Prayer Service on June 6, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Islamic Cemetery. To learn more about this service, please reach out to the London Muslim Mosque. The Islamic Cemetery is located at 6100 White Oak Road.
Our London Family Student Walk
In honour of Our London Family and the walk they did not get to complete, students from the Thames Valley District School Board and the London District Catholic School Board will be completing that walk on the family's behalf. These walks will happen throughout the day.
Our London Family Community Garden Dedication
The City of London will be hosting the dedication of the "Our London Family Community Garden" on June 6, 2022. This event, which starts at 1:00 p.m., will be held at Maple Grove Park. For more information on this event, please reach out to arao@london.ca. Maple Grove Park is located at 1260 Coronation Drive in London. All are welcome to join this event.
Our London Family Art Gallery
On June 6, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. the London Muslim Mosque. will be hosting an event to launch a community art gallery in dedication of Our London Family. All are welcome to join this event.
Our London Family Vigil
Organized by the Youth Coalition Combatting Islamophobia, the Our London Family Vigil will be hosted at the Memorial Plaza (Hyde Park/South Carriage Road) starting at 6:30 p.m. on June 6, 2022. All are welcome to join this event.
Traffic Impacts: To accommodate the vigil, there will be traffic impacts in the surrounding areas. On June 6, South Carriage Road at Hyde Park will be closed as of 8:00 a.m. and access will be limited to local residents only on Prince of Wales at Gainsborough Road as of 3:00 p.m. As well, there will be road closures in both directions on Hyde Park Road between Gainsborough Road and Sarnia Road beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Our London Family Evening Prayer
The North London Islamic Centre (NLIC) will have a special community Our London Family Dua/Prayer after Ishaa prayer at 10:30 p.m. For more information, please reach out at 519-518-1938 or via email at admin@nlic.ca
June 7, 2022 Events
Anti-Islamophobia Workshop
The Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration, Islamic Social Services Association and King's University College, School of Social Work will be hosting an open conversation and full-day workshop about Islam and Muslims entitled "Islamophobia: Recognize, Resist, Respond." All are welcome to attend this event, which includes a halal lunch, refreshments and parking, by registering at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/defeat-hate-with-knowledge-and-compassion-registration-340239163497 . This event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Civic Garden Complex at 625 Springbank Drive.
June 8, 2022 Events
Anti-Islamophobia Workshop
The Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration, Islamic Social Services Association and King's University College, School of Social Work will be hosting a sector-specific Anti-Islamophobia Workshop. Registration will be required for this event.
Registration link for those in the Social Services field (12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.): https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/defeat-hate-with-knowledge-and-compassion-for-social-services-tickets-343461762377
Registration link for Educators (4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.): https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/defeat-hate-with-knowledge-and-compassion-for-educators-tickets-344434511897
We Remember Our London Family, Together
Without the continued dedication, compassion, and commitment from many community partners and organizations, these very important events of healing and recognition would not be possible. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to helping remember and honour Our London Family.
Thames Valley District School Board
London Catholic District School Board
Muslim Resource Centre for Social Service Integration
Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario
Youth Coalition Combatting Islamophobia
Community Resources
As a community we need to continue to learn more on how we can disrupt Islamophobia and hate in our City. There are many community organizations and resources available to Londoners who are interested in learning more about how we can be a more welcoming and inclusive City.
Letters from Londoners in support of healing
London Public Library- Find books and other resources featuring Muslim authors and stories: KIDS TEENS ADULT-Fiction ADULT -Non-fiction
Bill 86, Our London Family Act (Working Together to Combat Islamophobia and Hatred), 2022
A London for All – An Action Plan to Disrupt Islamophobia
CONTACT INFORMATION