June 6, 2023 will mark the two-year commemoration of the terrorist attack that took the lives of four of Our London Family. Members of the London community 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. Stay tuned for further updates as plans are finalized.
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 30 to June 17, 2023 Events
Our London Family Vigil
Date: June 6, 2023
Location: Memorial Plaza, Hyde Park and S. Carriage Road
Timing: 6:30 p.m.
Details: June 6, 2023 marks the second annual commemoration of the Islamophobic hate crime that killed four Londoners: Talat, Salman, Yumnah Afzaal and Madiha Salman. We mark the anniversary of this event to honour the community members taken from us, remember how hate divides us, and recognize the resiliency that has emerged from this tragedy. Join us on Tuesday June 6th for the Our London Family Vigil at 6:30 PM at the intersection of Hyde Park and South Carriage road (Memorial Plaza). Magreb prayer on site. For those who intend to pray, please bring prayer mats.
Parking: The Real Canada Superstore at 1205 Oxford Street (Hyde Park & Oxford) and Lowe’s North Location at 1335 Fanshawe Road West (Hyde Park & Fanshawe) -lot further away from the doors.
Shuttle Bus: Shuttle buses will do three pick ups at each location between 6:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. and will drop passengers off close to the intersection of Hyde Park and South Carriage Road. Shuttle buses will pick up passengers at the intersection of Hyde Park and South Carriage Road between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and return to the Real Canadian Superstore and Lowe’s parking lots.
Road Closures: Preparing for this event on June 6, 2023 will require lane reductions and partial road closures. Please note that there will be closures in both directions on Hyde Park Road from Sarnia Road to Gainsborough Road beginning at 4:00 p.m. The corner of Hyde Park Road and South Carriage Road will be fully closed as of 8:00 a.m. on June 6. The Corner of Gainsborough Road and Prince Wales Gate will be open to local residents only after 3:00 p.m. We understand that this is an inconvenience and we appreciate your patience and cooperation. MAP
Weather: In the case of extreme weather, the event will be moved to Oakridge Secondary School.
Book Display
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.
Children Books Teen Books Adult Books - Fiction Adult Books - Non-Fiction
Unity in Remembrance: Honouring Our London Family
Date: June 3, 2023
Location: MAC Hyde Park, Our London Family Gym, 1175 Hyde Park Road, Unit 9, London
Timing: 11:00 a.m.
Details: All Londoners are invited for the Our London Family Gym Open House to view the space and participate in a Question and Answer session with the local Imam.
In Memory of Our London Family: Why Islam?
Date: June 3, 2023
Location: London Muslim Mosque
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Details: Why Islam? Join our esteemed London Imams (after Asr prayer) as they answer your questions about Islam. Followed by an opportunity to tour the oldest and first mosque in Ontario.
London Remembers
Date: June 3 to 10, 2023
Location: Museum London
Timing: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Wednesday to Sunday
Details: To mark the second year commemoration of the tragic loss of Our London Family, Museum London is proud to present the mural, 'London Remembers.' This is a work created by London artist Aruba Mahmud and the Youth Coalition Combatting Islamophobia (YCCI). In April, YCCI held workshops across the city and invited community members to share messages of remembrance, love and healing on purple hexagons. The group used many of these message-bearing hexagons in the creation of the mural, which illustrated Londoners' stand against Islamophobia.
Breaking Barriers: Confronting Islamophobia
Date: June 4, 2023
Location: London Muslim Mosque
Timing: 4:00 p.m.
Details: Hear from the Canadian journalist, communications professional, and human rights activist and appointed as Canada's first Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby and a Canadian Screen Award-winner who is Canada's first hijab-wearing television news reporter, local anchor, and national host, Ginella Massa. This is a free event funded by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. All Londoners are welcome.
Islamophobia Doesn't Define Me
Date: June 4, 2023
Location: MAC Masonville , northwest corner of Richmond Street and Fanshawe Park Road.
Timing: 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Details: Hosted by YCCI, and in partnership with Islamic Relief and MAC, this workshop is an opportunity for Muslim youth to discuss Muslim identities and learn from each other.
Tree Planting & Plaque Placement
Date: June 4, 2023
Location: Islamic Cemetery, 6100 White Oak Road
Timing: 11:00 a.m.
Details: The Pakistani Canadian Association is hosting a tree planting and plaque placement in honour of Our London Family.
Under Siege: Islamophobia and the 9/11 Generation
Date: June 5, 2023
Location: Free Virtual Event
Timing: 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Details: Dr. Zine will discuss her new book "Under Siege: Islamophobia and the 9/11 Generation" , a book that delves into the impact of the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent global 'war on terror' on the lives of young Canadian Muslim youth who have come of age during these turbulent times.
Londoners Remember and Learn
Date: June 8, 2023
Location: Jalna Public Library, 1119 Jalna Blvd.
Timing: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Details: The London & Middlesex Local Immigration and its partners invite you to join us to remember Our London Family and learn from one another. As we remember, we will learn about diverse faiths and common grounds that unite all groups. All Londoners are welcomed to attend.
Combatting Islamophobia Together: Fostering community safety through awareness & action
Date: June 22, 2023
Location: Civic Gardens, 625 Springbank Drive.
Timing: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Details: On Tuesday June 6th Londoners mark the two-year commemoration of the Islamophobic terror attack that took the lives of four members of Our London Family. As we honour the Afzaal family, it is also imperative that we remind ourselves of the ongoing realities and harms of Islamophobia in our community, and of our shared commitment to actively combatting hate, racism and violence.
On Friday June 9th, the Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration (MRCSSI) is hosting a free day-long workshop open to members of the public and service providers. The registration link included in the message below and a PDF of the workshop poster is attached.
Combatting Islamophobia Together: Fostering community safety through awareness & action is for anyone interested in learning more about Islam, Islamophobia, and about practical strategies of allyship.
Join us on Friday June 9th and you will:
- Strengthen your understanding of Islam
- Gain a deeper awareness of Islamophobia, including Gendered Islamophobia, and its impacts on individuals, families & community
- Learn practical skills of allyship and Bystander Intervention that create safety in situations of Islamophobic harassment & violence
- Enjoy a free lunch & connect with other Londoners :)
Addressing all forms of hate, violence and oppression is a collective community responsibility, join us to move forward the work of combatting Islamophobia together. We look forward to seeing you on June 9th.
PondFest 2023
Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023
Location: Hyde Park Village Green, 1695 Hyde Park Road
Timing: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Details: Join the Hyde Park BIA as they unveil the new Hyde Park Village Green, featuring the Garden of Reflection. The Garden of Reflection is a gather place which invites Londoners on a journey of contemplation and healing, while remembering the lives of Our London Family.
London Muslim Community Survey
Members of the London Muslim community want to hear from you about your family's experiences as Muslims living in London. This anonymous survey will help community organizations identify the needs and areas of improvement within the community.
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: Children Books Teen Books Adult Books - Fiction Adult Books - 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