Hundreds gathered outside Calgary City Hall on Tuesday to condemn Islamaphobia and honour the Muslim family that was killed in a hate-motivated and targeted attack in London, Ont., on Sunday.
Salman Afzaal, 46, his 74-year-old mother — whose name was not provided — his wife Madiha Salman, 44, and their daughter Yumna Afzaal, 15, were struck and killed by a vehicle while out for a walk Sunday evening, according to authorities. Their son Fayez Afzaal, 9, is recovering from injuries.
Leaders from multiple faith groups in Calgary showed their solidarity with the Muslim community, speaking about uniting against hate at the vigil.
“This is not a Muslim issue. This is a Canadian issue. This is a human issue,” said Syed Soharwardy, founder of the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada.
“What happened in London, Ont., it was shocking but it is not unexpected. Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, racism, violence, hate is on the rise in this country, and until the government does something to stop it, it’s not going to stop.”
Muslims are not asking for any special treatment; they are asking for equal treatment, “like any other Canadian,” Soharwardy said.
“How many lives have to be taken by these white supremacist hatemongers?” he said.
This isn’t the first time people have needed to gather to condemn Islamophobia, said Riyaz Khawaja, spokesperson for the Hussaini Association of Calgary. The vigil is about showing solidarity and promoting peace and harmony, he said.
“We want to tell them that we are with you. You are in our hearts,” Khawaja said.
Rabbi Mark Glickman of Calgary’s Temple B’nai Tikvah said it simply: “When you attack one of us, you attack us all.”
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