OCASI statement on the attack on a Muslim family in London, Ontario
Toronto / June 8, 2021
OCASI is shocked and outraged by the mass murder of a Muslim family in London, Ontario on Sunday June 6, 2021. It was a deliberate act of hate, Islamophobia and terrorism.
The Council is deeply grieved and saddened by the tragic loss of four lives of a family who were deliberately targeted because of their Muslim faith. We offer our deepest condolences to their young son who has lost his entire family to this violent attack, and to the families and communities affected.
Islamophobia is real, pervasive and deeply entrenched in Canada and has been escalating. But past responses from law enforcement and all orders of government have not been sufficient. We hold our governments and political leaders accountable for their words and actions to counter hate and racism.
We are in solidarity with Muslim organizations and faith groups across Canada in their refusal to be intimidated, and their determination to organize and win against hate, Islamophobia and racism.
OCASI is committed to our ongoing efforts to counter Islamophobia, hate and racism as a Council and in collaboration with coalitions and networks. We support the ongoing efforts of our member agencies in this work, including the efforts of Council of Agencies Serving South Asians which has convened and led the Anti-hate Community Leaders’ Group. We support the National Council of Canadian Muslims, Canadian Council of Muslim Women and Muslim organizations across Canada in their calls for justice and action.
In sorrow and solidarity.
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Support and Calls to Action
Vigil Tuesday June 8, 2021 – 7:00 p.m.
#OurLondonFamily – London Muslim Mosque parking lot. Parking will be available at Cherryhill Village Mall. The event will also be livestreamed on Instagram and Facebook (links to follow). Please wear a mask if you are able and respect Covid-19 distancing.
Fundraiser
Support the family - The official LaunchGood is here supported by family members, the London Muslim Mosque, and Islamic Relief Canada https://www.launchgood.com/campaign/london_community_united_against_hate#!/
The family has asked that their images and names not be circulated publicly while they are grieving and need space. Please support the family by respecting their wishes.
Community and Mental Health support
Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration, London, Ontario and call 519-672-6000 ext. 309
Victim Services of Middlesex London contact 226-678-4631 or email staff@vsmiddlesex.org
Community Mental Health Association (Middlesex) - Mental Health Support or Crisis Services call 519-433-2023 or 1-866-933-2023
London Cross Cultural Learner Centre - Support for newcomers call 519-432-1133 or email cclc@lcclc.org. For other urgent issues, please call 519-808-6725