FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 16th, 2021
Pacific Immigrant Resources Society Stands with Muslim Canadians: Statement on Islamophobic Murder of London Family
On Sunday June 6th, 2021, a Muslim family in London, Ontario was attacked, leaving four family members dead, and one individual with serious injuries.
The Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS), serving immigrant and refugee families, finds strength and motivation in diversity. We are deeply troubled and heartbroken by this act of targetted hate, discrimination and violence. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Afzaal family, their loved ones and the larger Muslim community.
Faith-based communities, as well as racialized and other marginalized communities, have, and continue to face systemic and individual violence, against our homes, our places of worship, and our children.
Condolences alone will not bring about justice or change. In this time, the Pacific Immigrant Resources Society renews our commitment to tackle xenophobia, racism, and Islamophobia wherever it exists, in media, in policy, and in our communities.
We echo demands made by the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), calling on the government to prosecute the attacker to the fullest extent of the law.
As an organization, our vision is a society that values the diverse contributions of immigrants and refugees and promotes the enrichment of their lives. Today, and everyday we are in solidarity with Muslim friends, family and community members in condemning oppressive and systemic Islamophobia.
In Solidarity,
PIRS