Memorial proposed to honour members of Muslim family killed in London, Ont., attack
Posted February 3, 2022 4:27 pm.
A permanent memorial to honour a Muslim family attacked while out for a stroll in London, Ont., last June has been proposed for the city.
It’s among several recommendations in a proposed action plan from the City of London to tackle Islamophobia.
In the report released this week, city manager Lynne Livingstone recommends one-time funding of up to $150,000 for a memorial plaza at the site of the attack, the creation of a mural and the establishment of a community garden, all in honour of the Afzaal family.
Salman Afzaal, 46, his 44-year-old wife Madiha Salman, their 15-year-old daughter Yumna and her 74-year-old grandmother, Talat Afzaal were killed while out for an evening walk on June 6 last year.
The couple’s nine-year-old son, Fayez, was the lone survivor in the attack, which police have alleged was an act motivated by hate against the Islamic faith.
In addition to the permanent memorial, mural and community garden, the city report recommends more education about the contributions of Muslims in London, dedicating funding for community-based anti-Islamophobia initiatives, and establishing an anti-Islamophobia advisory council in the city.
“Longstanding, in our community at that intersection, there will be an image that’s created by (Muslim) youth in honour of their friend lost and the family members that were taken,” said Rumina Morris, director of city hall’s anti-racism and anti-oppression division.
City politicians are set to discuss the proposed action plan at a committee meeting next Tuesday.
Nathaniel Veltman is accused of deliberately hitting the family with his truck. Veltman faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder, in what prosecutors allege was an act of terrorism.
His case was adjourned until February.
