IAOS EXPRESSES SHOCK AND ANGUISH ON THE ISLAMOPHOBIC VIOLENCE PERPETRATED AGAINST A MUSLIM FAMILY IN LONDON, ONTARIO
The IAOS is horrified by the senseless killing of 3 generations of a family in a ghastly car attack in London, Ontario. In an apparent Islamophobic act of hate, the preparator ran over a 72-year-old grandmother, 46-year-old father, a 44-year-old wife and a 15-year-old daughter – who were out for an evening stroll. Only their 9-year-old son has survived and is undergoing treatment at the local hospital.
The IAOS condemns this terrorist act and calls upon all levels of Government to take action to address the problem of hate and extremism in social and print media. “This is the latest incidence of extremist, Islamophobic violence perpetrated against the Muslim community in the last few years, and follows previous attacks on the Quebec City Mosque, the IMO mosque in Toronto, and far too many Muslim women in Alberta,” stated IAOS President Mr. Ahmed Abodheir. “We call upon all levels of Government, including federal and provincial governments, to immediately study the issue of Islamophobic hate and extremism and present a concrete plan for legislative and policy measures to address this concern,” Mr. Abodheir continued.
The IAOS extends its condolences to everyone grieving this tragic loss, thanks to our friends and neighbours in the broader Saskatchewan community for their support at a difficult time and asks the community to immediately report any acts of hate and extremism they witness or experience.
The following are some of the available resources to help navigate this issue.
- National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), which documents hate crimes against Muslims
- Canadian Anti-hate Network (CAHN) monitors and exposes hate movements, groups, and figures. Reach them @ infor@antihate.ca or www.antihate.ca
- Naseeha- Muslim Youth helpline, serving young people across North America, www.naseeha.org, Call or text @ 1-866-627-3342