Statement from Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre.
www.folk-arts.ca
The Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre is shocked and horrified and demands justice after learning about the planned and premediated act of murder against a Muslim family in London, Ontario who were out for a walk on Sunday evening. Four members of the family were killed and the lone survivor, a nine-year-old boy, remains in hospital with serious injuries after they were run down on the side of the street.
We strongly condemn this act of unspeakable hatred, murder, and Islamophobia as it has no place in our society.
The Muslim community is all too familiar with violent acts of Islamophobia, such as the attacks on Muslim women in Alberta, the killing of a mosque volunteer in Etobicoke, and the Quebec City mosque massacre, to just name a few.
Enough is enough. This type of hate is simply incomprehensible. These were innocent human beings who were killed simply because of their faith. They were our neighbours, family, friends, and co-workers who were murdered in cold blood.
We demand justice and call on the relevant authorities to prosecute the perpetrator to the fullest extent of the law.
Hate will never prevail against those who promote love and compassion and we can do that by uplifting that nine-year-old boy and telling all Muslim children in Canada that your mom wearing a hijab or parents wearing traditional clothes are safe: your family are loved and belong with us. We send our heartfelt condolences to the extended family & friends and stand in solidarity with Muslim communities in London, Ontario, as well as our staff, our volunteers, and our neighbours in Niagara and across Canada.
To our Muslim students at our Centre, if you need someone to talk to, please contact us for mental health supports at: https://www.folk-arts.ca/programs/mental-health and access our chat line or call us at 905-685-6589 ext. 243.