Calling for an end to the anti-Muslim hatred, racism and bigotry that led to the deaths of four members of London’s Afzaal family just over a week ago, close to 200 people gathered in the parking lot at the Islamic Centre of Cambridge on Monday evening to grieve, offer support and call for action.
As scattered dark clouds drifted over the city, a man stood back from the crowd holding an Islamic flag that flapped wildly in the wind. Several others in the crowd held up signs with messages of hope for nine-year-old Fayez Afzaal, the only survivor of the June 6 attack that killed his parents, grandmother and sister.
“We stand with #ourLondonfamily” read other signs, but some, like the blunt "Hate Kills" carried the overriding message that hatred has no place in Canada and Muslim families should not be afraid to go for a walk on the street.
Imam Abdul Raouf Kabbar, of the Islamic Centre of Cambridge, led the speakers by reflecting on how the week has highlighted the need for change.
“The last eight days have been very difficult for Muslims, and Canada as well,” Kabbar said, adding he can’t stop thinking about the victims, particularly how in coming to Canada from Pakistan they sought a better life for themselves and their children because they knew it as “a welcoming, multicultural country; a place for everybody.”
“They achieved their goals,” Kabbar said. “They were professionals in their field and their children were top students in their schools.”
“They were living here peacefully as Canadians, outside enjoying the weather like everyone else.” Until a young man, 20 years old, driving his pickup truck saw them and said “this Muslim family should not live anymore.”
“He killed them in cold blood.”
Kabbar called on everyone in attendance to let their voices be heard by anyone else who carries the same hatred as the man who committed this act of violence.
“We Muslims will die for the sake of our religion and for the sake of our identity,” Kabbar said, “Muslims will live and die for this country.”
Kabbar said his main concern now is Fayez and his mental well-being as he recovers from his injuries and the loss of his family.
“Never did I think I would have to do this again,” said an emotional Cambridge MP Bryan May, recalling his speech at a rally at the Islamic Centre following the attack on the Quebec mosque in 2017.
May said he campaigned on the fundamental principle that Canada is strong, not in spite of its diversity but because of it.
“We have to root out the causes of hate,” he said, calling on every member of parliament to recognize that hate exists in this country “because until they do, it will not go away.”
“This is not acceptable. It never has been. We need to do more.”
Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry echoed the need to do more, telling the crowd she stood with them in grief and shock after learning about what happened in London.
“What one of us didn’t feel that?” she said.
“We need to stand together and root out the causes of that hate,” she said, adding every one of us suffers when things like this happen.
“I will do everything in my power to make sure that we have a safe and loving and kind community,” she said. “May Allah be with every one of you tonight.”
Some messages of support were read aloud. Region of Waterloo Chair Karen Redman called to say her thoughts are with the Muslim community and called the act of terrorism a “horrible reminder of Islamaphobia in our society.”
Some who stood shoulder to shoulder with members of the Muslim community were there representing other faith groups.
Jaellayna and John Palmer came to the event from their home in Ayr after John heard about it from the Muslim owner of the local dollar store and was nearly moved to tears thinking about nine-year-old Fayez Afzaal.
“I feel so much for that little boy,” said John, who with his wife is of the Bahá’i faith and feel a strong connection to the Muslim community.
The message condemning hatred is for people of all faiths, Jaellayna said. "We're all one humanity."
“As Bahá’i we believe Earth is one community and mankind are its citizens,” added John.
