We were shocked and saddened by the senseless violence perpetrated upon an innocent Muslim family as they took a Sunday walk together last weekend in London, Ontario. Four family members lost their lives, and a fifth was seriously injured, when a driver struck them with his vehicle, apparently with the intent to inflict maximum harm.

We stand with the Muslim community in condemning this and all acts of hate against people of the Islamic faith. Racist attacks and attitudes have no place in our society. There is no justification for discrimination of any kind, and we firmly oppose the mistreatment of people based on their race, religion or creed. We grieve deeply the loss of life and pray for healing for the surviving son and other relatives who are facing this tragedy. Their pain is unimaginable, and we mourn along with them.

Salvation Army representatives will be attending the vigil at the London Muslim Mosque on June 8, including divisional commander, Lt-Colonel Shawn Critch, and area commander, Major Pamela Goodyear, Ontario Division, and territorial secretary for communications, Lt-Colonel John P. Murray. We do so to honour the victims and stand united against Islamophobia.

The family has released the names of the victims, and I share them as a reminder that these were people with hopes and dreams, of infinite worth to God, whose future was unjustly extinguished: Salman Afzaal, 46; his wife, Madiha Salman, 44; their daughter, Yumna Salman, 15; and Afzaal’s mother, 74. Their nine-year-old son, Fayez, suffered serious injuries but is expected to survive.

Psalm 34:14 urges us to “turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” We reach out to our Muslim brothers and sisters in a spirit of solidarity and support, believing that all people are created in God’s image and worthy of respect and dignity.

May the God of all comfort be with the family. May we work collectively as a society toward justice and peace. May we uphold our neighbours and live in harmony with each other.

Commissioner Floyd Tidd
Territorial Commander

Comment

On Wednesday, August 4, 2021, Matt Kean said:

This was a terrible display of evil. I pray that this young boy will be able to rise above the tragedy he's had to suffer. May the love and grace of Jesus Christ fill him with hope. Thank you for your words, Commissioner.

 

On Saturday, June 12, 2021, Donna Anstey said:

Thank you for your wise and kind words. May God bless and comfort those who mourn and may we always remember that we are all a part of His creation! May this hatred and senseless racism and terrorism stop!

 

On Friday, June 11, 2021, Gary Clarke said:

It was a shocking and sad situation! God tells us to have Love for one another as God is Love .There is no room for hate in this day and age. My condolences to all concerned and may God's presence be felt by all 🤔

 

On Thursday, June 10, 2021, Maxwell Snow said:

Thank you. Well said. Blessing.

 

On Thursday, June 10, 2021, Lianne MacGregor said:

Thank-you for this beautiful statement of support and condolence. Truly the lives of these people were precious to God. I pray that all forms of prejudice, intolerance, and exclusion will be extinguished by the fire of God's infinite and all-encompassing love as expressed by all of God's beloved children, regardless of religious expression, ethnicity, or race.

 

On Thursday, June 10, 2021, Joanne Biggs said:

Well said.

 

On Thursday, June 10, 2021, clarence bradbury said:

Thank you for your message. We also grieve deeply with those who suffer. Let each of us as Canadians consider how we might more fully and warmly welcome and befriend neighbours of all faiths and faces, granting them not only the freedom to live their lives in safety but also to receive them into ours.

 

On Thursday, June 10, 2021, Natalia DeBoer said:

Amen!

 

On Thursday, June 10, 2021, Mona Moore said:

Thank you for this beautiful message. My heart aches for the son and the extended family. As one hears of all that this family did in their community, one can't help but mourn the loss of these lives.

 

On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, catherine cooper said:

AMEN, as we continue to pray.

 

On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, Mary Milne said:

Amen!

 

On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, Lisa Baker said:

Thank you for this message, which was filled with love and support for this community.

 

On Tuesday, June 8, 2021, James Read said:

My wife Laurie and I thank you for this message of consolation and solidarity sent on behalf of all Salvationists.

 

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