Thousands gathered in London, Ontario this evening to hold vigil for Muslim family killed, injured by a truck in hate crime.
At the event were political leaders who shared in the grief felt by the community following the attack.
Photo Mosaic Edition Edward Akinwunmi
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “As Canadians we made a pact with one another that we will look out for one another, take care of each other, respect each other.”
The pact has been broken too many times, said Justin Trudeau.
According to the prime minister, the pact was broken last fall in Etobicoke, Quebec and in many places across the country.
“Islamophobia is real, racism is real.”
Erin O’ Toole, Leader Conservative Party, said it is important to have commitments to look across party lines with premiers and faith leaders to end the type of violence that resulted in the death of the Muslim family.
Jagmeet Singh, Leader New Democratic Party, urged Muslims who wear traditional dresses not to cower in fear. “Hate is like a fire, once hate takes hold, it spreads. It is our collective responsibility to stand against that hatred.”
He asked political leaders not to use Islamophobia for political gain.
Speakers at the vigil called for action and not words. There were calls for national summit on Islamophobia.
Friends, paramedics, first responders and family members led the vigil in observance of moment of silence about the time the family was having a walk before the truck attack
