Hundreds of Londoners gathered in the spot where four people were killed two years ago to honour their legacy.
Four members of the Afzaal family died on June 6th, 2021 in what police called a hate-motivated attack.
Yumna Afzaal, 74, her son Salman Afzaal, 46, his wife Madiha Salman, 44, and the couple’s 15-year-old daughter Yumna Afzaal died in the attack. Salman and Madiha’s nine-year-old son Fayez was the only survivor.
Friends and family members of the Afzaals delivered several emotional addresses to the crowd.
"I persevere by trying to dismantle Islamophobia by working with YCCI (Youth Coalition Combating Islamophobia) so that hopefully no one and no family will ever be hurt by hate ever again," said Esa Islam, a cousin of Yumna Afzaal who spoke at the vigil. "Ironically, the one who killed Yumna and her family wanted to fuel the fires of Islamopobia and make Muslims feel afraid."
"This horrific attack only strengthened my faith."
Arjumand and Asher Salman told those at the vigil about their sister Madiha and the life she had created for her family.
"The whole city came out to honour Our London Family. We got to know strangers, who stopped an tried helping our family. Knowing all their support has given us strength and helped us heal," Asher said. "The lives of our loved ones was not taken in vain. We know Allah has chosen these amazing ambassadors as the name bearer of Islam. To bring positive change for Muslims facing persecution."
Among the speakers at the event was Amira Elghawaby, the federal government's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia of Canada.
"Muslims in this county deserve to live in dignity and freedom to be who they are and express their identities fully, proudly and unapologetically," Elghaway told the cheering crowd. "We all know that the challenges we face are significant. That hate crimes continue to go up. That negative attitudes against Islam and Muslims persist."
"But we will not lose faith. We will not lose faith in fellow Canadians."
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The murders happened on Hyde Park Road, near the intersection with Old Carriage Drive, which is now known as Memorial Plaza.
Shuttle busses carried hundreds of spectators to the event, which was organized by YCCI, a group London Mayor Josh Morgan praised during his remarks.
"I remember a year ago, the youth of this community standing up to a Prime Minister and saying I can vote in two years. You've got two years to earn my vote. That's inspiring." said Morgan. "If you want to see the resilience of the London community, you don't need to go further than to turn around and look at all the people here today. In what other city in the world do you see the young people doing what they have done over the past two years?"
"That is the kind of city that we all want to be a part of. That is the future of our city."
Nathaniel Veltman faces four charges of first degree murder in the attack. He is scheduled to go on trial in September.
