Statement On Islamophobic Attack in London, Ontario

Trigger warning

The following statement includes mention of Islamophobia, murder and violence against children.

On Sunday, June 6, 2021, four members of a Muslim, Pakistani-Canadian family: Salman Afzaal, 46, Madiha Salman, 44, Yumma Salman, 15, and Talat Afzaal, 74, were murdered while attempting to enjoy a summer walk in London, Ontario. This act of domestic terrorism was motivated by Islamophobia and white supremacist racism and reflects a pattern of ongoing hate crimes targeting Muslims in Canada. 

Fast and Female and our greater community mourns with the family of those killed. We stand in solidarity with the 9-year-old child who has survived and the broader Muslim community. We condemn all acts of hatred, discrimination and violence towards the Muslim community. We as Canadians need to commit to confronting, calling out, and challenging Islamophobia and all hate crimes in their many, ugly forms.

We will continue to use sports and physical activities as a vehicle for unity and building more inclusive and equitable communities. Fast and Female’s platform will continue to be used to speak out against issues of hate, violence and discrimination whenever we see it. 

If you are looking for resources to take action –

• The Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) has provided a list of calls to action in their statement against this attack – https://www.ccmw.com/news-releases/2021/6/7/ccmw-statement-on-hate-motivated-car-attack-on-muslim-family-in-london-ontario
• For coaches and programmers, learn how to create a safe space for Muslim girls in your care by reading the toolkits provided by Hijabi Ballers – https://www.instagram.com/p/CGSXRy-jGAE/
• You can help by donating money to be used as Sadaqa-Jariya (voluntary charity) on behalf of the family – https://www.gofundme.com/f/salman-family-accident-relief