On June 6, 2026, communities across Ontario will mark the fifth anniversary of the hate-motivated terrorist attack that took the lives of Madiha Salman, Salman Afzaal, Talat Afzaal, and Yumnah Afzaal in London, Ontario. This horrific act of white nationalist violence also seriously injured Fayez Afzaal, then nine years old, who survived the attack but lost his entire immediate family in a single night. Their loss continues to be felt deeply across London, the Muslim community, and the broader public.
The racist and Islamophobic attitudes that fuelled this attack have not disappeared. In fact, they have grown more visible across the Southwestern region and throughout Canada. Organized hate groups have increasingly moved from online spaces into real-world communities, attempting to normalize bigotry and intimidation.
The PSAC Southwestern Racialized Committee (SWRC), Southwestern Pride Committee (SWPC), London Regional Women’s Committee (LRWC), Southwestern Region Members with Disabilities Access Committee (SWO – MDAC), and the London Area Council (LAC) strongly condemn Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all forms of hate. These ideologies threaten the safety, dignity, and belonging of our neighbours, colleagues, and communities. As a union, we affirm that an injury to one is an injury to all, and we remain committed to confronting hate wherever it appears.
Commemorative Event on June 6 in London, ON
To honour the Afzaal family and stand in solidarity with Muslim communities, a 5-year anniversary commemorative march will take place in London on Saturday, June 6, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
- Starting point: South Carriage Road, west of Hyde Park Road
- End point: Oakridge Secondary School
The event will be hosted by the Youth Coalition Combating Islamophobia. PSAC members are encouraged to attend and support their community. Visit https://london.ca/our-london-family for more details.
How Ontarians Can Honour the Afzaal Family
There are meaningful ways for individuals and families across the province to participate, even if they cannot attend the march in-person:
- Display an “Our London Family” lawn sign year‑round. Signs are available at London City Hall, 300 Dufferin Avenue, and serve as a visible commitment to rejecting hate and supporting Muslim neighbours.
- Engage in anti-Islamophobia education. The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) offers accessible learning initiatives to help people recognize, interrupt, and prevent Islamophobia in their communities. Visit https://nccm.ca/education/ for more information.
Amplify the message. Share information about the anniversary, the march, and the ongoing need to confront hate in all its forms.
Supporting Systemic Change
Since the attack, NCCM has proposed the Our London Family Act, a legislative initiative aimed at addressing the systemic roots of anti-Muslim hate through education, stronger human rights protections, and enhanced supports for victims. The PSAC Southwestern Racialized Committee and PSAC London Area Council support NCCM in calling for meaningful reforms that make communities safer for everyone. More information is available at https://nccm.ca/the-our-london-family-act/
As we reflect on this anniversary, we honour the Afzaal family by committing to action, solidarity, and the ongoing work of building inclusive, hate‑free communities across Ontario.
In Solidarity,
PSAC Southwestern Racialized Committee
PSAC London Regional Women’s Committee
PSAC Southwestern Region Members with Disabilities Access Committee
PSAC Southwestern Pride Committee
PSAC London Area Council