The Urban League of London's Statement on Hate Crime

The board of the Urban League of London is horrified and deeply saddened at the act of terror that unfolded in London on the evening of June the 6th when a Muslim family, out for an evening walk, were deliberately targeted and killed in a hit-and-run incident. Four family members succumbed to injuries from the attack. A 9-year-old boy is in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

We imagine the grief this young man must be feeling is immense. This grief is also being felt by the Muslim population in London, in Ontario, and across the country. We stand firmly with the Muslim community in London and everywhere in Canada, and denounce this act of cowardice and hatred. 

Islamophobia, racism and hatred have no place in London or in Canada. And yet, we recognize that it does exist, and has incredibly painful impacts on the lives of so many of our fellow community members. 

The Urban League is committed to building a vibrant, successful and sustainable London. Creating a place where all people belong and can live without fear is absolutely crucial to this mission. There is a lot of work to do to counter racism and Islamophobia, both within our institutions and within the mindsets of individuals living in our communities. The Urban League is committed to doing all we can within our power to do this work. 

To the Muslim community: we are deeply sorry you have to endure this pain and this terror. You, and all people, belong here. We are only a community when we are together. Your community mourns with you. 

June 8/21