CCS is deeply saddened by the unspeakable hate crime that took place in London, Ontario on Sunday that left four members of a local family dead and a nine-year-old son the lone survivor in hospital. Among those killed in the truck attack were three generations of a family – a grandmother, a father, a mother, and a daughter. We can’t even begin to imagine the inevitable trauma and grief of the little boy who survived. To the young boy who has lost his entire family to this violent attack, the family and friends of the victims, and members of the Muslim community, we extend our deepest sympathies.
Violence against any group doesn’t end with the victims. It also affects the community at large. This means our Muslim colleagues, volunteers, clients, and communities are also hurting. To all the CCS employees, friends, and all the diverse Muslim community members we work with, please know that we stand with you and denounce this terrifying and horrible act of hate and Islamophobia.
Incidents like this are why our equity, diversity and inclusion efforts are so critical. It breaks our hearts to recognize there are many members of our communities who walk the streets of our cities feeling unwelcomed and in danger. Make no mistake, Islamophobia has no place in Canada. Canadians of all faiths must be able to live free from hatred in communities that are welcoming for all. We all play a part in keeping our communities safe and will continue to counter and call out discrimination and racism within ourselves, our organization, and the communities in which we live and serve.
Sadly, we are sending many of these statements out regularly. Let us pray that it ceases, and we can be all serving one another as part of a human family/community.
We stand in sorrow and solidarity with the Muslim community.
