Remembering Their Names: Standing Against Islamophobia in London

As this is the closest meeting of Council before January 29, I want to take a moment to acknowledge The National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. January 29th is a solemn day for our country.

Nine years ago, six people were killed and nineteen others injured when an individual entered the Québec City Mosque and carried out a horrific act driven by hate and Islamophobia. The victims and survivors were targeted solely because they were Muslim.

Here in London, we know all too well the devastating impact of Islamophobia. Our own community continues to confront the fear, trauma, and lasting harm that hate-fuelled violence inflicts, most notably every June 6th, when we honour the memory of Our London Family and, as a city, recommit to our mission to fight Islamophobia here in London.

Many Muslim Londoners still do not feel fully safe practicing their faith. That is unacceptable.

That is why January 29 is not only a day of remembrance, but a day of action. Across Canada, Ontario, and right here in London, we mark this occasion by dedicating ourselves to standing firmly against hate in all its forms.

Today, you’ll see I’m wearing a Green Square. The Green Square Campaign honours the victims and survivors of the attack, symbolizing the mosque’s carpets where they last stood to pray. In London, we wear the Green Square in solidarity with our Muslim neighbours, with the community in Québec City, and with Muslim communities across the world.

Hate incidents targeting Muslims have risen in recent years. I want to be unequivocal on this: faith can never be used as a justification for violence, discrimination, or the denial of human rights. As Mayor, I have been amazed by the way our faith communities unite together in the face of violence and hate. These are the values that represent what London is, and they must guide us toward a safer tomorrow.

Today, we remember and honour those whose lives were taken nine years ago:

• Ibrahima Barry
• Mamadou Tanou Barry
• Khaled Belkacemi
• Aboubaker Thabti
• Abdelkrim Hassane
• Azzedine Soufiane

May their memories strengthen our commitment to building a truly inclusive London for all.

– Mayor Josh Morgan