On Friday evening, Mayor Rob Keffer and members of council paid a visit to the Ahmadiyya Community at their mosque on 10th Sideroad in Bradford to offer their support and condolences after the hate-motivated attack on a Muslim family in London, Ont. last week.
A family of five including a mother, father, son, daughter, and grandmother were struck by a truck driven by a 20-year-old male, killing all but the nine-year-old boy.
Police say it was a hate-motivated terrorist attack that was planned and the family was targeted because of their Muslim faith.
We thought it very important that we went to the Ahmadiya Muslim Centre in BWG to express our sorrow and sympathy and say hate crimes have no place in Canadian society," said Mayor Keffer. "We were all shaken by what happened in London Ontario, and as a community, we have to work on ensuring we are welcoming, knowledgeable and appreciative of our neighbours."
"It is very important for public to know that the leadership team of this municipality is not afraid to speak up against racism and assure our Muslim community that we stand with them at this time of need," added Coun. Raj Sandhu. "We all feel sad, angry and hurt by this act of racism that took the lives of innocent people and took away the family from a nine-year-old child."
Presidents of the Ahmadiyya Muslm Jama'at Bradford Chapter, Jamil Ahmad and Khalid Khokhar were grateful for the visit from council. Coun. Sandhu had arranged the visit after speaking with their National President Lal Khan Malik.
"Our members wish to thank you for your love of humanity, during this hour of deep grief for Muslims and for our country. We deeply appreciate your support and empowering words at this difficult time for Canadians and Muslims alike. We are grateful for leaders and friends like you at this time of sorrow," said Ahmad.
He said the attack on the Muslim family of five is a crude reminder that there is still hatred on the basis of faith here in Canada.
