In Solidarity with the Afzaal Family

The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) is deeply saddened by the recent terrorist attack against the Salman Family. The family lost Yumna Afzaal, Madiha Salman, Talat Afzaal, and Salman Afzaal on Sunday, June 6, 2021, in London, Ontario, leaving their 9-year-old son as the only survivor.  

UWSA President Kirtaveer Singh Hayer says, “I was deeply saddened when I heard the news of this senseless act of terrorism. I pray for peace for the souls lost in this heinous crime and offer my condolences on behalf of the UWSA to the friends, loved ones and surviving members of the Afzaal family. Islam is a beautiful but misunderstood religion, and we all have a responsibility to correct the Islamophobic opinions of those around us. I have spent plenty of time with the Muslim community of UWinnipeg and attended Friday prayers at the campus mosque. I can attest to the fact that Islam is a peaceful religion that deserves the same level of dignity and respect as any other. I hope for a future of peace and tolerance in our society, and as President of the UWSA, I promise to fight against intolerance, discrimination and extremism of all kinds.” 

The UWSA stands in solidarity with the Afzaal Family, Muslim students, and the Muslim community. We strongly oppose any acts of violence against the Muslim community and want to make sure Muslim students feel supported.  

 “May God grant peace to the departed souls and grant Sabr to the surviving members of the Afzaal family. I’m shocked and heartbroken to see that a family was killed just because of their faith. This brutal act of terrorism has caused trauma to the Muslim community in Canada,” says UWSA Vice-President Student Affairs, Reza Saker Hossain. “Nobody should be forced to give up their faith or religious symbols to be treated fairly. I want to say to the students of UofW – who belong to any religious minority group – that proudly wear your religious symbols like your Hijab, Dastar, or any other symbols that you wish to wear.” 

We encourage any students who have been affected to use the counselling resources found on campus and in the community. You can find a list of mental health resources on the UWSA website, and online counselling is available for students through MindBeacon.com. 

Donations are being accepted on their GoFundMe, which will be used as Sadaqa Jariya on behalf of the family. You can find the GoFundMe link in our bio. 

In solidarity,  

The UWSA