Sharifi, who at the time was a 30-year-old grad student at Western University, told VICE World News that he and his then girlfriend were poring over school work one evening when they heard the two men yelling at them across the street.
“I saw the expression on my girlfriend’s face change and she was like, ‘They’re coming this way,’” Sharifi said.
Yumna Salman, Madiha Salman, Talat, and Salman Afzaal were killed on Sunday.
This time around, the statements from politicians and leaders were bolder than before, with even Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford describing the crime as an “act of terrorism.”
Community members pray outside the London Muslim Mosque. Photo courtesy of Hasan Barzak
But a few others at the roadside memorial, speaking to TV reporters, painted a different picture, saying they still feel safe in London, and in Canada more broadly. It’s a mantra that was repeated by Ghassan Barzak at his convenience store, Ray’s Variety, Wednesday. “It’s OK,” Barzak said, head tilting slightly, voice barely above a whisper, when asked if he feels safe in London. “It’s not bad.” His son, Hasan, 23, a photographer who helps out at the family store and knew the Afzaal-Salman family from the mosque, offered an explanation for his dad’s seeming contentedness, which he’s also noticed in other older Muslims.“Anything shy of a gun pointed at your head doesn’t meet the threshold for racism.”
Hasan Barzak says subtle Islamophobia and racism are a part of daily life in London.
Mohammad Sharifi was beaten by two men who called him a "fucking Muslim" in 2016. Photo supplied
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford attend a vigil for the Afzaal-Salman family. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Walking into a dollar store on Tuesday, Hasan said he thought he saw Salman Afzaal. Then he realized it couldn’t be him. The thing that makes him saddest, he said, is knowing that people, including himself, will move on, while 9-year-old Fayez carries on without his family. “What really scares me is we’re all going to feel bad for this little boy but then it’ll just be a story, like the Quebec shooting four years ago and we don’t know a single victim’s name. It’s just a reference for the next time it happens,” he said. “But he still has to live.” Muslims who are in need of mental health support can call or text Naheesa at 1-866-NASEEHA (627-3342), for confidential support from 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. EST, 7 days a week. Follow Manisha Krishnan on Twitter.
