Content warning: Violence directed at members of the Muslim and South Asian communities.

This past weekend, a family out for an evening walk was murdered in London, Ontario. Four members of the family died in the attack, and the family’s young son is the only survivor. The Afzaal family was targeted by the killer because of their Muslim faith.

As we’ve learned over and over again, Islamophobia kills, white supremacy kills, hate kills. Members of the extended Afzaal family released a statement calling on all Canadians to unite against Islamophobia and hate. We echo their call and reassure our clients and families, staff, students and volunteers, that Holland Bloorview has no tolerance for Islamophobia or racism, discrimination or intolerance in any form.

As a hospital committed to the health and well-being of children and families, the surviving son is particularly in our thoughts and we are devastated and heartbroken for his losses. As a children’s rehab hospital, we are also thinking about his own long recovery ahead.

To those who are feeling shaken by these crimes and wondering what they mean to you, we want to reassure you that you belong at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation hospital and we are committed to dismantling racism, injustice, inequity and hate. We won’t ever stop.

We understand that families and children we serve may be experiencing trauma. Together we will support them with the compassionate care, services and resources that are our hallmark.

To those in mourning right now, our hearts are with you.