Memorial unveiled at mosque
Tributes left for Palmerston North’s Muslim community following the Christchurch terror attacks will live on in a new memorial.
Members of the Manawatu Muslim Association unveiled a memorial board outside their Cook St mosque yesterday. The board features photos of the tributes left by schools, kindergartens, community groups and individuals following the attacks on March 15.
A shooter opened fire on two Christchurch mosques, killing 51 people and injuring 40 others.
A 28-year-old Australian man accused of the attacks has
pleaded not guilty to 51 charges of murder and 40 of attempted murder, as well as engaging in a terrorist act.
Association committee member Zulfiqar Butt said the memorial would serve as a reminder of the kindness shown after the atrocity.
‘‘We are acknowledging and thanking the community for all the love, all the aroha. We don’t want to lose this love. We need to keep it here forever.’’
The small ceremony was attended by Palmerston North City councillor Lorna Johnson, Anglican minister Andy Hickman and association members.
In the hours and days after the attacks, people flocked to the mosque to leave flowers, pictures and messages of support, and thousands gathered at the Cook St centre for Friday prayers the following week.
Association president Riyaz Rahman said the original tributes were still displayed around the mosque and the Muslim community would cherish them for the rest of their lives.
Since March, Rahman said, there had been a noticeable increase of people wanting to learn more about Islam or convert to it. The association has been working on a resource to help those people learn more about the religion.
Butt said the association was planning to either upgrade the existing centre or build a new one in the near future.