City vigil draws large crowd
Imam Dr Reza Abdul-Jabber’s address to the Invercargill vigil.
More than 1000 people gathered in Invercargill’s Wachner Place yesterday to show their support for Christchurch.
Imam Dr Reza Abdul-Jabber, a Southland Muslim leader, was extremely pleased to see a large crowd had turned out.
‘‘We are proud to stand here as Southlanders and to receive Southland’s support. We’re more united than ever before, and by God we won’t succumb.’’
Abdul-Jabber, who knew many of the people who died or were injured in the attack, said he could be required in Christchurch to help with funeral arrangements.
His daughter, Aisha, also spoke at the vigil along with other city and community leaders. She first heard about the attack when her mother picked her up and heard the news on the car radio.
They could not believe it.
Hours earlier Aisha had given a talk at her school assembly about cultural diversity. Aisha said her mother was shattered by the news.
Invercargill mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt said: ‘‘We are gathered to express love and show unity towards the Muslim community of New Zealand and the people of Christchurch.
‘‘The tragic events of Friday, have left every New Zealander with a mix of emotions, hurt, fear, shock and disbelief that this could occur in our peaceful nation.
‘‘We condemn the violent acts of terrorism that occurred in Christchurch. We turn our backs on hatred and intolerance. This vigil is to affirm our belief in human rights and our belief in multiculturalism. In our daily life we need to feel safe, we need to be able to express our beliefs.
‘‘We need to embrace tolerance, kindness and look out for one another.’’
New Zealand could no longer rely on its geographical isolation to protect its national security, he said.
‘‘We must accept last Friday afternoon, we lost our country’s sense of innocence.’’
Adriana Rincon, who immigrated from Columbia two years ago, attended the vigil with her young son and said New Zealand was now their home. ‘‘We are here to show support. New Zealand is a safe place.’’
Vigils to show support for the Muslim community and the people of Christchurch were also held in Gore and Te Anau yesterday.
The Southland community gathers at the Wachner Place vigil to mourn and show support. Photos: Kavinda Herath/Stuff
’m very saddened to be here today, in light of such a harrowing attack on innocent defenceless Muslims in Christchurch at their place of worship, the very centre of their community.
Verily, this is one of the darkest days, if not the darkest, in the history of New Zealand.
As we grieve and mourn today the victims of such a cowardly attack whilst praying for the welfare, and speedy recovery of those who are still fighting for their lives, we also sympathise and extend our deepest condolences to the families that are left behind.
Let us not forget, though, that this is an attack on us as a country and threatens our Kiwi way of life.
However, I can assure you they will not succeed in instilling fear and division in our hearts.
This tragedy has created a pain like no other. A kick in the guts we never expected.
The feeling from this is only comparable to assassination by appointment.
I say this because every Friday, Muslims across the globe congregate in an act of worship and peace to almighty God at the same time, at the same place, just like clockwork.
The perpetrators knew this all too well, it was a cold, premeditated and senseless act that has absolutely shattered the
‘‘We know we can look to you, Southlanders, for support.’’
hearts of everyone in this nation and around the globe.
Let us be clear to those politicians out there, reporters, media and commentators, that we need to stand up and call it out for exactly what it is.
This is the epitome of white supremacy, of right-wing extremist hate, of racism and above all, this by definition is terrorism.
This is what terrorism looks and feels like. Never would I have believed this would have ever taken place in a country which we all love and treasure.
In a country which encourages religious freedom and endorses every type of diversity.
It’s about time that we truly take a stance against every form of radical right-wing extremism, which is undeniably alive and well.
Now to the terrorists out there . . . we say to you, we don’t fear you, and we can promise that you will feel the full force of the law. We utterly reject and condemn you.
Division and hatred will never have a place in our country, in our homes.
Since the starting of the incident, my phone has been flooded with an influx of messages of support, condolences and sympathy from the politicians, media, academia, religious leaders, neighbours, friends and the whole community at large.
We are them. They are us. This is what makes us who we are.
Our local mosque has been surrounded by messages of support, cards and even food.
On behalf of the Muslim community, we extend our greatest appreciation to the New Zealand police force that acted so promptly in containing the situation whilst providing comfort and security to those who needed it the most.
Finally, as Muslims who proudly live, work and engage in business in Southland, we know we can look to you, Southlanders, for support to mourn the losses together and as people to share this heavy burden with on our nation’s way to recovery.
Justice will be returned to those who should’ve been safe and alive today.
To the people of Christchurch, we pray for you, we mourn you, we grieve you and we remember you.
Imam Dr Reza Abdul-Jabber is a Southland Muslim leader.