Christchurch native pens support
Letter to Islamic Center of Yuba City condemns deadly New Zealand shooting
“Kia Kaha” is a native New Zealand phrase used in books and songs meaning, “stay strong.”
It’s also a phrase that’s come to the forefront following the act of terrorism that killed 50 people at two Christchurch, New Zealand, mosques nearly a week ago; and it’s how Elizabeth Gleeson-preston signed her letter to a local mosque.
Gleeson-preston has lived in Yuba City for 20 years, but originally hails from Christchurch, which prides itself on being in one of the safest countries on the planet, she said.
“It’s hard when somebody is just so evil,” she said Tuesday, “to kill just for somebody’s cultural beliefs, it’s just not right.”
On Saturday, she wrote a letter to the Islamic Center of Yuba City sharing words from New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who strongly condemned the shooting which
killed 50 Muslims between the ages of 2 and 71, and injured another 50.
“We are a proud nation of more than 200 ethnicities, 160 languages. And among that diversity we share common values, and the one that we place the currency on right now is our compassion and support for the community of those directly affected by this tragedy,” she wrote in the letter.
The Islamic Center posted a picture of the letter on Facebook, noting that it was enlightening with comforting words that touched the hearts of the local Muslim community.
“In dark moments like these we realize that we all are ONE,” the Islamic Center wrote. “We stand together against all forms of bigotry and extremism. Only with peace, love and acceptance can