‘New Zealand is unbreakable’

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — One week after a terrorist attack that killed 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, mourners who came from around the world honored the dead Friday by sharing the Muslim call to prayer and two minutes of silence.

In a park across from Al Noor mosque, where 42 worshippers were killed, traditional Friday prayers became a communal event, drawing together Muslims from afar, relatives of the dead and New Zealanders in headscarves experiencing an Islamic service for the first time.

“This terrorist sought to tear our nation apart with an evil ideology that has torn the world apart — but instead we have shown that New Zealand is unbreakable,” Imam Gamal Fouda of Al Noor Mosque said, drawing applause. Muslim men embrace during Friday prayers at Hagley Park in Christchurch, New Zealand.

“Islamophobia kills,” he added. “The rise of white supremacy and right-wing extremism is a great global threat to mankind and this must end now.”

The mood at the park — between the mosque’s golden dome and Christchurch Hospital, where 27 of the 42 people wounded remained under care — was solemn and cautious.

“People are very sad and very weary and sometimes frightened,” said Rachael Larkin, 56, an environmental scientist from Christchurch. “But we’re also very proud.”

On Thursday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern unveiled a ban on military-style semiautomatic weapons and the ammunition and parts that were used in the shootings. Her quick action is a source of pride for many New Zealanders. Within the first few hours of Ardern’s announcement, more than 300 gun owners filled out forms to turn in such weapons.