Photo: Getty
Following the horrific terror attack in a mosque at Christchurch, New Zealand on March 15, the country’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern flew to Christchurch to show solidarity while meeting the families of the deceased by donning a hijab. Dressed head-to-toe in the color black, with a scarf covering her head, she spent the day comforting the grieving relatives. “I have many roles in my role as prime minister, but at the moment I have three incredibly important jobs. One is to bring with me the message of love and support and grief of the people of New Zealand,” she said. “The second message that I have is to ensure your safety – your freedom to worship safely; your freedom to express your culture and religion.”
HH Sheikh Mohammed took to Twitter to share two messages, one in English and another one in Arabic to share his condolences “to New Zealand, to the families of the victims and to Muslims across the world.”
We witnessed the most horrific hate crime that killed 49 worshippers on a blessed day. Our condolences to New Zealand, to the families of the victims and to Muslims across the world. On behalf of UAE that declared the Year of Tolerance, we call for a unified stand against hatred.
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 15, 2019
في يوم سلام كيوم الجمعة وفِي مكان عبادة كالمسجد شهدنا أبشع جريمة كراهية دينية راح ضحيتها ٤٩ من المصلين. تعازينا لنيوزيلندا ولأهالي الضحايا ولكافة المسلمين وباسمي وباسم بلدي التي خصصت عاما كاملا للتسامح ندين ونعرب عن عميق حزننا وندعوا العالم لوقفة مراجعة لترسيخ التسامح بين الأديان
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 15, 2019
Many celebrities too from all over the world were quick to share heartfelt messages and condolences on social media in support of the Islamic community. Libyan-American journalist and activist Noor Tagouri took to Instagram to share her feelings on the tragedy.
Her message that read, “My heart breaks for those who hate in fear instead of being able to open their minds and hearts to our beautiful community. A religion rooted in peace and service – where giving someone a smile is counted as literal charity.” was reposted by sisters Bella Hadid and Gigi Hadid.
Bella Hadid shared multiple messages, including one from American model and activist, Yara Shahidi that said, “At the center of Islam is peace. At the center of this crime against humanity is hate. There is no way to justify this loss of life.” Right after, Hadid posted a few photos and names of the deceased with the caption,”Just a few of the completely innocent people killed in the New Zealand attack.. Each with a different story and life to live..”
Halima Aden too posted an image on Instagram captioned with an emotional message that said, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un .. my heart breaks for the 49 victims that have lost their lives in the mosque shooting. Sending all my love and prayers to the family members & the community. We must all stand united against hatred & bigotry. Hate will NEVER win. May Allah grant them Jannatul firdaus”.
Gigi Hadid
Mohammed Al Turki
Imaan Hammam
Kylie Jenner
Kourtney Kardashian
I have been physically sick all day after hearing about the senseless, hateful acts in New Zealand this morning.
As a Christian, I believe hate is wrong in any form…
We need to walk in love…For all people and all religions, I stand with my Muslim brothers and sisters.
— Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash) March 15, 2019
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