It feels as if no words can cover the unimaginable and inexplicable intrusion and carnage which was perpetrated amid the prayerful peace of two Christchurch mosques last Friday the 15th March. Some say there are no words.
There are however many feelings; hurt, bewilderment, broken heartedness, despair, grief, trauma, confusion, darkness, and solidarity.
And there is love. An outpouring of love for the victims and their families.
To the Muslim families in Christchurch and the rest of New Zealand, I am so sad for your loss.
If you want to show support to the Muslim Community by attending a public vigil, here is a list happening around New Zealand in the coming week.
- Invercargill – Sunday 17 March from 11am – 12pm.
- Wellington – Sunday 17 March from 6pm – 7pm at Basin Reserve.
- Christchurch – Thursday 21 March from 8.30pm – 9.30pm at Cathedral Square.
- Dunedin – Thursday 21 March in the Octagon.
- Auckland – Friday 22 March from 6pm – 7pm at Aotea Square.
- Nelson Race Unity Day – Sunday 24 March 24 in Victory Square.
If you want to help by donation for the families, here are several links.
The New Zealand Islamic Information Centre has set up a crowdfunding campaign on Launchgood (a crowdfunding platform for Muslim people) with all funds raised distributed to the victims and families affected by the Christchurch attack. All proceeds will go towards helping with their immediate, short-term needs.
The New Zealand Council of Victim Support Groups has also set up a crowdfunding campaign on Givealittle. Victim Support says it will use all donations received to the page to provide support and resources for people affected by the Christchurch shootings and their family members. This one has already raised $3 million from everyday New Zealanders
Today I received this heartening link from Creative NZ who also “invite New Zealand artists to share words, images, videos of your creative expression and related events using the hashtag #CreateAroha. We, in turn, will share them on our social media platforms. Nothing is too small or too big. I see each creative expression as a thread denoting dignity and mana, woven into a digital korowai to nourish and protect us.”
Love and aroha to all.
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