Friday 22nd March 2019

Pacific Leadership Forum - Condolences to our Muslim Community in Aotearoa

As Salaam Alaikum, Talofa Lava, Kia Orana, Malo e lelei, Bula Vinaka, Fakalofa lahi atu, Taloha Ni, Kam na mauri, Namaste

The Pacific Leadership Forum offers its deepest and sincerest condolences and aroha to our Muslim Community in Aotearoa, particularly those directly affected in Christchurch.

The horrendous act of terror and hate that occurred on Friday 15th March has left a permanent scar on our heart and soul as a Nation. We cannot begin to understand the deep pain and loss you are feeling through such a brutal and callous act. However, our Pacific leaders and our communities across New Zealand stand together with our Prime Minister the Right Honourable Jacinda Adern in saying you are us. You are not alone.

As migrants or sons and daughters of migrants to Aotearoa like you, the Pacific community understands the struggle against racism and the desire and right to be accepted for who we are. Our Pacific communities in New Zealand has never been victim to such a heinous act as was perpetrated by the terrorist last Friday on unarmed worshippers. Houses of Worship are sacred and should be safe havens for all people to find spiritual solace.

This Friday at the Pakuranga Mosque at the exact time of the Christchurch attack last week as a symbolic gesture of solidarity, we will pray and mourn with you. We stand together with you. We are with you and together we will ensure that this does not happen again.

May God comfort and give peace to all our Muslim brothers and sisters at this time. We pray for you and with you. We pray for our Prime Minister and all our leaders. We pray for healing for our Nation to stand together as one.

ends

© Scoop Media