Dear Prime Minister,
As a Muslim, as a female, and as a human being I would like to thank you. You have shown me that you are honourable, compassionate and brave. March 15th 2019 is a day that will not be forgotten. We lost 50 innocent lives that day. You stood with the Muslims, you didn’t let us feel alone, you called this incident what it was, a terrorist attack.
“You will never hear me mention his name,” you said. By keeping him nameless, you denied him the recognition that he craved. Instead you concentrated on the victims and their families. You comforted them; you offered to pay for the funerals; and you offered to take care of the ones left behind. You also changed the gun laws.
You are a true leader. You grieved with the Muslim community, and you opened up parliament with the Islamic greeting. You showed the world what true leadership looks like. You have earned respect from many around the world. Your actions have already inspired many, and will I hope inspire more in future.
On Friday 22nd March, The Times printed the word Salaam – “peace” in Arabic – on its front page, together with all the names of the 50 victims. Women in New Zealand wore the hijab (Islamic head covering) as a sign of respect and unity. There were hundreds who gathered outside a mosque and formed a human chain in Wellington, New Zealand, to protect the people praying inside. The call to prayer was also broadcast on New Zealand TV and radio.
In London people wearing the hijab gathered outside the London Muslim Centre handing out flowers to the women leaving after prayers, and men did the same as well. Mosques all over London saw non-Muslims come out and show support. The Muslim call to prayer was even recited in Trafalgar Square. And all over social media people have shown their solidarity by standing together with Muslims.
These are only a few of the examples of the solidarity that has been shown since the attacks. I like you will never utter this terrorist’s name. instead of recognising him for the grief he has caused, I choose instead to list only the good things that have happened since the attack.
You Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have brought many together, not only in New Zealand but all over the world. I hope the Prime Minister in my own country and others from around the world learn from your example. I can never thank you enough for the way you have brought communities together so that we can feel one with yours.
Yours sincerely,
A Muslim
