15th March 2019 turned out to be one of the darkest days in New Zealand’s history due to the ghastly mass shooting episode that took place at two mosques in Christchurch. In a tragedy that killed 50 Muslims and left another 50 fighting for their lives, a few gunmen opened fire during the afternoon prayers at the Al Noor mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre and also live streamed a major part of the attack on Facebook.
However, in the time of concern, the entire country has come together to condemn the loss of lives. From the traditional Maori Haka dance reverberating around the country to the biker gang standing as guards outside mosques, we have seen the whole country stand unitedly following the barbaric act.
And on Wednesday night, we got another example of the same.
Journalist Jerome Taylor took to Twitter to share pictures from a meeting at the Al Noor mosque on Wednesday, where the locals came forward to offer their prayers collectively.
“My heart is racing, it’s something unbelievable, I can barely describe it,” Omar, 32 from Sydney (left) told me. “To see the community all so close together it’s amazing.”
Of course, it shouldn’t take a tragedy to unite people — but that is what has happened here pic.twitter.com/ULAZ8tDoFb
— Jerome Taylor (@JeromeTaylor) March 20, 2019
While the Muslims performed the Namaz, the other locals formed a human chain behind them as a mark of support and protection. It was an incredible sight to watch.
I’m not ashamed to admit I wept at this scene tonight — Christchurch locals forming a human chain behind Muslims as they perform maghrib prayers in front of the Al Noor mosque, where so many died. It was utterly beautiful pic.twitter.com/6CjKAi4ir6
— Jerome Taylor (@JeromeTaylor) March 20, 2019
He also shared pictures of another mass Haka which was carried out in front of the mosque.
Moments earlier another mass haka had broken out in front of the mosque. This keeps happening, but tonight’s display was particularly large and emotional pic.twitter.com/7oSnJoFrpl
— Jerome Taylor (@JeromeTaylor) March 20, 2019
Those Maori cries of solidarity echoed across the park towards a mosque that should have been holding prayers, a mosque that shouldn’t have bullet holes in its walls, blood soaked into the carpets, worshipped who will never return there again pic.twitter.com/wbJW9TElZL
— Jerome Taylor (@JeromeTaylor) March 20, 2019
This time, the Haka was led by a few biker gangs of the country who stood together in solidarity.
This particular haka was led by a collection of Kiwi biker gangs who arrived in a convoy of guttural choppers. Friendly looking chaps right? 😜 pic.twitter.com/cCTpp8Gzkn
— Jerome Taylor (@JeromeTaylor) March 20, 2019
They were led by Derek Tait (left), a sort of biker-pastor. “We are here tonight for our Muslim whanau,” he told the crowd, using a Maori term for extended family. “It should be from here forward that we make a stand against any hate at all,” he added to cheers. pic.twitter.com/C9KktgPqXJ
— Jerome Taylor (@JeromeTaylor) March 20, 2019
There were no barriers. There was no discrimination. The country stood as one.
The crowd was as mixed and varied as New Zealand. Exactly the kind of diversity the white supremacist gunman loathed. They listened, cried, hugged and celebrated. pic.twitter.com/onk1QDYHCg
— Jerome Taylor (@JeromeTaylor) March 20, 2019
I’ll end the thread on this. Earlier today 27-year-old local Jacob Leo Skilling got this tattoo done, it was still red raw.
“Regardless of religion, colour, black, white, it doesn’t matter,” he told me. “We’re all human beings, we all bleed the same.” pic.twitter.com/HkOUAQgZrR
— Jerome Taylor (@JeromeTaylor) March 20, 2019
Jerome mentioned in his tweet that he was left in tears after watching the incredible scene.
As Jerome rightly stated, it should not take a tragedy to unite a country but if there is a positive that can be taken out from the entire episode, it is this. It is phenomenal and heartwarming to see humanity above all.