By Esther Lauaki
Two Melton schools have joined in mutual support as the victims of a terrorist attack in Christchurch were remembered.
Fifty people were killed when a gunman stormed two mosques in the New Zealand city on March 15. In a show of solidarity last Friday, Melton Catholic Regional College principal Mark Sheehan and five student leaders visited Al Iman College in Melton South.
“We met with Brother Othman Abubakar and Mohammed Kahirul and conveyed sentiments to their leaders in light of the terrorist attacks on the two mosques in Christchurch,” Mr Sheehan said.
He said local Catholic communities offered prayers for the victims’ families and the Muslim communities in New Zealand and Australia.
“We condemn this senseless and vicious act,” he said. “We condemn the hatred of migrants, which is a betrayal of the hospitality to the stranger.”
Catholic Regional College students read a poem written by Jinghan Naan (of the Radiant Muslim blog) and presented a native plant arrangement.
“Each person was presented with a plaque which highlights our shared creation and equality amongst all people,” Mr Sheehan
said.
Caroline Springs police held a community engagement barbecue last Friday and shared a minute’s silence with Muslim leaders.
Senior Sergeant Jason Dolman expressed messages of support and solidarity for all members of Melton’s Muslim community in the wake of the Chistchurch attack.
