New Zealand - Christchurch Mosque shooting, dead & injured reported, 15 March 2019

[Harmony 2]

Good morning!
The thread is open for posting. Please be sure to stay on topic.

 

[CoverMeCagney]

Worshippers have visited a New Zealand mosque as it reopened for the first time after dozens of people died there in a mass shooting. Hundreds of people stopped at the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch to lay flowers or pray after police removed a cordon and those running the mosque decided to reopen. Inside the mosque, there were few signs of the carnage from eight days earlier.

Christchurch mosque reopens after attacks as New Zealand 'marches for love'

 

[CoverMeCagney]

About 3,000 people walked through Christchurch in a 'march for love' early on Saturday, honouring the 50 worshippers massacred in the New Zealand city a week ago, as the mosques where the shooting took place reopened for prayers.

Carrying placards with signs such as, "He wanted to divide us, he only made us stronger", "Muslims welcome, racists not", and "Kia Kaha" - Maori for 'stay strong', people walked mostly in silence or softly sang a Maori hymn of peace.

New Zealand Terror Attack: Many 'march for love' in Christchurch as mosques reopen

 

[JudgeJudi]

Mohammed Mashud and his wife moved to NZ six years ago.

He is having to come to terms with the possibility that his wife, Sazada Akhter, may never walk again if she survives the horrific injuries she suffered in the terror attacks. She was shot twice, once in the abdomen and once in the chest, by the gunman at the Al Noor mosque. She is one of the most seriously injured victims following the shootings and has undergone several surgeries since. She remains in Christchurch Hospital.

The doctors have told him that if his wife survives her injuries, she will require a wheelchair for the rest of her life.

After hearing of her injuries, Mashud’s mother-in-law suffered a heart attack and was taken to a hospital in Bangladesh, where she lives.

Mashud said earlier that his wife was shot as she was fleeing the mosque. He never got inside himself, but saw the gunman enter ahead of him, and called his wife to warn her. He said she got out but didn't run far. "I called my wife again, ‘Where are you?’ She said she was standing near [our] car. I told her to run. The gunman again came outside ... he shot straight away and he got my wife."

She was rushed to hospital following the shootings but it was nearly 9pm that night before Mashud was able to find her. He has barely left her since, talking to her over and over again, hoping for a response. She needs more surgery, but isn't yet well enough. He said, "Other people I see, injured people, they're moving, talking. They open their eyes. But my wife doesn't open her eyes. No talking. There's nothing."

Christchurch mosque shooting victim facing life in a wheelchair if she survives injuries

We need to hear the stories of the victims. This is all about them. I only want to hear one thing about the shooter, and that is that he’ll be locked up for the rest of his life, and I hope he lives for a very, very long time.

 

[JudgeJudi]

Kamel Darwish, 38, immigrated to NZ from Jordan about six months ago and worked on a dairy farm. His older brother, who had lived in NZ since 2007, had convinced him to make the move because he believed it was a safe place to raise his family.

Kamel, described as honest and caring, rarely attended the Al Noor mosque to pray because he had to take time off work to travel. Sadly, he attended the Masjid Al Noor and was killed.

His mother, who had a heart condition, arrived from Jordan on Thursday with Kamel’s wife and their three young children ahead of his funeral on Friday, but she was too stressed and upset to attend her son’s burial and went to bed with a sore stomach. Her family found her dead when they checked on her on Saturday morning. It is believed she suffered a medical event. She had recently lost her husband and was devastated at the loss of her son. Her family believe the gunman is responsible for her death.

Kamel’s wife and their children, aged two, six and eight, had applied for a visa to immigrate to NZ. They don't know whether they want to make the move any more.

Jordanian mother of Christchurch shooting victim dies hours after son's burial

 

[JudgeJudi]

Two petitions have been started to get Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her handling of the Christchurch Mosque shooting.

A Change.org petition started four days ago has more than 3000 signatures while a petition on French website AVAAZ.org has just over 1000 signatures.

"Following the tragic events of Christchurch and the adequate, open and peaceful response of New Zealand Premier Jacinda Ardern, we wish to propose her as the recipient of the upcoming Nobel Peace Prize," the French page says.

It is believed the French petition was started by French poet Dr Khal Torabully.

Ardern has been praised around the world for the way she led the country through last week's unprecedented events.

In recognition of her work the Burj Khalifa in Dubai was lit up with an image of her in a hijab hugging a Muslim woman.

A Twitter post from Sheikh Mohammed thanked her for her "sincere empathy and support" and said she had won the respect of the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world.

A glowing editorial in the New York Times last night also heaped praise on her.

In the wake of last Friday's terror attack on two mosques, the actions of Ardern in swiftly moving to ban semi-automatic guns as well as her sympathetic response to the Muslim community has garnered worldwide attention.

The Times editorial titled America Deserves a Leader as Good as Jacinda Ardern' said "the world should learn from the way Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's prime minister, has responded to the horror".

Christchurch mosque shooting: Petitions set up calling for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to be nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

 

[Reasonable & Just]

Thank you, JudgeJudi, for telling the stories of the people who were just living their lives like you and I until someone felt like ending them. Those stories matter.

 

[human]

Gun shot wounds are horrific. They are not like TV and the movies.

 

[UndiscoveredTruth]

Hundreds of Christchurch surfers paddle out in tribute of victims of terror attacks

Hundreds of Christchurch surfers have paid tribute to the victims of last week's terror attacks with by paddling out at Sumner Beach.

The surfers formed a big circle out in the ocean and 50 white flowers were placed in the middle of it, representing each of those killed in the mosque shootings.

Many surfers took their own flowers tucked into their wetsuits and there was a minute's silence out on the water.

Hundreds of Christchurch surfers paddle out in tribute of victims of terror attacks

 

[UndiscoveredTruth]

All Blacks rugby star Sonny Bill Williams meets terror survivors during an emotional visit to Christchurch Hospital

All Blacks rugby star Sonny Bill Williams has visited survivors of the Christchurch terror attack in hospital, which left 50 Muslims dead, in Christchurch Hospital.

Williams, who is Muslim, was joined by fellow All Blacks rugby star, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, and Richmond Tigers player, Bachar Houli.

All Blacks rugby star Sonny Bill Williams meets terror survivors during an emotional visit to Christchurch Hospital

 

[sunnynz]

Some detail on the government financial compensation that the victims and their families are entitled to. This is aside from the millions of dollars that have been raised through fundraising “Chief Executive Kevin Tso said each family of the deceased – whether based here or overseas – were entitled to initial emergency payments of $15,000, and each hospitalised victim could receive $5000. Further could be given for other expenses including family travel and accommodation, and Victim Support could help family members apply for ACC funding.

An ACC spokesman said everyone who was injured in the shootings, and the families of those who were killed, were entitled to ACC support, irrespective of whether they are residents or just visiting New Zealand.

On top of a funeral grant of up to $10,000, surviving partners would get a $6,668 grant and $3,334 for each child under 18, or other dependants. Families of those who were working in New Zealand when they died were entitled to weekly compensation – 80 per cent of their partner's income – for five years, or until the youngest child turns 18.

Family living overseas can also access these payments, the spokesman said.”

The families' situations are diverse. Some are left with no access to money, little English and no driver's licence.
Christchurch shootings: Widows and children need all the help they can get

 

[UndiscoveredTruth]

Returning to Al Noor Mosque: 'Allah saved me'

A Christchurch man who knew most of those who died at the Al Noor Mosque says he managed to scrape by unscathed.

Mohamad Ismail was able to go back inside the mosque today and recalled how would usually be in the front two lines formed for prayer behind the imam.

Returning to Al Noor Mosque: 'Allah saved me'

 

[UndiscoveredTruth]

Lawyers to work for free to help Christchurch terror attack victims' families

Canterbury's lawyers are leading a nationwide drive to offer free legal services to families of the victims from last week's terror attack.

The Canterbury Westland Branch of the New Zealand Law Society said in a statement today a list of firms and lawyers will be provided to Community Law Canterbury to work pro bono for victims' families.

Last Friday 50 Muslims were killed when two Christchurch mosques were attacked by a lone terrorist.

"The families are going to progressively need help in a lot of areas," Canterbury Westland Branch vice president Ferne Bradley, a partner at Malley & Co, said.


"There could be immigration issues, childcare issues, employment issues, and tenancy and property issues too. It is not going to be easy for these people and they'll need on-going legal support."

Lawyers to work for free to help Christchurch terror attack victims' families

 

[UndiscoveredTruth]

Christchurch mosque shootings: Honouring the dead - Matiullah Safi, 55

The events in Christchurch are distressing. If you, or someone you know, needs mental wellbeing support or advice then call or text 1737 anytime.

Matiullah Safi fled his war-torn homeland hoping to find refuge from the gunfire in New Zealand.

"Death was still a bullet, even coming to the safest place in the world," said his nephew, Harry Khan.

Safi, a father of six children, was slain during a lone terrorist attack on two central city Christchurch mosques on March 15.


Khan will remember his uncle as a kind, selfless, and devoutly religious man who "always had a smile on his face" .

Christchurch mosque shootings: Honouring the dead - Matiullah Safi, 55

 

[human]

New Zealanders Create Human Chain Around Mosque To Shield Muslims In Prayer | HuffPost

 

[JudgeJudi]

Naeem Rashid, 49, moved from Pakistan to work as a teacher in Christchurch.

His valour, his bravery in the face of terror, his willingness to give his life trying to save the lives of his brothers and sisters at the Al Noor Mosque is what should be remembered. The world should know his name. This is Naeem Rashid.



“Even as his son was shot and people around him lay bleeding, he rushed the gunman, with no weapon, just his bare hands…” He can be seen in the video charging at the shooter as he tried to overpower and disarm him until he was shot and went down.

His son Tahla, 21, was a civil engineering graduate who was preparing to get married. Tragically, he lost his life in the attack.

Naeem was rushed to the hospital and died there of his injuries.

“He sacrificed himself … He is a hero. Know him.” And this too was the sentiment most shared about Rashid. A hero, martyr and selfless soul. He is described as all of these. And as was often repeated, he did all he could to save lives.

The call is for people to not “publicize the villain,” rather to “…remember the heroes instead.”

https://heavy.com/news/2019/03/naeem-rashid-a-tribute-to-the-christchurch-attack-hero/

Today, a new mural in Auckland honours one of the fallen, Naeem Rashid.



The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has announced that Rashid’s courage will be recognised posthumously with a national award.

This New Mural Honours Naeem Rashid, Who Died Trying To Stop The Christchurch Mosque Attacker

 

[RubyHill]

Accused Christchurch mosque shooter moved from city



The Australian man accused of killing 50 people in an attack on two mosques in Christchurch has been transferred from the city.

Brenton Harrison Tarrant, 28, is now believed to be being held at Paremoremo, the maximum security section of Auckland Prison.

"We worked closely with other agencies to securely transfer this prisoner into Corrections custody following his appearance in court in Christchurch," a Corrections spokeswoman confirmed on Sunday.

 

[kiwijayne]

My rememberance as this young man was an alumni at my high school. His younger brother survived and the school is where Jacinda visited.

Father and son Khaled and Hamza Mustafa died together in terror - but now they will rest together in peace forever.

The pair - Syrian refugees who moved to New Zealand six months ago hoping for a better life - were the first of the 50 Christchurch terror victims to be laid to rest at a funeral service in the city's east today.

Khaled was 44 and Hamza - his eldest child - just 16.

Both were gunned down at the Al Noor mosque and it is understood Hamza was on the phone to his mother Salwa when he was shot dead.

Christchurch mosque shootings: Muslim burials begin with father and son Khaled and Hamza Mustafa

 

[sunnynz]

My rememberance as this young man was an alumni at my high school. His younger brother survived and the school is where Jacinda visited.

Father and son Khaled and Hamza Mustafa died together in terror - but now they will rest together in peace forever.

The pair - Syrian refugees who moved to New Zealand six months ago hoping for a better life - were the first of the 50 Christchurch terror victims to be laid to rest at a funeral service in the city's east today.

Khaled was 44 and Hamza - his eldest child - just 16.

Both were gunned down at the Al Noor mosque and it is understood Hamza was on the phone to his mother Salwa when he was shot dead.

Christchurch mosque shootings: Muslim burials begin with father and son Khaled and Hamza Mustafa

Devastatingly sad. So sorry that NZ was not the safe haven they hoped it would be.

 

[CoverMeCagney]

Devastatingly sad. So sorry that NZ was not the safe haven they hoped it would be.

It will be an even safer place soon.

Thanks for all the updates, everyone. So sad reading the stories of those who died.