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Sunday, Mar 16, 2025
Outside the box.
Six Years After the Christchurch Mosque Massacre: A Reflection on Resilience and Community Healing
The Al Noor Mosque's Imam, Gamal Fouda, shares insights on the impact of the 2019 terror attack and the ongoing journey towards community unity.
On March 15, 2019, Christchurch, New Zealand, experienced a tragedy that would become a defining moment in its history.
At approximately 1:40 PM, a lone gunman unleashed violence on worshippers at two mosques during Friday prayers, resulting in the deaths of 51 individuals.
The attack represented the worst act of terrorism in New Zealand's history, shocking both the nation and the world.
During the attacks, Imam Gamal Fouda was leading prayers at the Al Noor Mosque in Riccarton when the assailant approached.
Grandfather Haji Daoud Nabi welcomed the shooter, only to be shot dead at the doorstep.
The gunman proceeded to kill 43 additional victims inside the mosque.
At the nearby Linwood Islamic Centre, seven more lives were lost, and 89 others sustained injuries, including the youngest victim, who was just three years old.
The perpetrator was apprehended and later sentenced to life in prison without parole.
The massacre prompted New Zealand to raise its terrorism threat level from low to high, marking the first time this classification had been enacted in the country.
The political response featured notable leadership from then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who condemned the attacks as an act of 'extreme and unprecedented violence.' In her remarks, she emphasized a rejection of the ideologies behind the attack, stating, 'You may have chosen us—but we utterly reject and condemn you.' Ardern's stance was characterized by a focus on the victims rather than the attacker, urging the public to honor the names of those whose lives were lost.
Imam Gamal Fouda, who gained international recognition for his compassionate response, delivered a poignant address at a memorial event attended by thousands.
During his speech, he asserted, 'This terrorist sought to tear our country apart with an evil ideology.
But instead, we have shown that New Zealand is unbreakable.
Hate will be undone, and love will redeem us.' Fouda highlighted the importance of not generalizing the actions of one individual to an entire community, stating that the shooter did not represent the white race but acted from a place of personal malice.
Born and raised in Egypt, Fouda moved to New Zealand in 2003, seeking to foster understanding between the Muslim community and the broader society.
Following the attacks, he has focused on community dialogue and healing.
He met with global leaders, including former Prime Ministers Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins, and emphasized the need for collaboration across different faiths, including the Jewish and Christian communities.
Reflecting on the ongoing trauma experienced by survivors and families affected by the attacks, Fouda noted, 'Many people still need help with the trauma and are still recovering, including myself.
It will take years to heal from this.' This trauma is set against a backdrop of increasing Islamophobia and antisemitic incidents globally.
Recent reports have indicated significant rises in Islamophobic incidents, with online attacks increasing by 250% and in-person incidents rising by 150% from January 2023 to November 2024. In light of these statistics, Fouda has called for communal solidarity, asserting that the fight against division must be a collective effort.
Fouda has been involved in educational initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and understanding.
He played a role in consultations directed at policy changes following the attack, advocating for educational content that emphasizes respect, tolerance, and the celebration of diversity.
In late February 2023, Fouda stepped down as Imam of Al Noor Mosque after nearly a decade of service.
In his farewell sermon, he noted that the mosque has evolved into a global symbol of peace and resilience.
He expressed plans to move to Australia following Ramadan to continue his work fostering dialogue and unity within diverse communities.
'I look forward to engaging with new communities and cultivating a vision where faith and cultural identity thrive alongside shared values of respect and unity,' he stated, underscoring a commitment to continue advocating for harmony.
At approximately 1:40 PM, a lone gunman unleashed violence on worshippers at two mosques during Friday prayers, resulting in the deaths of 51 individuals.
The attack represented the worst act of terrorism in New Zealand's history, shocking both the nation and the world.
During the attacks, Imam Gamal Fouda was leading prayers at the Al Noor Mosque in Riccarton when the assailant approached.
Grandfather Haji Daoud Nabi welcomed the shooter, only to be shot dead at the doorstep.
The gunman proceeded to kill 43 additional victims inside the mosque.
At the nearby Linwood Islamic Centre, seven more lives were lost, and 89 others sustained injuries, including the youngest victim, who was just three years old.
The perpetrator was apprehended and later sentenced to life in prison without parole.
The massacre prompted New Zealand to raise its terrorism threat level from low to high, marking the first time this classification had been enacted in the country.
The political response featured notable leadership from then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who condemned the attacks as an act of 'extreme and unprecedented violence.' In her remarks, she emphasized a rejection of the ideologies behind the attack, stating, 'You may have chosen us—but we utterly reject and condemn you.' Ardern's stance was characterized by a focus on the victims rather than the attacker, urging the public to honor the names of those whose lives were lost.
Imam Gamal Fouda, who gained international recognition for his compassionate response, delivered a poignant address at a memorial event attended by thousands.
During his speech, he asserted, 'This terrorist sought to tear our country apart with an evil ideology.
But instead, we have shown that New Zealand is unbreakable.
Hate will be undone, and love will redeem us.' Fouda highlighted the importance of not generalizing the actions of one individual to an entire community, stating that the shooter did not represent the white race but acted from a place of personal malice.
Born and raised in Egypt, Fouda moved to New Zealand in 2003, seeking to foster understanding between the Muslim community and the broader society.
Following the attacks, he has focused on community dialogue and healing.
He met with global leaders, including former Prime Ministers Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins, and emphasized the need for collaboration across different faiths, including the Jewish and Christian communities.
Reflecting on the ongoing trauma experienced by survivors and families affected by the attacks, Fouda noted, 'Many people still need help with the trauma and are still recovering, including myself.
It will take years to heal from this.' This trauma is set against a backdrop of increasing Islamophobia and antisemitic incidents globally.
Recent reports have indicated significant rises in Islamophobic incidents, with online attacks increasing by 250% and in-person incidents rising by 150% from January 2023 to November 2024. In light of these statistics, Fouda has called for communal solidarity, asserting that the fight against division must be a collective effort.
Fouda has been involved in educational initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and understanding.
He played a role in consultations directed at policy changes following the attack, advocating for educational content that emphasizes respect, tolerance, and the celebration of diversity.
In late February 2023, Fouda stepped down as Imam of Al Noor Mosque after nearly a decade of service.
In his farewell sermon, he noted that the mosque has evolved into a global symbol of peace and resilience.
He expressed plans to move to Australia following Ramadan to continue his work fostering dialogue and unity within diverse communities.
'I look forward to engaging with new communities and cultivating a vision where faith and cultural identity thrive alongside shared values of respect and unity,' he stated, underscoring a commitment to continue advocating for harmony.
