Messages from the Mosques | Mohammad Shamim Siddiqui (Sam). Video / The Mosques of Christchurch
Christchurch's Muslim community has reflected on how last year's terror attacks have affected them one year on in a series of newly released videos.
Posted on the website One Year On, the videos included interviews with an injured survivor of the March 15 attacks, in which 51 people were killed, as well as with a widow, a witness to the attack, and woman who lost her brother.
Masjid An-Nur (Deans Ave mosque) spokesman Tony Green said the mosque had members from 45 different countries, who had each experienced the attack in completely different ways.
"We have people who have lost loved ones. In fact, that sounds trite – they have lost those who were the corner of their lives, who were their reassurance."
"We have people who are walking around on crutches – some carrying bullet fragments that can't be removed and being regularly tested for lead in their blood. Some cannot work and are facing a new reality where they are dependent on others."
People stand across the road from a mosque in central Christchurch. Photo / AP
"I hope these stories are shared all over the world and that people take the time to stop, listen and reflect on these incredibly inspiring people as they share their stories in their own words."
Sara Qasem's "sweet father" Abdelfattah Qasem died at the Al Noor mosque on March 15.
"When someone asks me how does it feel a year later, I often have to remind myself it is a year later," the 24-year-old mountain climber and passionate hiker said.
"Just yesterday I was on a hike and I was walking down the footpath and I remembered something - it's difficult to say - but I remembered thinking, 'oh yeah, gotta tell dad that when I get home'."
She described her father as love, light and joyful radiance.
Siham Alsalfiti is the widow of Abdelfattah Qasem and mother of Sara Qasem.
She remembered her husband as a hero, who had the chance to escape the mosque shooting, but did not. Instead, he risked his life in hope of saving others.
"Although with what had happened it made us understand there is a hidden hatred," she said.
"Yet at the same time there is big love."
"The majority showed love, they showed that they care, they showed us that we are one and we are all human beings."
Mohamed (Mo-mo), 22, arrived in Christchurch from Somalia when he was 3 and said the Masjid An-Nur and its community played a key role in shaping his upbringing.
Mohamed was at Canterbury University on March 15, but lost one of his best friends in the shooting and knew more than half of those killed.
It's left him dedicated to promoting love and friendship.
"Are you gonna allow beautiful words that make people feel closer and wanna do good deeds for each other - are you gonna let that stuff spread?" Mohammed asked.
"Or, are you gonna let hatred spread where someone goes and shoots up a mosque?
"The message I'm trying to give is, smile more, spread more love and happiness."
Tony Green, also known as Jamaal, has been a member of the Christchurch Muslim community for over 20 years and vividly recalls the wife of one of the victims coming to him to say her husband never came home on March 15.
"And that to me is a recurring phrase because when this happens," Green said.
"And it happened to us last year, when it happens to a Jewish community or a Hindu community or a Christian community or any community whatsoever - there are thousands of people, time and time again, whose sons, whose daughters, whose husbands, whose wives go out in the normal daily expectation, and they never come home."
Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7) • What's Up?: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) • Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7) • Youthline: 0800 376 633 • Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7) If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
