Man who's wife was killed in the Christchurch mosque shootings speaks out.
Six months ago today, Farid and Husna Ahmed were praying in their mosque when a gunman stormed in and opened fire. Husna hurried the women and children to safety and was shot dead as she ran back into the mosque to help her husband who uses a wheelchair. Miraculously, Farid survived. Days later he bravely and unbelievably told the Herald that he had forgiven the man who gunned Husna down. Today Farid is still grieving for her - but has another strong message for the world. He shared his words with senior reporter Anna Leask.
Time and tide wait for none.
Six months has passed after the tragedy in Christchurch mosques.
March 15 is gone, 51 lives are gone but has the memory of that tragedy gone too?
Have the Christchurch residents brushed it off from their minds?
Farid Ahmed spoke about forgiving the Christchurch terror accused just days after his wife was allegedly murdered at their mosque. Photo / Alan Gibson
Are the communities still coming together to be close to each other? Or are people starting to forget about something terrible that happened in this city?
The way I see it, how can we forget the black day in our city after only six months?
This city has a great reputation, and the residents here have been very lovely.
On that day Christchurch citizens were shocked because they never believed before that such a horrible civilian killing would take place in the heart of their safe city.
The terrible killing has wounded the hearts of Christchurch residents - along with all Kiwis.
How can that deep wound be healed after six months?
The March 15 tragedy made residents cry, made many first responders risk their lives to protect their fellow humans, people from all walkways came running for help and so on.
Can that dedication be forgotten so easily?
For me and other victim families, after six months, we have not forgotten our loved ones at all.
We are still grieving, but we are carrying the grief to move on.
We feel sad for losing our loved ones, but at the same time, we feel happy with the belief that our loved ones are in a happy place.
People are still visiting the mosques, bringing gifts, paying their respect every single day.
I would say that March 15 had initiated the bridging between groups in the community and it keeps going wider and wider.
Husna Ahmed was killed after helping women and children to safety at the Al Noor Mosque on March 15. Photo / Supplied
It has laid the foundation of unity, and the building work is ongoing.
It is work that must be continued without any break.
The support from central government, local government keeps going and professionals, employers, business people, schools, neighbours, friends and so on are still showing their generosity in helping the victims or victim families.
There is so much compassion, love and support from all avenues, that it is impossible to write in just a few words.
Where to get help: • Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7) • Whats 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.
