Tens of thousands of New Zealanders gathered to attend a national memorial service held Friday in Christchurch for the victims of terror attacks on two mosques that killed 50 people and injured dozens more.
The service, entitled "Ko Tatou, Tatou - We Are One," was broadcast simultaneously at similar memorial events across the country, and conducted jointly by the New Zealand government and the local Maori and Muslim communities.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, whose speech was met with a standing ovation, urged New Zealanders and the global community to unite against violence and racism.
[Photo courtesy of Christchurch City Council]
"The world has been stuck in a vicious cycle of extremism breeding extremism, and it must end," she said, to a rapturous applause.
"Even the ugliest of viruses can exist in places they are not welcome. Racism exists, but it is not welcome here. An assault on the freedom of anyone who practices their faith or religion is not welcome here."
Ardern has been internationally lauded for her empathic but firm response to the attack, which she called "New Zealand's darkest day," including her promise to never to say the gunman's name.
In total, 50 people were killed and a further 50 were treated for gunshot wounds when alleged gunman and white supremacist Brenton Tarrant stormed two mosques in central Christchurch on March 15.
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The shooting - the worst terrorist attack on New Zealand soil - prompted the government to strengthen its gun laws and launch a royal commission into the country's security agencies.
Many of the speakers at the event noted that although the gunman's intentions may have been to divide the Christchurch community, the overwhelming response has instead been one of love and unity.
"I'm humbled by the outpouring of grief you have all shared with us, that you did not leave us alone with our sadness. But instead opened your hearts and stood beside us," said Shaggaf Khan, president of the Muslim Association of Canterbury, a regional organization which includes the city of Christchurch.
Farid Ahmed, who survived the attack on Al Noor Mosque, encouraged forgiveness and self-reflection during his speech to the crowd, saying: "I have chosen peace. I have chosen love and I have forgiven."
[Photo courtesy of Christchurch City Council]
"How can I hate my human brother? I don't agree with what he has done. I don't support what he has done," said Ahmed, whose wife Husna, died in the shooting while trying to help her wheelchair-bound husband.
"But at the same time I cannot deny the fact that he is my human brother."
Christchurch City Council estimated up to 25,000 people attended the service, held in North Hagley Park, roughly two kilometers from the Al Noor Mosque, where the majority of the victims died.
Diplomatic representatives from 59 countries, including Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, attended the service.
The almost-two-hour-long service involved several musical performances, including one by Grammy-award-winning artist Yusuf Islam.
The artist, more commonly known by his stage name, Cat Stevens, sang several songs including his 1971 hit "Peace Train".
