Friday 22 March 2019 5:42pm
Members of the Muslim University Students' Association led more than 10,000 staff, students, alumni and their whanau on a silent march to the Forsyth Barr Stadium last night. Photo: Sharron Bennett.
More than 10,000 staff, students, alumni and their whanau marched in complete silence from the University to Forsyth Barr Stadium last night in an incredibly moving and strong show of support for the Muslim community.
Led by the Muslim University Students' Association, and wearing “they are us” stickers, the marchers left the University at 5:45pm, and headed down Union Street East to the Stadium for Dunedin’s civic vigil which began at 7pm. They were joined at Forth Street by staff and students of Otago Polytechnic.
The crowd was so large that it filled the full length and width of Union Street East – with those at the front reaching the Stadium before those at the back had left the University campus.
Inside the stadium the marchers joined other Dunedin residents, bringing the crowd to around 18,000 people.
The vigil was emceed by the President of the Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) James Heath, together with the President of the Muslim University Students Association Hamzeh Obeidat, and included speeches, songs, and a call to prayer for those of Muslim faith. There was also a 10 minute silence, during which 50 candles – representing each of the people who died in last Friday’s tragic shootings – were lit by representatives from community and government organisations, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne.
The crowd filled the width and length of Union Street East.
The entire event was translated into both Arabic and New Zealand Sign Language, and included strong messages for inclusion.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull, told the crowd there is no point in dwelling on the perpetrator - this only validates him and his poisonous beliefs.
Offer the living the assurance ‘you are us’, he said, also urging the crowd to face down any expression of racism or hate wherever it appears.
"Hate never wins when we stand united … Kia kaha my brothers and sisters."
The Chairman of the Otago Muslim Association Mohammed Rizwan also spoke, saying it was very hard to comprehend what happened last Friday.
Mr Rizwan said the shooter had wanted to expose everyone to terror and to sow the seeds of division and hatred, but that he failed, and instead brought entire communities of people together “united as a whanau”.
He asked the crowd to continue spreading the message of love, and continue spreading the message of peace rather than the message of hatred.
“Hate never wins when we stand united … Kia kaha my brothers and sisters,” he said.
Alva Feldmeier of the Otago University Amnesty International Group told the crowd she belongs to Amnesty because it is seeking a future of equality, justice and compassion.
She said when the vigil was planned they had a small group in mind, but was thrilled at the sheer numbers who attended.
“Being here is a powerful statement,” she said.
She told the crowd to “say yes” to diversity and yes to welcoming people – making New Zealand a nation where our values are not negotiable, they are the heart of who we are.
As it started getting darker, people in the crowd started lighting candles.
The vigil closed with a final prayer, and then the national anthem.
Give Nothing to Racism campaign launched
The vigil and the march were the final events in a day for the University of Otago like no other.
At 11am the Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt gave a public lecture in the Union Hall, entitled The Courage of Our Convictions.
Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt speaks in the Union Hall yesterday morning.
The lecture was planned some weeks ago, to coincide with International Race Relations Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and the launch of the University’s Give Nothing to Racism campaign – but took on a new significance as a result of Friday’s mosque attacks.
In his lecture, attended by around 350 people and livestreamed to Wellington and Christchurch campuses, Professor Hunt said racism has been an issue in New Zealand long before the Christchurch mosque killings – but that last Friday’s events should galvanise the nation into action.
"When I took up the position of chief human rights commissioner a few weeks ago I felt a sense of complacency in New Zealand about the country's human rights situation.
"Because of last week's attacks. I hope that complacency has now evaporated, and it is no longer reasonable to ask what are New Zealand's major human rights problems?''
Mr Hunt said New Zealand should strive to become a "global champion of anti-racism and anti-Islamophobia".
"In this way we will honour the victims.”
OUSA Vigil for Peace
In the afternoon, the OUSA held a vigil for peace in collaboration with the Otago Muslim Students’ Association.
The crowd gathered for the student-organised vigil yesterday afternoon.
The vigil was held at 1pm near the Memorial Bridge – and drew a strong crowd of students and staff.
Ahead of the vigil, members of the Muslim Students’ Association showed other students how to put on a head scarf – as they prepared to stand together.
A Muslim student helps another put on a head scarf.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne says she is incredibly proud of the way people have come together in the wake of the Christchurch attacks.
"I will never forget the powerful speech by the Muslim Students’ Association President, Hamzeh Obeidat who, like some many other Muslim leaders called for peace and understanding in the wake of this tragedy."
“Over the last week, many of our staff and students have shown an outpouring of kindness to each other. Academic and professional staff have reached out providing food, flowers, words, and hugs. Campus Watch has done what they always do – gently supporting people who need help.
"Our student president, Mr James Heath, and other members of the OUSA executive have shown outstanding leadership and compassion. Leaders of the Muslim Students’ Association have shown amazing grace and strength.
“I will never forget the powerful speech by the Muslim Students’ Association President, Hamzeh Obeidat who, like some many other Muslim leaders called for peace and understanding in the wake of this tragedy.”
She was inspired by the way people came together, particularly for the silent march.
“There is power in numbers, and this was our chance to join together and show our support for the Muslim community. Going forward, we need to use what we have learned to support all members of our community.”
Take a look at some more images from the day - courtesy of Sharron Bennett and Samuel White:
