Dear Prime Minister

Dear Prime Minister,

Thank You, as a Muslim, as a female, and as a human being. You have shown me that you are honourable, compassionate and brave. March 15, 2019 is a day that will be remembered by many around the world. We lost 50 innocent lives that day. You stood with the Muslims, you didn’t let us feel alone, you called this incident what it was, a terrorist attack.

"You will never hear me mention his name," you kept him nameless, you denied him what he wanted—recognition. You comforted the victims, you changed gun laws, you offered to pay for the funerals of the victims and take care of the ones left behind.

You are a true leader, you grieved with the Muslim community, you opened up parliament with the Islamic greeting. You showed the work what a true leader looks like, you have earned respect from many around the world. Your actions inspired many, and I hope it inspires more.

On Friday, March 22, The Times newspaper printed the works "Salaam" (peace) in Arabic with all 50 names of the victims on the front page. Women in New Zealand wore the hijab (Islamic head covering) as a sign of respect and unity. There were hundreds who gathered outside a mosque and formed a human chain in Wellington, New Zealand, to protect the people praying inside. The call to prayer was broadcast on television and radio in New Zealand, too. London has also had people in Hijab outside the London Muslim centre handing out flowers to the women coming out after praying, they men also did the same too. Mosques around London saw non Muslims come out and show support, we had the call to prayer played in Trafalgar Square. On social media people have shown their solidarity by standing with Muslims.

These are only a few of the things that have taken place after the attacks, I like you will never utter this terrorists name, I have decided to list only the good that has happened after the attack instead of giving him recognition for the grief he has caused.

You, Prime Minister Jacinda Arden, have brought together many not only in New Zealand but all over the world. I hope the Prime Minister in my country and others follow your suit. I can never thank you enough for making a community all around the world feel like a part of yours.

Sincerely,

A Muslim