Burj Al Arab Lights Up with New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern Image
The world’s tallest building has shown support to PM Jacinda Ardern and New Zealanders after the twin mosque attack
The tallest building in the world beamed an image of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern embracing a woman at Wellington’s Kilbirnie mosque following the Wellington mosque shooting.
The 829-meter skyscraper located in Dubai chose a photo taken by Hagen Hopkins, a photographer from Wellington. The building also added the word “Salam” which means peace in Arabic.
“New Zealand today fell silent in honour of the mosque attacks’ martyrs. Thank you PM @jacindaardern and New Zealand for your sincere empathy and support that has won the respect of 1.5 billion Muslims after the terrorist attack that shook the Muslim community around the world,” tweeted Sheikh Mohammed, UAE prime minister, vice president, and ruler of the emirate of Dubai.
New Zealand today fell silent in honour of the mosque attacks' martyrs. Thank you PM @jacindaardern and New Zealand for your sincere empathy and support that has won the respect of 1.5 billion Muslims after the terrorist attack that shook the Muslim community around the world. pic.twitter.com/9LDvH0ybhD
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 22, 2019
Two mosques in New Zealand was attacked by a gunman. A total of 50 people were killed.
Most people who died in the attack were laid to rest in Christchurch last Friday while other families opted for private ceremonies.
Around 20,000 people joined a prayer service in Hagley Park in front of Al Noor Mosque to show unity despite the attack. It was also broadcasted on national television. Many women also wore headscarves to signify their support.
“New Zealand mourns with you. We are one,” said the PM Ardern, followed by silence for two minutes.
Remarkably, PM Ardern has received praise in International and Asia news for handling the unfortunate event excellently. She also ignited a worldwide discussion on war rhetoric by not following the way other world leaders respond to terror.
Aside from insisting not to name the killer, she also put an action to have stricter gun laws by banning military-style semi-automatics as well as assault rifles.
“I don’t think I’m displaying leadership. I just think I’m displaying humanity,” she said,” said PM Ardern, adding that she is just modeling the value of people in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s 4.8 million population is 1% Muslim. Most of whom were born in other countries.