On Friday, March 19, 2019 as Muslims in Christchurch, New Zealand gathered at the mosque for their weekly communal prayer, a terrorist was plotting what would be the worst terrorist attack on New Zealand soil. A white supremacist entered the Al Noor Mosque, was greeted by one of the members, an elder named Dawood, and the proceeded to murder and mame the congregation members as they stood for prayer.

As the news was published and more and more information was released, and the number of victims of the shooting increased, we began to feel sadness, anger and hopelessness. What could we do to honor these victims? How could we speak out against the hatred? Living so far away, as young students what could we do that would help? In Islam we are told to “want for your brother/sister, what you want for yourself.” We knew based on this it was our duty to spread awareness, remember the victims, and create something positive. Thus, the Şehit Adil Buyuk Cengiz “50 Lives” memorial was made.

The grade 9 students each selected one victim of the New Zealand shooting to write a biography for. Pictures of the victims, and information about who they were, were then put on display right at the school entrance for all to see. In addition, an interactive portion at the bottom of the memorial was added, where students, teachers and guests can write messages and thoughts.  Inshallah it is one small action, that will be healing and educational for many.

May Allah grant all of these martyrs the highest level of Paradise, and may He unify our Muslim community and the world.

9B Melike Özyazıcı