The Center for Service, Spirituality, and Social Justice (CS3) and MECA (Muslim Educational and Cultural Association) held an interfaith prayer service and candlelight vigil on the steps of Old West in honor of the lives taken during two mass shootings in New Zealand last week. 

The shootings took place at two mosques on Friday, March 15, New Zealand Standard Time, at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand. 

“The New Zealand terrorist attack was one of the many horrific incidents the world has seen,” said Yasmin Abdulhamid ’21, president of MECA. “We have lost 50 innocent lives who were peacefully performing their ritual Friday prayers on this day.”

The vigil took place on Tuesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. Director of CS3 Donna Hughes, President Margee Ensign, Assistant Professor of English Sheela Jane Menon and several students spoke during the service. Some attendees recited prayers. 

“At the vigil today, looking at so many faces of people who came to support the Muslim community, was uplifting. As I looked up, I saw my professors, the president, my friends and so many familiar and unfamiliar friendly faces,” added Abdulhamid. “Most of the Muslim community faces challenges usually being targeted as terrorists.”

Hughes explained that the attendees held candles “to remind ourselves of light… darkness can’t overcome light.” 

“Sometimes, when so much hate is spread around the world, it is difficult to see that we have allies around us. In times like this, it is consoling to see so many people come and support you,” said Abdulhamid. “I have faced plenty challenges being a Muslim woman in the United States and seeing my allies today made me promise to myself that I would never let myself give in to hate,” said Abdulhamid. “Today at the vigil, I learned that I had more allies than I thought.”

Nomi Small ’19, who studied abroad at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, invited people to reach out to her to send letters to a nearby community of Christchurch.