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As announced earlier this week, Christchurch hosted, Friday, a national remembrance service honoring the 50 people who were killed by an Australian terrorist, March the 15th.
The event streamed to a world-wide audience, was attended by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Muslim leaders, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and a survivor of the attack, BBC reports.
According to the same source, the service held at the Hagely Park opposite of Al Nour mosque, was attended by 20,000 people. Muslim convert Cat Stevens, who is also a singer, performed during the service.
Speaking during the event, Ardern said : «We are not immune to the viruses of hate, of fear, of other. We never have been (…) but we can be the nation that discovers the cure».
Attacks survivor Farid Ahmed, who lost his wife in the terror attack, said that he had forgiven the Australian terrorist, who opened fire on Muslim worshippers at two of Christchurch’s mosques.
«I don't want a heart that is boiling like a volcano», he told the crowd, adding : «I want a heart that will be full of love and care, and will have mercy».
This event comes only one week after thousands of people, in Christchurch, attended a Friday sermon. Muslims and non-Muslim New Zealanders gathered in the same park to honor the victims of the terror attacks. The prayer was attended by Ardern.
