On March 17, around 400 people attended a vigil for victims of the Ōtautahi (Christchurch) terrorist attack at Tempelhofer Feld gardens in Berlin.

Citizens from different nations and of various faiths participated in this peaceful vigil to show their support for and solidarity with Muslim communities in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and across the world in light of the horrific armed attack at Al Noor and Linwood Mosques in Ōtautahi on March 15.

The New Zealand organizers said in a statement published on a social media site: „Friday afternoon’s politically, religiously and racially motivated terrorist attack in Ōtautahi represents an extreme manifestation of ideological hatred towards the New Zealand Muslim Community and has resulted in immense suffering and pain. 50 people, so far, have lost their lives through this act of violence. Many more lives will be forever affected.

We are gathering to show our support for the victims of this act of violence and also to stand up against the white supremacist ideas, anti-immigration sentiment and anti-Muslim racism that allow such horrible events to occur. The event is family friendly and we encourage people to bring along banners and signs (and donations!)“

There were a couple of short speeches and a minute of silence. Afterwards people stayed around to chat over tea, coffee and cookies by donation.

The organizers said that all donations will be split 50/50 between two fundraising campaigns: „United for Ōtautahi Mosque Shootings. Support the victims and families of shootings in 2 mosques in New Zealand“ and „Ōtautahi Shooting Victims‘ Fund“.