Christchurch - 15 March 2019

Like so many New Zealanders, and people across the globe, I am still trying to come to terms with the terrorist attacks on the two mosques in Christchurch, Friday a week ago.

Pain and an overwhelming sense of loss. Pain, for all those people who have lost their loved ones and the suffering of all those (critically) wounded people, fighting for their lives.
Loss, in the sense of loosing our innocence, this country that for so long felt like a last safe haven on this planet; far away from everywhere in the literal and metaphorical sense.
Police go (went) around the street unarmed, no checks for weapons when boarding domestic flights, my children who don't realize how special it is to have such integrated, multi-cultural schools and universities...

For many Kiwi's, one of the first reactions to the attacks was that all that would be over now. And some things will change, and already have, but what struck me most, is how this awful, senseless and cowardly deed, has actually brought this country together. Massive demonstrations against racism and xenophobia, vigils where 10's of 1000's show their respect and solidarity, a sweeping new ban on firearms that came just six days after the shooting (what a stark contrast to the political stalemate in the US), student societies who offer a taxi and escort service to Muslim women, hardened gang members talking about love and offering protection, etc., etc.

I found some pictures of beret wearers, but it doesn't feel right to publish these here and now. For once from me, some different headgear; our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in hijab (top) and this fantastic symbolic photo of Constable Michelle Evans in hijab with a rifle and rose outside the Christchurch Memorial Park Cemetery, as victims of the mosque shootings are buried.