Message From New Zealand Jewish Council to the President of FIANZ

Please pass on to all those concerned the sympathies and outrage felt by the New Zealand Jewish Council following the attack on the masjids.

If there is anything we can do to assist or further demonstrate our solidarity please let me know.

Regards

Stephen Goodman
New Zealand Jewish Council

Media Release From Green Party - 10 July 2005
Masjid Vandals And UK Bombers Both Target The Innocent

Masjid vandals and UK bombers both target the innocent The Greens totally condemn the vandalism of Auckland masjids last night, Human Right Spokesperson Keith Locke says. "Those who vandalised the Auckland masjids last night were doing the same thing as the London bombers - targeting the innocent," Mr Locke says.

"No grievance justifies such attacks against ordinary people, whether they be on a London bus or in an Auckland masjid. "Whether the London bombings were carried out by Christians, Moslems or atheists is beside the point. They came out of extremist politics, not the tenets of any world religion. The London atrocities had nothing to do with the Islamic religion, which is a peaceful creed.

"All decent New Zealanders are appalled by the vandalism of the masjids and the threats that went with it. "The 'RIP' daubings are particularly repugnant. We must unflinchingly support the Moslem people of New Zealand against such death threats. They must be very fearful today.

"Many in the Islamic community are recent migrants, who came here because they saw New Zealand as a haven of peace and tolerance. We now have to work hard to reassure them that this is so.

"Just as our hearts went out to the Jewish community when their graves were vandalised, so must we stand alongside the Islamic community when it is under attack," Mr Locke says.

Message From Carolynn Day to the President of FIANZ

Dear Mr Khan

I am writing to offer my condolences for the damage and upset caused by the attacks on Masjids over the weekend. I arrived in NZ from the UK three and a half years ago, leaving behind family members in London who were affected by the bombings last week. None of us, in the UK or NZ would condone the violent backlash your communities have been subjected to, nor would we wish anyone to consider that these attacks were in anyway carried out "in our name".

We do not hold Islam or Muslim communities responsible for the atrocities in London and we regret that a small group of narrow-minded and racist individuals have taken this excuse to act in this cowardly and damaging way. They insult my family as well as your communities.

Please accept my sympathy and support.

Kind regards
Carolynn Day

Message From The Sisters of Compassion to To All Members of the Muslim Community

To All Members of the Muslim Community:

All Sisters of Compassion and their staff at the Suzanne Aubert Compassion Centre (generally known in Wellington as the Soup Kitchen) send their wish to be in solidarity with you at this time. We are disgusted at the acts of mindless violence and disrespect shown at your places of worship and feel ashamed that these were perpetrated by New Zealanders. I am sure that these people are a small ignorant minority and most New Zealanders are very much in sympathy with you

Yours sincerely,
Sister Catherine Hannan.

Message From Neale Jones - Expression Of Solidarity

Hello,

I just wanted to send a note expressing solidarity with the New Zealand Muslim community after the senseless and vicious attacks on your masjids. Although not a religious person myself, I understand that it is crucial, both for our common humanity and for each person's right to pursue their version of the good life, that people are allowed to worship in peace and privacy.

Please understand that just as the culprits behind the London terror bombings were in no way representative of the wider Muslim community, the individuals behind the barbaric attacks on your masjids are also in no way representative of New Zealanders in general. Everyone I have spoken to is just as appalled by the attacks on your community. Please know that for every email of support you receive, there are thousands more people out there thinking of you in silent solidarity.

Neale Jones,
Wellington.

Message From Vivienne Pender - Appreciation Of All The Community Contributes In New Zealand

Greetings,

I am very sad to hear of the ignorant acts of a few who have vandalised your community centres. I appreciate and value the courage, fortitude, and intelligent contribution the Federation of Islamic Associations and the people represented bring to Aotearoa New Zealand. We thrive with our diversity.

Peace and Blessings,

Vivienne Pender

Message From Ruth & Keri Wilton to the President of FIANZ

Dear Javed

We are writing to offer our support in the wake of the attacks on Islamic centres in New Zealand. We have visited London several times in the past 6 years during which time our daughter and her husband were living there. Along other New Zealanders, we were horrified at the bomb attacks on the city, but we were equally horrified that some ignorant people here apparently assume that all Muslim people would be in favour of terrorism! What an absurd line of thought! We know full well that the Muslim community would abhor the actions of the London bombers! We feel ashamed to be New Zealanders when we hear about these racist attacks. Please pass on to your members our heartfelt sympathies for the attacks and we do hope that NZ and the world can work towards eliminating racism - together with other forms of ignorance.

Yours sincerely

Ruth & Keri Wilton

Message From Tze Ming Mok to the President of FIANZ

Dear Javed,

Like so many others, I was deeply upset by the disgusting, mindless attacks on the Auckland masjids, and fully support our Commissioner Joris Debres' message to you. I am hoping that the many messages of support FIANZ should be receiving, show the true nature of New Zealand society.

I believe there have already been requests to FIANZ from non-Muslim community activists, to hold an interfaith vigil or rally of solidarity and peace, centred on the Masjid Umar Masjid in my local suburb of Mt Roskill. I hope that you will support their request, which would provide an outlet for the expression of warmth and solidarity in this trying period that seems dominated by divisiveness.

My deepest sympathies and warmest regards,

Tze Ming Mok
Programme Coordinator
Equal Employment Opportunities Unit
Human Rights Commission

Message From The Very Rev John Murray ONZM to the Leaders and People of The Federation of Islamic Associations

Dear Brothers and Sisters - Greetings, Tena koutou, Peace, Salaam

As a Christian leader, I send my heartfelt sympathy to you all in this time of outrage and desecration of your buildings and of the attack on your faith.

We share your pain and deplore the actions of bigoted people among us who would not respect you and your religion.

We pray that we may together overcome such evil with understanding and peace. We stand with you.

In the name of the one God

John Murray
Former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Message From Marg A. Coldham-Fussell In Support of the Muslim Community

Hello,

I would like to extend my support for the Muslim community in New Zealand & abroad in these most difficult times. I share your sadness that others are connecting your religion with actions which Islam would never condone, & which have caused such a tragic & unnecessary loss of life. I am also saddened that there are those among us who are so myopic as to attack your Masjids & Community Centres. We can only hope that they come to understand that this action is equally as blind as those of the terrorists who are currently committing atrocities around our world. As we know - this is not the work of the peaceful religion of Islam & it is definitely not the will of God

My thoughts & prayers are with you all.

Marg

Message From Rachel Wallis and Peter Hobbs

Hello

I am writing to express my absolute sympathy regarding the defacing of Auckland Masjids recently. It is scary in its violence and ignorance, and embarrassing for us Pakeha New Zealanders who embrace and encourage different cultures here.

Kind regards

Rachel Wallis and Peter Hobbs

Message of Support From Jess Chaston

Hi there

I feel ashamed to be a New Zealander when things like this happen. Please do not believe that all New Zealanders feel this way! I am emailing to show absolute support for everyone who lives in, works for and contributes to our "multi cultural New Zealand" we must realise that we are all in this together!

Jess Chaston

Message From Semisi Hutchison - Stay Strong :)

The few who committed the acts against the masjids do not represent New Zealand as a nation nor do they reflect Christianity as a religion.

As is often the case, the few (the very few) take their beliefs to the extremes of religious and / or racial superiority - with often little (if any) real understanding of the situation at hand.

The tragedy is London is beyond my comprehension fortunately and I can but only guess what the suffering must be like for the loved ones of those who lost their lives. We must not perpetuate that sort ignorance and fear-spawned hatred here in New Zealand; on the other side of the world regardless of what the 'few' extremists might say and do.

You have my sympathies and my admiration. :-)

Sincerely Yours

Semisi Hutchison

Message From Vik Olliver - Apologies

Apologies for the despicable behaviour of those New Zealanders who think that smashing things and blaming foreign cultures is an acceptable way to behave.

I wish all governments would try harder to avoid creating these inappropriate attitudes in their citizens, but I fear there are too many who are willing to manipulate and encourage these artificial fears for their own personal gain.

I for one will have none of it, and hope the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.

Regards,

Vik Olliver
Waitakere

Message From Emma to FIANZ

I am a pakeha New Zealander who lives in Dunedin. I am very ashamed on behalf of this beautiful country for the horrific and ignorant attacks on masjids. Unfortunately there are ignorant people everywhere in the world. I don't really know what to say, but I hope you don't experience any further prejudice or discrimination. I hope you do not feel disenchanted with New Zealanders. Most of us hold a completely opposite view from those who have damaged your places of worship.

Stay strong, kia kaha.

Emma

Message From Anne Midwinter to the President of FIANZ

I'm very sorry about the vandalism done to the Auckland masjids. Please don't think that all non-Muslims are such simple-minded bigots and thugs as those people are. I am ashamed that they live in our country.

Sincerely

Anne Midwinter

Message From Lyn to the President of FIANZ

i feel sorry that the Muslim community in AKL is under unjustified attacks, it's a shame for Aucklanders. Please forgive those wrong doings, only people do not know much and narrow minded would behave in such manner, and don't too upset for others' mistakes! There are more people understand you people better!

Lyn

Message From Bishop Patrick Dunn to the President of FIANZ

Dear Mr Khan,

On behalf of the Catholic community of Auckland, I write to express my profound sadness at the attacks that have taken place on Auckland masjids during the weekend.

It seems clear that these deplorable acts are some kind of retaliation for the horrific acts of terrorism which took place in London last Thursday. As people of faith and peace like yourselves, it is difficult for us to understand the motivation of those who think they will achieve anything by resorting to such mindless and vindictive violence.

We stand in solidarity with you, and assure you and the Islamic community of Auckland that we are with you in thought and prayer.

Yours sincerely

(Bishop) Patrick Dunn
Catholic Diocese of Auckland.

Message From Dunedin Jewish, Christian and Muslim Community Liaison Group to the President of FIANZ

Dear friends,

The Dunedin Jewish, Christian and Muslim Community Liaison Group offers our support and sympathy with you at this difficult time.

I attach a press release released by our group which you are welcome to forward to your members.

Best wishes,

Paul Sorrell
Secretary
Dunedin Jewish, Christian and Muslim Community Liaison Group

Message From Hannah Fox to the Muslim Community of Auckland.

I wish to express my deepest sympathy and support to the Muslim community. This morning I was horrified to hear of the cowardly attacks on masjids in Auckland.

I am sure that the sentiment behind the attacks is not shared by the vast majority of New Zealanders, who see Muslims as valued members of our community. Most of us realise that the actions of a radical minority cannot be blamed on the rest of the Muslim population, who are our friends,neighbours and co-workers. I sincerely hope that the minority of New Zealanders who do not understand this refrain from causing the suffering of more innocent people, and those that do understand stand behind the Muslim community in solidarity.

Yours faithfully

Hannah Fox
Ponsonby, Auckland

Message From Jeffrey Clarke to Members of FIANZ

My heart truly sank when I heard the news on the radio that several Masjids in Auckland had been vandalised in the wake of the attacks in London. I know that Muslim people in New Zealand, along with all other New Zealanders, will abhor the London attacks and feel sympathy for the victims and their families.

While your members will be offended by the acts of vandalism directed against them please be reassured that the acts of violence against New Zealand Muslims are deeply offensive to the vast majority of New Zealanders - who value the diversity of riches that our multiracial, multi cultural, tolerant and inclusive society has to offer.

We can only hope that the senselessness of vandalism such as this might give pause to some in our society who are far to quick to blame immigration or "racial issues" for problems to which they have little or no connection.

Yours sincerely

Jeffrey Clarke

Message From Hon Chris Carter, Minister for Ethnic Affairs, to the President of FIANZ

Dear Javed

The attack on six Islamic Centres in Auckland last Saturday night was a very sad event. As Minister for Ethnic Affairs and Member of Parliament for Te Atatu I strongly condemn the individuals who carried out this hateful act.

It is at times like this that New Zealanders need to stand up and make it clear that they will not hold innocent Muslim families responsible for the evil actions of terrorists on the other side of the world. Yesterday I called on New Zealanders to put pen to paper, or tap out an email of support and send it to their Muslim friends and neighbours. I will also pass on any letters of support that get sent to me.

You should also be aware that I have spoken to Police Minister George Hawkins and asked him to encourage the Police to increase patrols around Muslim centres and masjids around the country. It would appear there is a sinister minority in New Zealand prepared to resort to witless vandalism to make a point. We need to protect innocent people from them.

Please do not hesitate to get in contact with me if you have any concerns you wish to raise or if you feel that there is a way in which I can be of greater assistance to the Muslim and other migrant communities.

Kind regards

Hon Chris Carter MP
Minister for Ethnic Affairs

Message From Wendi Wicks to Members of the Muslim Community in New Zealand

I am a Pakeha New Zealander, and a Quaker. I am deeply saddened that there have been reactions to the London bombings that have targeted masjids in NZ for vandalism. Muslims should not expect to have such nasty and disturbing acts done in the name of retaliation. It is quite unacceptable.

I feel ashamed that these things have been done. I hope there will be no more. I hope we will continue to co-exist in a spirit of peace and cooperation, respecting that we all have the right to worship God in the many forms he or she is experienced.

Please feel assured that most of us respect our fellow-citizens, who live with us on this earth and we would not have had this happen

Best,
Wendi Wicks

Message From Anneke Haddad to the Muslim Community in New Zealand

I am a New Zealander currently living in London, and I want to add my voice to those condemning the recent attacks on masjids in Auckland. I am deeply shocked and saddened by these attacks.

I hope and pray that events such as those in London on Thursday will cause people all faiths (and none) to draw closer together, to listen to one another, and to work for understanding and peace.

Yours sincerely,

Anneke Haddad

Message From Will Durham to the Muslim Community in New Zealand

Hello,

I am a New Zealander living in London and working very close to Liverpool St station. I am more shocked by the attacks on the masjids in Auckland than by the bombings in London. Although the London attacks are a terrible thing to have happen, they have been expected for a long time. They were inevitable after Blair's support for the Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan. The attacks in Auckland are completely unprovoked, and represent ignorance at it's most vicious.

I hope that you do not let these dishearten you too much, as I am sure that they are the actions of a few uneducated, bitter people only. The rest of the country feels for you, and supports you at this time.

Kind Regards,

Will Durham

Message From Christina Lotz

I want to express my deep feelings of sadness about this appalling acts of stupidness against your holy places. Please don't let this act of a few, most probably drunken, hooligans drive a wedge between us. Most of us here in New Zealand appreciate and value each other in their cultural diversity. I can however imagine how deeply this attack hurts you in your soul. But believe, if you would call on us, we would come in droves and help you and stand guard against further mindless attacks. Please let us know where we can send contributions for the repair of the damage.

Yours sincerely

Christina

Message of Support From Rebecca Toon

It is extremely unfortunate when a few individuals act from a from a place of ignorance and unjustified hatred, as some have chosen to recently in Auckland. It not only breeds yet more fear and cultural misunderstanding, but doesn't reflect the general attitude of the public, which is that of tolerance and understanding.

I am originally from New Zealand, but have spent a lot of time in Muslim countries and communities in Asia, Africa, Spain, Israel, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. I am continuously amazed by the beauty of the architecture, masjids, history, people, markets, materials, jewellery and delicious food of the Muslim areas I visit.

I think the people of New Zealand can learn so much from Muslim history and culture and we would be a much richer country for it.

I hope you will come to know that for every ignorant misguided act of certain individuals, there are thousands of others who are supportive and open minded.

Rebecca Toon

Message From Olivia Hibbitt to the People Affected by the Masjid Attacks in Auckland.

I am a NZer living in the UK and I am completely shocked and outraged that my countrymen would behave in this manner! It is a sad day when I feel ashamed to call myself a NZer. Here in the UK Londoners have reacted with strength and bravery in the face of brutality. That people over the other side of the world, completely unaffected by these attacks, could contemplate carrying out their own brand of terrorism against a peaceful sector of the community is both cowardly and idiotic.

I would like you to know that the vast majority of the population do not hold muslims responsible for these attacks, the vast majority of the population has enough sense to realise that extremists carried out these attacks, and extremists never represent the views of the majority.

I would like to extend a heartfelt apology for what my countrymen have done.

Kia Kaha

Olivia Hibbitt

Message From Peter Cotton to the President of FIANZ

Salaam Javed

RMS Refugee Resettlement staff and board members were shocked and saddened by the deplorable vandalism of masjids in Auckland at the weekend. Please pass on to your members our solidarity and support.

Yours sincerely

Peter Cotton
Director
on behalf of all RMS Refugee Resettlement staff and board members.

Message From Monique Portegys to FIANZ

Hi

I would just like to express my sorrow at the attacks that have been directed at the Muslim community in New Zealand. I hope that they do not lead to an impression that the vast majority of NZers are not accepting of your faith and your community, but that the attacks are seen as stupid actions of senseless individuals. Those people have no right to act as they did and I hope they will be catch and held responsible for their actions.

I hope that your sense of safety has not been damaged and that if it has, that you will soon feel safe and secure again and that your faith in New Zealand will be restored.

Yours sincerely

Monique

Condolences From Haim Ainsworth

Dear Friends:

I am horrified that some of our fellow New Zealanders would behave in such a reprehensible way and attack the New Zealand Muslim community in this way. As an ex-patriot Jewish New Zealander living in the United States I feel the pain of my Muslim countrymen, just as I did when similarly ignorant acts of hatred took place against Jewish graves in Wellington, in the recent past.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your community in these unsettling times. We know the true nature of New Zealand, and true-New Zealanders is not reflected by these acts.

In peace and fellowship,

Shalom & Salaam,

Haim Ainsworth, RN, BSN
Clinical Research Nurse

Message of Support From Karen Hawthorn to the Muslim Community in Aotearoa

I wanted to take some time to offer words of support to your community at this difficult time I understand that many of your community will be feeling even more vulnerable because of the recent acts by extremists in London. Most intelligent and sensible people understand the difference between religious/spiritual beliefs and political beliefs And that this extreme action is not related to the former but to the latter in the name of the former. As a kiwi and a mental health social worker working in our community to support our elders I want you to know that there are many more people in this country who will take an intelligent approach as they try and make sense of the recent acts of violence perpetrated by a minority.

I hope that your community does not continue to experience acts of violence, abuse or harassment By another misguided minority We can all hope for a peace and I send aroha to you all.

Karen Hawthorn
Social Worker

Message of Support From Alison Mills

My thoughts are with you after the deplorable attacks on masjids and Islamic centres in our communities. I am ashamed that other New Zealanders show so little understanding and tolerance. I welcome the diversity and difference that all people bring to this country. May you and your families live in peace in this country and with out fear of this sort of behaviour.

Alison Mills

Apologies From Jonathon Walsh to FIANZ

As a New Zealander (Aucklander) living in Japan, I cannot help but feel disgusted at the vandalism carried out against your masjids in Auckland. Some elements of society - even in a city as racially diverse as Auckland - are very narrow minded and ignorant and there is simply no excuse for this kind of violence.

I feel ashamed to be a New Zealander after reading about how the masjids were vandalised and I would like to offer my sincerest apologies.

Jonathon Walsh

Message of Support From Soka Gakkai International of New Zealand

Please allow me as a representative of Soka Gakkai International of New Zealand (SGINZ) to express our abhorrence of the attacks on your centres in Auckland last weekend. This anonymous and cowardly act is an affront that tramples on the aspirations of the vast majority of New Zealanders who value tolerance and coexistence.

Prejudice and discrimination- hatred for groups other than one's own-are implanted in people's minds in the process of growing into adulthood. I therefore see an obvious need for organisations such as ours to raise awareness of the importance of tolerance so that others may experience and accept differences as an expression of the world's diversity.

Finally, allow me to once again reiterate our organisation's support for you at this difficult time.

Yours sincerely

Ian Gordon
SGINZ Office Manager

Message To The President of the Federation Islamic Associations of New Zealand, Mr Javed Khan On behalf of the Wellington Hebrew Congregation and its President, Mr Gary Stone.

We were shocked to learn of the awful attacks on masjids in the Auckland area and of disgraceful phone calls made to masjids in the Wellington region.

We express our concern for the safety, security and welfare of all Muslims in New Zealand, and reaffirm our support and respect for the Muslim Community, particularly at this time.

On behalf of the
Wellington Hebrew Congregation
and its President, Mr Gary Stone.

Message of Support From National Spiritual Assembly of The Baha'is of New Zealand

To our brothers and sisters in faith

We were saddened to learn of the vandalistic attacks on Islamic Centres in Auckland last week, and convey our support to you all. Please be assured of our solidarity with you as you face the effects of this recent onslaught.

May you receive Divine comfort at this worrying time.

Please be assured that the New Zealand Baha'i community is working to foster greater religious understanding and harmony in our country. It is our confident belief that an enhanced degree of unity in diversity will prevail as time goes on.

Wishing you well.

Warm regards
National Spiritual Assembly of The Baha'is of New Zealand

Message From Carrie Burke to FIANZ

I would like to pass on to all in your community my absolute shame and disgust at the acts of vandalism against your masjids. As a New Zealander I am deeply embarrassed at these actions, and wish to ensure you know that these are the actions of a small pathetic bunch, and their attitude does not reflect the feelings of the bulk of Kiwis. I recognise that innocent Muslims were victims of the London bombs too, and I am sure the grief their families feel is no different from anyone else's. Please know that most of us in this country feel the same way, we respect and celebrate diversity of culture and belief.

Kia kaha
Carrie Burke

Message From Ben Magaiza on behalf of the Zimbabwean Community in New Zealand to the President of FIANZ

Mr President, it is with regret that we hear of the disturbances and destruction that your community has been subjected to following the London bombings. We have no doubt that these actions are a result of a few people who do not understand the peaceful nature of the migrant communities. Most of the people coming to New Zealand are in fact running away from violence, oppression and untold human rights abuses and are glad to be in this country.

May I, on behalf of the Zimbabwean Community in New Zealand urge you to remain steadfast in your faith and continue to build bridges of life as you have always done.

Regards

Ben Magaiza
Zimbabwe Association In New Zealand

Message From Marg Schrader to FIANZ

I write to say how sorry I am for the huge backlash against the Muslim community world wide. I offer you my support and my prayers. I am part of a Kapitit Interfaith group that meets about 3 times a year. At present we have no Muslims in the group. If you know of any who may be interested in joining with us we would feel most privileged.

Thank you.
Marg

Message of Support From Debbie Hager to the President of FIANZ

Kia Ora Mr. Khan

I was very upset to hear about the vandalistic attacks on four Islamic centres in Auckland, in the wake of the London bombings. Please pass on to your members my message of solidarity. I deplore the acts of people who target New Zealand Muslims who are innocent of any crime and who have themselves condemned acts of terror and denounced them as being against the principles of Islam. It also disturbs me that some people seem to see Christian lives as more valuable than Muslim.

I have wondered how I can show support and I'm glad to be offered the chance to email.

I come from a Jewish Christian family, my mother spent much of her childhood in Zanzibar and has great respect for the Muslim people she grew up with. I am glad that Muslim people can seek residence in New Zealand and hope that this racism does not escalate and that people can live safe and satisfying lives.

Peace. Kia kaha.

Debbie Hager,
Waitakere City

Statement From a Meeting of Plant Union Officials From All Affco Owned Plants on Behalf of The Meat Union Aotearoa and The NZ Meat Workers Union Members in Those Plants.

"We condemn the recent attacks on Muslim communities in Auckland. The mindless prejudice of these vandals is fuelled by the incendiary speeches of unprincipled politicians and lunatic fringe groups.

The meat industry employs Muslim workers on almost every slaughter chain in the country. The majority are union members.

While some are NZ citizens, most are from Muslim countries stretching from Morocco to Fiji (and including Iraq).

Without them the meat industry and the national economy would be the poorer by hundreds of millions of dollars.

We welcome and support them as fellow workers, whether Kiwis or visitors."

13 July 2005
Statement from a meeting of plant union officials from all AFFCO owned plants on behalf of the Meat Union Aotearoa and the NZ Meat Workers Union members in those plants.

Message of Support From Kapiti Interfaith Submitted to The Dominion Post.

To the Editor

The increase in worldwide terrorism convinces us that there is a need to recognise that these acts are the work of minorities that in no way represent the views of the majority of the followers of any faith tradition.

So we wish to express our support in particular for our Muslim sisters and brothers in New Zealand and call on all people to desist from identifying them with those who have been persuaded to follow a perverted and twisted philosophy masquerading as Islam. New Zealand increasingly needs people of all religions to stand together in fellowship and mutual support. We need to promote peace, goodness, compassion and desire for the well-being of our society that is contained in the teachings of all our faiths.

We call on people of all faith traditions to build bridges of understanding and support between all traditions, but we especially remind the Christian Churches as the majority religion here in New Zealand to accept their responsibility for fostering this and strengthen our society against all forms of intolerance and hate.

Kapiti Interfaith
which contains members from Buddhist traditions,
Baha'i, Sufi, Triangle Centre and Christian denominations
[Society of Friends, Anglicans, Presbyterians and Methodists]
on the Kapiti Coast.

Message of Support From Vaibhav Gangan to the President of FIANZ

Aslam valekum!

My name is Vaibhav Gangan and I am the editor of The Global Indian, New Zealand's e-zine for Indians abroad (www.theglobalindian.co.nz).

It was saddening to learn about the recent attacks on six masjids in Auckland. We express our solidarity with the Muslim community. It is heartening to see the patience and courage shown by the 30,000-strong community in responding to this cowardly and thoughtless act.

Please share our sentiments of solidarity with the members of the community. I am sure many New Zealanders (including all ethnicities) are aggrieved by the London bombings, but a majority of the New Zealand population knows that New Zealand's Muslim community is very social and peace-loving community. The act of vandalism is not only unfortunate, but also thoughtless, and represents only a handful of New Zealanders with anti-social tendencies.

Warm regards

Vaibhav Gangan
Editor - The Global Indian
Angan Publications Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand