Following the New Zealand mosque massacres perpetrated by a White supremacist, Jewish organizations in New Zealand and around the world, as well as the Israeli government, were quick to offer their prayers, and support. And some Jewish organizations even raised money to assist.
I don’t think any were expecting a thank you, but surely not this from a prominent Muslim leader in New Zealand:
(Source video, see from approx 29:20)
Don’t get me wrong, we have seen haters blaming this on Israel, Yair Netanyahu, and the Jews, but this is coming from someone inside a community which received the love and support of Jewish communities around the world, including Israel?
By the way, the guy in question is no small-timer. He is Ahmed Bhamji, a former Fijian politician, who actually became the youngest mayor in Fiji some years back. That’s him in this photo (on the right). He is also a former chair of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand’s business committee, and chairman of the Mt Roskill Masjid (New Zealand’s biggest mosque).
Contrast his hateful rhetoric with what he said just days ago:
In a voice choked with emotion, he said that what happened in Christchurch on March 15, 2019 was horrendous, despicable and soul-destroying, not only for the Muslim community but also for all New Zealanders.
“Yet, immediately after, and to-date, the wide range of caring, uplifting, embracing and inclusive responses from our people, from all sections of people in New Zealand, including the youth in particular, have been truly remarkable and extraordinary,” he said.
Mr Bhamji said that the community acknowledges the immediate actions of the Prime Minister with great appreciation and gratitude.
—
“Her statement, ‘They are us,’ represent three priceless words of great substance that all of us will cherish. The people of New Zealand, regardless of their religious faiths and beliefs, have demonstrated that we share collective mutual interests and a common identity. I say this because I am a Muslim and I am an immigrant, originating from Fiji. But in the wake of all the developments that have unfolded since last Friday (March 15), I have come to really and truly appreciate the meaning of being a New Zealander; and I celebrate that, at a time like this,” he said.
Mr Bhamji urged leaders of the New Zealand Muslim community and other organisations to “categorically reject any calls for revenge and retaliation.”
“We must take a robust, unwavering and collective stance against the calls such as those made by ISIS and others. This, to compellingly demonstrate that we New Zealanders, including Muslims in this country, hold dearly to the values of goodwill, tolerance and peace amongst our diverse communities in New Zealand,” he said.
And this:
“It’s very important from now on everybody will know that we have to be with each other,” Mr Bhamji said.
“It’s humbling, it’s gratifying, it is unbelievable the support we have received from the entire community across the spectrum.”
One can only speculate what is being taught in his mosque. I am guessing something similar to what we are seeing in some mosques in the US.
