As New Zealand reels in the aftermath of 2 terror attacks outside mosques that claimed at least 50 lives on 15th March, the Sikh community in NZ and Australia have come together to support their Muslim brethren through these tough times.
In Australia, Victorian Sikhs have turned out in force at mosques across the state to show solidarity with Muslims just days after a terrorist attack at Islamic places of worship in Australia.
Islamic Council of Victoria spokesman Adel Salman told AAP droves of people visited more than 20 mosques in a pre-organised annual statewide Victorian Mosque open day on Sunday.
“It was the biggest one we have had. It was overwhelming. Throughout the day we had a large attendance – it was fantastic,” Mr Salman said after the event.
Jasbir Singh Suropada, President of Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria, attended the Dandenong Mosque in the morning of 17th March along with members of Sikh Volunteers Australia and other community members.
In the light of events, Sikh community SICV (Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria) President Jasbir Singh Suropada said:
The Sikh community stands strongly and firmly with the Muslim Community and we will keep pouring the message of love and oneness of humanity.
He also said that Guru Nanak taught us about One Humanity and the Universal brotherhood of all mankind. I wish all of us embrace this concept of One Humanity and show love for everyone and not hate.
Geelong Sikh Gurdwara members also visited to Geelong Mosque and expressed their solidarity with Muslim community.
In New Zealand, Guru Nanak Kitchen Auckland has come forward to offer their sewa for any funeral related services and langar.
Moreover, the community also shared that they would be setting up a camp for the victims’ families that would offer free food and transportation in Christchurch along with temporary shelter, emergency clothing, blood donation and financial help with repatriation and/or funeral services.
People on Twitter are lauding these efforts by the Sikhs in these tough times for the nation.
The Sikhs have proved that humanity comes above religion for them many times in the past and this gesture is no different.