Opinion: Time for reflection in wake of terrorist attack

National MP for Hamilton East David Bennett. Photo / File

Recently I delivered a speech in Parliament regarding the horrendous attacks in Christchurch. It's available for viewing on my Facebook page. Here is the abridged version:

Our sympathies are with the families and communities affected by the terrible terrorist attack in Christchurch. This has been an emotional time for all New Zealanders, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters. The way our country has come together to recognise the threat to our own value systems, and the need to repair and rebuild relationships, has been immense.

I want to commend the Muslim community for their forbearance, patience, and understanding at this time. The Muslim community could have responded with fear, isolation, and revenge. Instead, they have focused on compassion, reflection, kindness, and openness. Their maturity has been a beacon of light at this time of darkness.
To our first responders, we thank you for your work in the most difficult of circumstances.

New Zealanders are a fair-minded and welcoming people. We believe everybody has a place in this country, and condemn any actions that compromise our uniquely Kiwi values.
What happened on Friday, March 15 was not New Zealand; what has happened since is New Zealand.

I want to pay tribute to two inspirational leaders of the Muslim community in New Zealand, Dr Mustafa Farouk and Dr Anwar Ghani. Both have led the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand over many years, and, along with Ismail Gamadid, Dr Asad Mohsin, and Dr Anisur Rahman, have worked tirelessly in Hamilton to see a vision of Islamic relations in our city and in our country.

But there are some changes that are required to build stronger relations with our Muslim communities. Many young Muslims are getting tertiary qualifications, but not employment.

Many Muslim families find it difficult to get private rental housing. Many young Muslims struggle in our education system. These are issues that need to be addressed to enable better unity and connection. Over the last few weeks, I have often been at the Hamilton mosque.

For many days after the attack, from 7.30am until 10pm, there was a steady stream of thousands of people coming to pay their respects. They were from all ages, walks of life, and beliefs.

Many, I believe, had been looking for a way to reach out to the Muslim community but hadn't known how to do so. They were wanting to say that they value the Muslim presence in our community, that we are all one people, and that we need to understand each other.

Ready to welcome them have been lines of young Muslim men and women, stunned by the attack.

The public gathered at the mosque, they spent time; some have written on the footpath with messages in chalk, others in song. This poignant message to the Muslim greeters has been one of friendship, love, and respect. That is what NZ is about.

In true Kiwi fashion too, the Muslim community has wanted to repay this solidarity, and has offered to open their doors for the visitors so that they can see what the mosque looks like, and how we are all one people with the same aspirations and desires.