It may be true that most of us had never heard the name “Jacinda Ardern”, who happens to be the Prime Minister of New Zealand, before the horrific terrorist mass shooting that targeted the worshippers in two mosques in New Zealand last Friday. Yet, the lady's reaction to the tragedy brought her under the spotlight and showcased a high profile leader, who champions the shared human values and knows well how to unite her people at times of great turmoil.
In a first response to the terrorist attack, Ardern made it clear that the attack is a tragedy for all the New Zealanders, not only Muslims, confirming meanwhile that the perpetrator of this terror attack is an enemy to New Zealand, and represents no-one but his own ill self. “…what I can say is that it is clear that this is one of New Zealand’s darkest days. Clearly, what has happened here is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence,” said Ardern.
Referring to the victims of this terror attack, she noted, “They have chosen to make New Zealand their home, and it is their home. They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not. They have no place in New Zealand.” This statement reflects that Ardern takes a non-discriminatory stance towards all the New Zealanders, be they native citizens or immigrants, which is why she was determined to make sure that such a catastrophe shall not happen again. Therefore, she pledged to propose amendments to arm acquisition laws and adopt stricter security measures, declaring, “Within 10 days of this horrific act of terrorism, we will have announced reforms which will, I believe, make our community safer”.
In solidarity with Muslims, Ardern wore a head scarf and personally visited mosques and houses of the victims. She hugged the relatives of the martyrs, telling them that the government would undertake all funeral-related expenses, regardless of citizenship/visa status and also promised financial aids for those who had lost a loved one.
In short, Jacinda Ardern's response to this massacre proves that there are still true leaders in the World, who shoulder their due responsibility, take the right decision and stances at hard times and champion the humanitarian principles.
Jacinda Ardern, your glorious stance with Muslims after that catastrophe will never ever be forgotten by Muslims all over the world …