Dubai has paid tribute to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern by displaying her image on the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum hailed Ardern’s support for Muslims all over the world a week after a white supremacist killed 50 Muslims at two mosques in the southern city of Christchurch.
In a Facebook post, accompanying a picture of the Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed said: “New Zealand today fell silent in honour of the mosque attacks’ martyrs. Thank you PM Jacinda Ardern and New Zealand for your sincere empathy and support that has won the respect of 1.5 billion Muslims after the terrorist attack that shook the Muslim community around the world.”
Women across New Zealand wore makeshift hijabs as a statement of peace and solidarity on Friday.
Many women embraced #HeadScarfforHarmony to make a stand against the hate espoused by the Australian man accused of killing dozens of worshippers.
Headscarves were also worn as a mark of respect by policewomen and non-Muslim volunteers directing the crowds around the site in Christchurch holding communal prayers on Friday.
Many were wearing a headscarf for the first time.
The gesture caught on nationwide – in offices, schools and on the streets – as well as at the ceremonies held in Christchurch to mark one week since the killings at the hands of a self-avowed white supremacist.
Women flooded Twitter, Facebook and other social media – which played a key role in allowing the gunman to spread his message – with their images.
* With AFP
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