Thousands of people embrace the vigil in Christchurch to show their solidarity after the terrorist attacks in mosques

Aroha and solidarity resonated loudly in the Hagley Park in Christchurch as tens of thousands of people attended a vigil to remember those killed in the mosque killings.

People, sitting on picnic blankets and chairs, turned to strangers and kissed each other, others wiped their partner's tears and the women wore a veil to show their solidarity.

The speakers were on a stage intended for Bryan Adams concert, canceled a week earlier, and in front of them a crowd of people sitting in absolute silence while the names of the 50 people killed were read by Imam Ibrahim Abdul Halim, Linwood Mosque.

The silence continued as the crowd was asked to take a minute to pay homage to those killed. Only the sounds of a distant helicopter above and resonant metal on the stage could be heard. Armed policemen stood guard.

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The greatest joy of the 90 minutes of the vigil was reserved for the first responders, who were applauded.

Five opera singers sang a scary interpretation of Never walk aloneFrom the musical of Rogers and Hammerstein of 1945, Carousel. The song brought tears to people's eyes.

There was also a kapa haka performance of Ngā Kapa Haka O Waitaha and the crowd was asked to turn around and hug. People did it – even strangers.

The president of the Association of Muslim Students of the University of Canterbury, Bariz Shah, challenged the shooter, asking him: "What are you afraid of?"

Exasperated in his voice, he says, "Are you afraid of diversity?" Do you fear that New Zealand is a country where you can walk and enjoy a meal on the other side of the world? afraid of this?

"We must overcome this ideology by acquiring knowledge."

The surge of support and grief that followed last week's attack showed him that "we are all on a waka," Shah said.

"After this tragedy, I really see it – it's reassuring for us, Muslims here, who want to contribute to New Zealand society."

But he said that New Zealand's work was not over: "If we hear racist remarks … we have to say something".

Okirano Tilaia, director of Cashmere High School, who last Monday organized a vigil for students wishing to pay tribute to those affected by the terrorist attack, encouraged the crowd to "unite in the". love, not hate ".

"Instead of staying silent, let's talk and rise above." We can not go back and change the beginning … but we can change the end.

"The only thing stronger than hate is love."

He said the difference was what made the people, and that it could divide or unite.

"Let's stay together tonight."

Scott Esdaile, the organizer of Vigil, said that he had organized the event to bring the community together and show the world what Christchurch meant, namely "love and compassion ".

"It's important to remember that the love shown last week does not stop there … it's something that must last the rest of our lives. believe or the color of our skin, we are all human. " . "

He estimated that 40,000 people attended the event.

At the end of the event, people quietly left Hagley Park to hear the voice of Christchurch singer Connor Moore singing Dave Dobbyn. welcome to the house.