The Muslim community of Letterkenny fell silent in a special ceremony this morning to mark a week since the Christchurch attacks.
Up to 25 people gathered at the interfaith event in Letterkenny Community Centre in a show of solidarity to the victims of the terrorist attacks on two mosques in New Zealand.
Those in attendance observed a silent vigil and stood in support of members of the Letterkenny Islamic Association, while others prayed for the fifty people who were killed in the attacks and those who were injured.
A spokesperson for the Letterkenny Islamic Association said: “It was very heartwarming to receive this outpouring of emotion and support. It really outlines the good community relations we have in Letterkenny and in Donegal.”
The event was organised by the Donegal Intercultural Platform.
Members of the Muslim community in Letterkenny were shocked, saddened and frightened by the shootings carried out by a white supremacist in New Zealand last Friday.
As they gathered to pray for peace, they gained comfort from an offer of protection from local gardaí.
“The gardaí contacted us and offered to be present at prayers last week. That was very much appreciated. It really made people feel good to know they had that support and protection,” a spokesperson said.
Meanwhile in New Zealand, a two-minute silence was observed as the nation mourned with the Muslim community affected by the atrocity.
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