The Executives and Committee Members of the Korean Australian Young Leaders (KAY Leaders) are deeply saddened by the devastating attack that occurred at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 15 March 2019, which resulted in the death of at least 50 people with another 50 people wounded.
We stand in solidarity with our Muslim and New Zealander friends during these difficult times. To the families of the victims who have lost their loved ones, we offer our sincerest condolences. To those who were injured, we pray that they find the strength for a speedy and full recovery.
An incident such as this is not just an attack on the Muslim community, but also an assault upon the core values that we as a multicultural society espouse so deeply. As a community which advocates diversity and inclusiveness, we are deeply disturbed by the inflammatory remarks of Senator Fraser Anning which followed. Australia is home to people from all faiths, cultures and backgrounds. The spirit of sharing with those who have crossed the seas is embedded in our very anthem and Senator Anning’s remarks could not be more at odds to the values we uphold so proudly as a harmonious multicultural society.
We urge our Governments and political leaders to guard against any such actions or comments which seek to spark division and hatred between people of different races, cultures and religions. KAY Leaders will continue to stand united with those who believe in cultural, ethnic, religious, gender and other types of diversity for a more inclusive and harmonious Australia.
KAY Leaders (Korean Australian Young Leaders) Inc.
