During a visit to the Pacific, Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency and president of Latter-day Saint Charities, visited the Al Noor Mosque in New Zealand.
The Al Noor Mosque was one of two mosques attacked in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 15, 2019.
Joining Sister Eubank on the visit to the mosque was Sister Becky Craven, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency.
While visiting the mosque, Sister Eubank recognized the efforts of Hafsa Ahmed, founder of the Lady Khadija Charitable Trust, an organization that serves Muslim communities in Christchurch. Ahmed has also been working on interfaith projects in the area.
“I just want to say thank you from not just me, but from all those people who read about the heartbreaking loss and wanted to do something to help,” Sister Eubank said.
Rebuilding efforts are already underway for the mosque, which has been dedicated as a place of worship once more.
“It really was an incredible experience . . . as we walked into the mosque and were greeted so warmly by the people that we consider our sisters, and we shed some tears together and we shared some experiences together,” added Sister Craven. “Regardless of our differences, we have so much in common.”
On May 21, President Russell M. Nelson visited Christchurch, New Zealand, during his ministry to the Pacific. Donating $100,000 in behalf of the Church to the two mosques which were attacked, the prophet shared a message of unity and brotherhood while he visited the area. During that visit, President Nelson also met with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, praising her for being a courageous leader and a peacemaker.