Memorial event for Christchurch

The Ark Centre’s Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann together with faith and community leaders marked the first anniversary of the Christchurch massacre at the Islamic Council of Victoria headquarters in Melbourne’s CBD.

Multicultural Commission (VMC) Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen joined politicians from both sides of Parliament in paying respect.

Mrs Vanessa O’Neil, the Consul General for New Zealand, also addressed the crowd to speak about tolerance and remembering those that lost their lives in this senseless tragedy.

Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann representing his community the ARK Centre and the wider Jewish community told the memorial service: “It is so important to stand with the Muslim community at this heartbreaking time. All minority communities must stand together to combat hate and racism. May the 51 people that lost their lives, their families and the survivors find some comfort and solace in the fact that we Victorians stand with them, and condemn this horrendous act of domestic terrorism”

Mohamed Mohideen ICV president MC’d the event.