(WASHINGTON DC 3/25/2019) – On Friday, Mar 22, 2019, USCMO Secretary General Oussama Jammal joined dozens of international delegations from the United States, Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East at the funeral of the victims of Christchurch Mosque terrorist attacks. More than 20,000 people, of Muslim and other faiths, gathered at the Hagley Park across from Masjid Al Noor, where the shooting occurred, to observe the first Friday prayer after the terrorist attack. The call for prayer was broadcast throughout New Zealand in honor of the victims. Sheikh Gamal Fouda, the Imam of Masjid Al Noor, delivered the Friday Khutba (sermon) highlighting the resilience of the Muslim community and the unity of the people of New Zealand against hate and white supremacist ideology. Later in the afternoon, a funeral for the victims took place at the Linwood cemetery. Hundreds of mourners gathered at the cemetery and joined in the janaza (funeral) prayer. “It was very emotional and moving gathering,” said Oussama Jammal, Secretary General of USCMO who attended the funeral to offer US Muslims’ condolences to the families of the victims. The following day, the delegations visited the hospital where the injured were recovering and spent some time with them and offered support. Mr. Jammal also met with the local leaders of the Muslim community in New Zealand and discussed the community’s needs and future relations.
