“Outpouring” of support for Jersey’s Muslim community

Monday 18 March 2019

Members of Jersey’s Muslim community have extended their thanks to islanders and the Police for their “outpouring of love and support” in the wake of the New Zealand tragedy.

50 people were killed, and over 30 injured, in twin attacks on mosques in Christchurch by lone gunman – self-described white supremacist Brenton Tarrant (28) – on Friday.

The act of terror sent ripples of shock and indignation across the world, leading many to contact Muslim communities to lend their support. 

Pictured: 50 people were killed in the attack in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Among those were islanders who left flowers at the building and members of the Police, who attended the Jersey Islamic Centre during Friday prayers to reassure the island’s 350-strong Muslim community that they would protect their safety. 

Praising the response, a spokesperson for the centre said: “As we mourn the lives lost in the tragic New Zealand Mosque massacre we are touched by the outpouring of love and support from our Jersey Island community.

“Thank you for everyone’s kind words of support. A special thanks to the States of Jersey Police who made an effort to stop by at Friday prayers and reassure the Muslim community and remind us that the police is always there for help.” 

Some islanders are now planning a Royal Square vigil on Friday 22 March at 17:15 to remember the victims of Friday's attack. 

The tragic events in New Zealand have triggered international debate about racism and xenophobia – online and offline – and hate crimes.

Figures recently released under the Freedom of Information Law revealed that racial “hate crimes” in Jersey hit their highest level in 2018, with 24 incidents reported – two thirds of all hate crimes reported that year.

So far, there have been two incidents reported for 2019.