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Friday, March 29, 2024
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UB community holds candlelight vigil for victims of New Zealand shooting

Members of student clubs OAS, MSA, PSA and SJP organized the vigil

<p>Members of the UB community came together to hold a vigil for the victims of the New Zealand shooting</p>

Members of the UB community came together to hold a vigil for the victims of the New Zealand shooting

UB community members gathered in the Student Union lobby on Thursday evening to show solidarity toward victims of the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand.

The shooting, which occurred on March 15, resulted in the deaths of 50 people between the ages of 5 and 77. 

Members of the Organization for Arab Students, Muslim Student Association, Pakistani Student Association and Students for Justice in Palestine organized the vigil. 

Members of the Student Association executive board and their staff also attended the event. The University Police Department provided security for the event. 

President of OAS, George Kfouri, said he chose to organize the vigil two weeks after the shooting because most students were away on spring break and he wanted to ensure students had the chance to participate. 

He said the members of SA’s executive board “helped rush forms and purchase orders,” to prepare for the event. The clubs decided to hold the vigil in the Student Union because “it is the most heavily trafficked area.”

“Even if people did not come directly for the vigil, they were still in the presence of it,” Kfouri said. 

Rula Masoud, president of Students for Justice in Palestine, made a video about all victims of the shooting, which was played during the vigil. 

Kfouri believes the video also helped attract the attention of students in the SU who were not attending the vigil. 

“I personally noticed so many individuals who we were sitting and eating with in SU just stop and watch the video,” Kfouri said. 

Kfouri said he hopes events like this send a message of support in difficult times. 

“We are here for you no matter what OAS is here for you, supporting and praying for both you and everyone involved,” Kfouri said. “If anyone ever needs an open hand, someone to talk to about this crisis or even just a friend, we are always welcome everyone with open arms.”

 

Jacklyn Walters contributed to this story.

Tanveen Vohra is a co-senior news editor and can be reached at Tanveen.Vohra@ubspectrum.com and on Twitter @TanveenUBSpec. 


TANVEEN VOHRA

Tanveen Vohra is a former senior news editor and covered international relations and graduate student protests.

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