She speaks of a feeling I’ve heard many immigrants express, that she does not quite belong anywhere fully. As a New Zealander she is aware that she is seen as different, but when she goes back to Iran she is also aware that she is now seen as different there because her life here in New Zealand has changed her. The positive side of that, she says is that she is very adaptable and has a good understanding of culture. She is finding her way through understanding what it means to be a young Muslim New Zealander along with others of her age who live here.
Her religion and parents have taught her the importance of helping people around them and giving back to their communities. Possibly as a result of that, Zahra is very active in the refugee and migrant community here.
She spends time with young people to encourage them to get involved in building positive change in the community. She volunteers for Who is Hussain? an organisation which aims to provide for those in need through empowering individuals, particularly youth, to give back to the wider community in Christchurch. Alongside this, she has been studying science at Ara and is now completing a Degree in Science at Canterbury University.
The recent attacks on the Muslim community have made her even busier as she uses her considerable skill and care to help. She comments “I’ve found that being involved in the community has a strong impact in creating a sense of belonging to where you live.”
While I’m talking with her I’m impressed by the size of Zahra’s heart and her sadness at what has happened here. Like many of us, I am deeply moved by the forgiveness that Zahra and her community here have shown and the enormous gratitude she expresses for how so many New Zealanders have helped out since.
Zahra says “I was so moved at Friday prayers in the park after the attack. It felt amazing to be surrounded by thousands of people, many who were wearing headscarves, because they wanted to show solidarity and keep us all safe.” She says she felt the same at the memorial service the Friday after that.
Zahra is now working with others to find ways to thank Christchurch people and to reciprocate the love and assistance that has been shown to the Islamic Community here. She is keen to break down the barriers between communities and to make sure that the horror of the attacks has some long term positive outcomes. She embraces diversity and tells me that it is one of the most beautiful things we have in New Zealand.
Let’s keep that and make it grow stronger in our community here in Halswell.
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