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Good morning. Yesterday morning I woke up around 5.30 and for some reason I did what we are all advised NOT to do when we first wake up……I checked my Facebook. The news coming from New Zealand was shocking. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern brought me to tears as she spoke with firm conviction but in a sincere and compassionate way. She said of the victims: “They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us, is not. They have no place in New Zealand.” The most shocking aspect was the blatant way the main attacker carried out his evil act. He broadcast it live online in a chillingly calm and calculated way. I remembered my children, once again I had to tell them about another atrocity, feeling so close to home although on the other side of the world. How will they process this in their teenage world with their multiple identities? My Jewish friend called me from her car on the school run. She listened to my anger and frustration in a way that only friends do. At the end she said three words. I love you. And a London Rabbi who used to live in New Zealand sent me the prayer he wrote for today’s Shabbat Service. Community and faith leaders attended vigils, to reach out a hand of friendship, to show support and love. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby tweeted, encouraging Christians to visit their local mosque for Friday prayers. Government officials issued firm statements of the kind I have never seen before, words that were strong in condemnation and giving a show of support and encouragement of resilience. On social media Muslims are asking difficult and raw questions, “what will these vigils do?” “What use are they, no-one really cares”. The pain is understandable, I know where those questions are coming from. It feels so overwhelming, so personal, beyond comprehension. At least two of our most popular newspapers had to turn off their online comment facility because people were saying things like ‘the Muslims should never have been allowed in a place called Christchurch anyway ” or “they deserved it”. These men are part of a growing group online and offline around the world. They were allowed to operate in a way that was under the radar. We cannot be complacent, more needs to be done. It’s not always the case but yesterday my mobile phone was my friend. I welcomed the constant buzzing of messages of love and support, reminding me that there is more good than bad in the world, that together we are stronger. They are not empty words, they are the fuel that will motivate me as I pick myself up, join together, not allow these acts to divide us further. And yes, as Prophet Muhammad taught us, our Mosques WILL remain open as places of hospitality, with a warm welcome.