Imam Gamal Fouda, who led Al Noor Mosque through New Zealand’s darkest hours following the March 15 terror attacks nearly six years ago, is leaving his role.
Fouda, who led his community through grief and healing following the attacks, reflected on the challenging days following the attacks that claimed 51 lives.
“In the middle of so much pain, carrying trauma. It was challenging for me, but I’m very honoured that I’ve served not only the Muslim community but New Zealand in the darkest time,” he told 1News.
The impact of the attacks remains with him, he said. “It has changed my life. It left a scar on my heart and it changed the way I look at the world today.”
The imam said he was moving to another mosque in Australia — a decision he said happened after “much reflection”.
“I think now it’s the right time now to start a new chapter in my life,” he said.
“New Zealand is my home and I will continue to keep it in my heart.”
The imam became a symbol of resilience when, just one week after the attacks, he delivered a powerful message of unity to both followers and the wider community.
He said: “This terrorist sought to tear our nation apart with an evil ideology that has torn the world apart. But, instead, we have shown that New Zealand is unbreakable.
“And that the world can see in us an example of love and unity. We are broken hearted, but we are not broken. We are alive. We are together. We are determined not to let anyone divide us. We are determined to love one another, and to support each other.”
