Vigil held in Dallas for victims of New Zealand mosque attacks

DALLAS - More than 100 people gathered at Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas Saturday afternoon to condemn the attacks in New Zealand.

The peaceful "We Are All Muslims Today" gathering was put on by the Dallas Peace & Justice Center.

People from different faiths and cultural backgrounds came together to condemn the mosque attacks that killed 50 people in New Zealand.

“Many of us have probably never been to New Zealand, but we still feel it because of the common experience we all share,” said Dallas City Councilman Scott Griggs.

The peaceful gathering attracted dozens of people from all across North Texas.

“Being connected is one of the deepest human needs, and in times of grief and times of mourning, human beings gather and that's what we're going here today,” said Hadi Jawad, co-chair of the Dallas Peace & Justice Center.

Some folks let their hand-written signs convey their message, while others gave passionate speeches to the crowd.

Patricia Murphy said it's extremely important for people to care about what's happening to others, even if it affects those you've never met who are living in another country.

“It's getting to be a worldwide problem,” Murphy said. “Hate is spreading everywhere and there's no reason for it. People should be thinking about what's in common, and the commonality is love.”

It's a sentiment shared by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins. He spoke directly to a group of young children at the rally who are still trying to understand the senseless violence that seems to have no solution.

“Hate, guys, hate only creates more questions. Love heals, and love lifts up, so what I would say to the young people here and all of us is aspire to love and aspire to forgive,” Jenkins said.

Organizers of the event encouraged everyone to contact their elected leaders at the state and national level and urge them to condemn all forms of hate.