Full Story Why the Christchurch attack still awaits a full reckoning
Mar 22, 2026
Ariel Bogle, investigations reporter who covers extremism and national security, and Imam Alaa El-Zukum, a community imam and advocate for Muslim–non‑Muslim cohesion, discuss Australia’s ties to the Christchurch massacre. They explore community resilience in New Zealand, ongoing Islamophobia and threats in Australia, calls for legal protections and public reckoning, and the challenges of stopping radicalisation.
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Imam's Personal Shock Then Return To Christchurch
- Imam Alaa El-Zukum described delivering a Friday sermon in Melbourne when police informed his mosque about the Christchurch attack unfolding in New Zealand.
- He later gave the Friday sermon at the Christchurch mosque seven years on and felt shaken imagining worshippers being attacked inside their place of prayer.
Widows' Trust Led Local Healing And Unity Events
- Imam Alaa described being invited by the Sakina Community Trust, seven widows of victims, and participating in unity events including iftars and a walk of unity.
- He emphasised the resilience of Muslims and non-Muslims in Christchurch who continue public commemoration and community healing.
Christchurch Still Fuels Islamophobia And Mosque Threats
- Imam Alaa said Islamophobia persists in Australia with threats to mosques and attacks on women in hijab, driving fear around worship attendance.
- He described hiring five security guards for Ramadan prayers and noted mosques receiving threats including his own.