Students Lead Vigil in Solidarity with New Zealand Attacks

Síona Cahill, the president of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), called for xenophobia to be included in Hate Crime Legislation in Ireland, during a student-organised event and vigil on Saturday 23 March at Dublin’s Spire, entitled ‘Calling all allies’.

The gathering was organised by students from the UCD International Students Society led by its president Rosie Aljohmani, with speakers from ENAR Ireland, United Against Racism, the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland and the Union of Students in Ireland.

Members of DIT Students Union (DITSU), Maynooth Students Union (MSU) and NCAD Students Union (NCADSU) were also in attendance to show support and solidarity.

In response to the two consecutive terrorist attacks at mosques in Christchurch during Friday Prayer on 15 March 2019, the President of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), Síona Cahill said;

“What happened last week is not the first tragedy or indeed atrocity, that has affected the Muslim community across the world, with its effects rippling across the oceans to us in Ireland and our community here […] the student movement is committed to standing together as students, as friends, as family and as allies against hatred and terror. Demanding a better present, and a better future.”

You can find pictures from the vigil and more information here.