The world is now bleeding from Christchurch, New Zealand to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Strong and exemplary leadership is crucial at this juncture. We found the attributes of a humanitarian leader in Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern. She demonstrates four pillars of her leadership--connection, compassion, clarification and conviction.
After the Christchurch tragedy, she connected all New Zealanders who are Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists. She told her nation to find out a common ground where no terrorism takes place. Her connection reminds us of Nelson Mandela's statement: "My hunger for the freedom of my own people became a hunger for the freedom of all people."
As for her compassion, she expressed her feelings from her heart, tears rolled out of her check, hugged every victim's family members, dressed black scarf and became part of the family members who lost their dearest ones. She gave love.
Empathy is crucial. She did not take an easy road of shouting to the attacker, but she clarified the ways of justice and promised she would never utter the name of the culprit in her life. She wanted to amend the country's gun law and thought all possible considerations to save her country people.
We expect same feelings from the Lankan leaders. Please do not waste your time on political bickering and diverting the attention from the main issue. Please find the root causes of the blasts. Please take bold action to prevent terrorism.
We pray for our beloved parents, sisters, brothers who are no more with us.
Mahiul Kadir
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