The weeks that have followed the horrific Christchurch terrorist attacks have been trying. Amongst all the horror, there has been a hopeful display of humanity and compassion.
On Sunday, 95-year old WWII veteran John Sato caught four buses to attend an anti-racism rally that took place in Aotea Square.
Sato admitted to Radio NZ, that he keeps to himself in his Howick home and feels out of touch with the modern world. However, upon hearing about the terror attacks he was compelled to show his support for the Muslim community.
“I stayed awake quite a lot at the night,” Sato admitted after hearing the news of the shooting. “I didn’t sleep too well ever since. I thought it was so sad. You can feel the suffering of other people.”
“I think it’s such a tragedy, and yet it has the other side. It has brought people together, no matter what their race or anything. People suddenly realised we’re all one. We care for each other.”
Sato began his marathon journey at a mosque in Pakuranga, near his house. After witnessing the vigils and flowers, he made the decision to head into the city centre and join the march against racism.
Sato is the child of a Scottish mother and a Japanese father, he was recruited by the New Zealand army during WWII to fight against Japan. Sato claims he was one of only two Kiwi-Japanese in the army.
“We all go through our furnace in certain ways and some of the things that happen to us will make you more understanding, I hope,” Sato shared.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called for a suspension to live streaming in light of the Christchurch shooting.
