Analyse
The phrase was part of Ardern’s address to New Zealand’s Parliament, where she explicitly linked the victims—many of whom were migrants or refugees—to the broader national identity, rejecting divisive rhetoric. The full quote was: *'The terrorists sought to tear our nation apart with an act of violence... but we, New Zealand, will not and cannot be shaken. **They are us.**'* (per official transcripts). Multiple credible sources, including government records and major media outlets, confirm the statement’s accuracy and context.
Achtergrond
On **March 15, 2019**, a far-right extremist killed 51 people in attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Ardern’s response—including the phrase *'They are us'*—was widely praised for its emphasis on inclusivity and became a defining moment of her leadership. The statement reflected New Zealand’s legal and cultural commitment to multiculturalism, as enshrined in policies like the **Human Rights Act 1993** and the **Christchurch Call** (a global initiative against online extremism she later co-launched).
Samenvatting verdict
Jacinda Ardern did say, '**They are us**' in a parliamentary speech on **March 19, 2019**, following the Christchurch mosque shootings, emphasizing national unity and solidarity with the Muslim community.