The 7th of November marked one month since an attack on Israel reignited bloody conflict in Gaza. This ongoing and devastating situation has continued to fuel intense emotions overseas and in New Zealand.
The cause is complex, and so is knowing the appropriate response.
We do not pretend to have the perfect answer.
But no matter which side we are on, if we strike at the basic democratic principles in our outrage, we will all be poorer.
One side can’t have the right to have their say without the other receiving the same. The opportunity to listen and provide counter-speech must exist, otherwise this wouldn’t be a democracy.
Would you sign this public letter, regardless of which side you come from on this issue, working with us to preserve open debate and civil discourse?
Together, we sign this letter whilst disagreeing on many things.
We disagree about a way forward in the Middle East, and we disagree about much to do with the Arab-Israeli conflict.
We all agree, however, on the basic principles of democracy and are united against violence.
We are appalled that a Member of Parliament required Police protection to leave a protest in Auckland Domain because he expressed an unpopular opinion. We condemn intimidation, violence, and intolerance.
We are saddened by the unprecedented levels of both antisemitic and Islamophobic actions occurring around New Zealand associated with events overseas. Our common desire is that New Zealand would be a peaceful and free nation, where all people can speak freely and share their story.
We encourage all New Zealanders to use their voices to call out intolerance and hate, and to speak up for peace.
-
Alice Grant signed 2023-11-13 14:09:15 +1300 -
Hugh O’Neill signed 2023-11-13 14:08:56 +1300Blessed are the Peace Makers
-
Sandra Ferguson signed 2023-11-13 14:07:55 +1300
-
Kyle Scholten signed 2023-11-13 14:07:26 +1300
-
Mariska Lochead signed 2023-11-13 14:05:11 +1300
-
Ken Allan signed 2023-11-13 14:05:10 +1300
-
Kevin Ewing signed 2023-11-13 14:02:03 +1300
-
Allistar Graeve signed 2023-11-13 14:01:31 +1300
-
Raewyn Kippens signed 2023-11-13 13:59:20 +1300
-
Brian Gill signed 2023-11-13 13:59:11 +1300
-
Konstanze Artmann signed 2023-11-13 13:58:53 +1300
-
Margaret Warnes signed 2023-11-13 13:56:04 +1300
-
Andrew McLauchlan signed 2023-11-13 13:55:33 +1300
-
Stephen Moore signed 2023-11-13 13:53:08 +1300
-
William Knobloch signed 2023-11-13 13:53:08 +1300
-
Nahomi Dhinakar signed 2023-11-13 13:50:20 +1300
-
Meg Gordon signed 2023-11-13 13:48:32 +1300
-
Steve Plant signed 2023-11-13 13:48:13 +1300
-
Brian Davidson signed 2023-11-13 13:46:23 +1300
-
Kieran Meyer signed 2023-11-13 13:45:34 +1300
-
John Fong signed 2023-11-13 13:45:32 +1300The right to be heard is fundamental to a democracy. Show respect so that we can find the truth which will and must be backed by facts.
-
Ann Brabant signed 2023-11-13 13:41:56 +1300
-
John Anderson signed 2023-11-13 13:41:42 +1300I am a strong advocate for Freedom of Speech
-
Stephen Peacock signed 2023-11-13 13:40:07 +1300
-
Victor Ashby signed 2023-11-13 13:39:54 +1300Jesus not only has the answer he is the answer. He said love your enemies, do good to those who persecute you. If your enemy is thirsty give him a drink. If he is hungry feed him. He said bless and do not curse.
-
Jenny Kemp signed 2023-11-13 13:39:54 +1300
-
Al Tie signed 2023-11-13 13:35:59 +1300Hamas is wrong, Israel is wrong. Politics and religion have no place in human peace. Humans are tolerant of each other but greed and power wielded by a few tyrants throughout history, destroy the very nature of humanity. These current, certifiably insane tyrants must be ended and removed from this planet. There is no judgement greater than peace amongst humans, all the rest need to go!
-
Colleen Willoughby signed 2023-11-13 13:33:53 +1300
-
Neil Foreman signed 2023-11-13 13:32:25 +1300
-
Kay Mackenzie signed 2023-11-13 13:29:50 +1300