We must preserve tolerance and peace in debate over Israel-Gaza conflict

 

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.

3,494 signature
Goal: 5000 signature

Will you sign?

Showing 2193 reactions

  • Tony Bartley
    signed 2023-11-13 11:13:01 +1300
    An equitable two state solution must be promulgated asap….I am alarmed at how many senior US Politicians and Military personnel have dual Israeli and USA citizenship….its a Blinken tragedy!
  • Stephen Riden
    signed 2023-11-13 11:12:56 +1300
  • Nevin Tait
    signed 2023-11-13 11:12:06 +1300
  • Adrienne Tully
    signed 2023-11-13 11:11:50 +1300
  • Ron Berman Berman
    signed via 2023-11-13 11:10:16 +1300
  • Michelle Coenradi
    signed 2023-11-13 11:09:10 +1300
  • Bob Murray
    signed 2023-11-13 11:08:24 +1300
  • Ann Marie McCarthy
    signed 2023-11-13 11:07:32 +1300
  • Phillip MacDonald
    signed 2023-11-13 11:07:23 +1300
  • Vucky Jeffery
    signed 2023-11-13 11:07:03 +1300
  • Sandra Grubham
    signed 2023-11-13 11:06:05 +1300
    I am pro-Israel and Christian and believe in free speech which is dissolving quickly in these end times
  • Peter Pearson
    signed 2023-11-13 11:05:30 +1300
    Neither for nor against either antagonist
  • Alan Sutton
    signed 2023-11-13 11:05:26 +1300
    As one great statesman recently said, not necesarily in these words, but in essence; " It matters less who wins, than that the outcome be the halting of bloodshed, and the promoting of peace!"

    (He has been much villified for holding that view; perhaps that is the reason: “Blessed be the Peacemakers, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven!” Notice especially ‘Peacemakers’, not Peacekeepers.)

    The Warmongers are the real threat!
  • Mark Pickford
    signed 2023-11-13 11:04:11 +1300
  • Michael Bassett
    signed 2023-11-13 11:04:00 +1300
  • Peter Shirley
    signed 2023-11-13 11:03:59 +1300
  • Bill Watson
    signed 2023-11-13 11:02:19 +1300
    The opportunities for peaceful dialogue and a two-state solution are long gone in the “Holy Land”. Here in NZ there should be no condemnation of either side, both are consumed with righteousness and hatred. If we choose to be righteous and hateful, maybe it should be directed at the instigators of the slaughter, the hidden hands behind the tragic scene that set it in motion. That means acknowledging that this event, like the plandemic, was planned with intent by a cabal to fan the flames of war, the motives being depopulation, crashing the economy and relieving debt burden. Let’s not fall into their trap of hating and fighting each other; direct the anger where it belongs!!!
  • Kevin Kevany
    signed 2023-11-13 11:02:15 +1300
  • Peter Alley
    signed 2023-11-13 11:01:56 +1300
  • Chris Burke
    signed 2023-11-13 11:01:45 +1300
  • Lynette Vigrass
    signed 2023-11-13 11:01:38 +1300
  • Catherine Scheib
    signed 2023-11-13 11:01:28 +1300
  • Craig Rowland
    signed 2023-11-13 11:01:23 +1300
  • Paula Robb
    signed 2023-11-13 11:01:14 +1300
  • Ashwin Magan
    signed 2023-11-13 11:01:01 +1300
  • Andrea Dickinson
    signed 2023-11-13 11:00:50 +1300
  • Mary McDonald
    signed 2023-11-13 11:00:40 +1300
  • Tony Saunders
    signed 2023-11-13 11:00:02 +1300
  • Peter Langsford
    signed 2023-11-13 10:59:47 +1300
  • Ma Gaby
    signed 2023-11-13 10:58:47 +1300