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.
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Chris Su'a signed 2023-11-13 10:58:46 +1300
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Paula Cox signed 2023-11-13 10:58:20 +1300
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Gaynor Chapman signed 2023-11-13 10:57:45 +1300I am pro -Israel but being also Christian so am concerned about the safety of Christians in Gaza as well as the many children.
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Foppe De Vries signed 2023-11-13 10:57:05 +1300
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Christine Barry signed 2023-11-13 10:57:02 +1300
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Janette Duihanty signed 2023-11-13 10:56:27 +1300
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Tom Hill signed 2023-11-13 10:56:18 +1300
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Rod Bertram signed 2023-11-13 10:55:40 +1300
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Helen Weston signed 2023-11-13 10:55:21 +1300
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Hilda Shaw signed 2023-11-13 10:55:14 +1300
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Capt Monika Clark signed 2023-11-13 10:54:35 +1300
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Glenda Blythen signed 2023-11-13 10:54:31 +1300
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Rob Ward signed 2023-11-13 10:54:28 +1300Islam is the problem. It is simply an intolerant religion, everywhere.
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Gregory Cater signed 2023-11-13 10:54:00 +1300
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Mata Kihi signed 2023-11-13 10:52:57 +1300
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Aron Murtagh signed 2023-11-13 10:52:57 +1300
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Peter Sloan signed via Anthony Sloan 2023-11-13 10:51:10 +1300
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Terry Harris signed 2023-11-13 10:50:54 +1300
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Dennis and lori Ogle signed 2023-11-13 10:49:55 +1300
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Jan Pedersen signed 2023-11-13 10:49:52 +1300I stand with Israel
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Lis Cotter signed 2023-11-13 10:49:28 +1300
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Michael Andrew . Curtin. signed 2023-11-13 10:49:16 +1300I’m Saddened by this conflict in the Middle East started by Terrorists that seem to believe there would be no Immediate Response.One Action created Another .
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bob mcdonald signed 2023-11-13 10:49:10 +1300
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Alysha Pope signed 2023-11-13 10:48:40 +1300
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Brendon Aish signed 2023-11-13 10:47:47 +1300
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Jean Hunt signed 2023-11-13 10:47:36 +1300
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Gene Gravley signed 2023-11-13 10:45:53 +1300I believe very much in the freedom of speech.
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Hilary Taylor signed 2023-11-13 10:45:24 +1300
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Glenda Bell signed 2023-11-13 10:44:32 +1300Without free speech, there is only tyranny and oppression. Everyone should have the right to freely express their opinions without fear and censorship – even if these opinions may be unpopular. Because it is only upon hearing both sides of any issue that balance and truth may exist.
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John Brignall signed 2023-11-13 10:44:13 +1300