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

  • Denise Hart
    signed 2023-11-13 10:30:56 +1300
  • Anita Gude
    signed 2023-11-13 10:30:12 +1300
  • leon vermeulen
    signed 2023-11-13 10:30:09 +1300
  • Ritchie Goodall
    signed 2023-11-13 10:30:09 +1300
  • Ken Magill
    signed 2023-11-13 10:29:58 +1300
  • Johan Nel
    signed 2023-11-13 10:29:49 +1300
  • Renate van Eckert
    signed 2023-11-13 10:29:42 +1300
  • E. Ann O'Brien
    signed 2023-11-13 10:29:23 +1300
  • Janet Leonard
    signed 2023-11-13 10:29:20 +1300
  • Cheryl Simes
    signed 2023-11-13 10:27:58 +1300
  • Robert Fredericksen
    signed 2023-11-13 10:27:57 +1300
  • Peter Simpson
    signed 2023-11-13 10:27:47 +1300
  • Chris Collins
    signed 2023-11-13 10:27:41 +1300
  • Maurice Carthew
    signed 2023-11-13 10:27:22 +1300
  • Michael Webster
    signed 2023-11-13 10:27:16 +1300
  • Rachel Ching
    signed 2023-11-13 10:26:17 +1300
  • Helen Shae
    signed 2023-11-13 10:26:08 +1300
  • Mauroce Hooper
    signed 2023-11-13 10:26:06 +1300
  • Nancy Donald
    signed 2023-11-13 10:25:53 +1300
  • Paul Fieldman
    signed 2023-11-13 10:25:48 +1300
  • Richard Hammond
    signed 2023-11-13 10:25:39 +1300
  • Patrick Doherty
    signed 2023-11-13 10:24:46 +1300
  • Jane Shearer
    signed 2023-11-13 10:24:38 +1300
  • Jenny and John Marchbanks
    signed 2023-11-13 10:24:22 +1300
  • Thomas ORourke
    signed 2023-11-13 10:24:16 +1300
  • Gary Cope
    signed 2023-11-13 10:23:48 +1300
    I am a strong believer in free speech, but it should never include incitement to violence. I am not Jewish but I stand 100% behind Israel
  • John Gibb
    signed 2023-11-13 10:23:39 +1300
  • Peter Adams
    signed 2023-11-13 10:23:29 +1300
  • Lynne Pettit
    signed 2023-11-13 10:23:27 +1300
  • Guilherme da Silva Vilhena
    signed 2023-11-13 10:23:15 +1300