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

  • Sennen Harry
    signed 2023-11-13 10:15:12 +1300
  • Sarah De Geest
    signed 2023-11-13 10:14:35 +1300
  • Maria Bullock
    signed 2023-11-13 10:14:07 +1300
  • Johann Coetzee
    signed 2023-11-13 10:14:05 +1300
  • Michiel Heynekamp
    signed 2023-11-13 10:14:02 +1300
  • Kim Hickey
    signed 2023-11-13 10:13:51 +1300
  • David Harvey
    signed 2023-11-13 10:13:41 +1300
  • Lynn Morgan
    signed 2023-11-13 10:13:02 +1300
  • Gareth Hack
    signed 2023-11-13 10:12:55 +1300
  • Paula Salisbury
    signed 2023-11-13 10:12:42 +1300
  • John Rennie
    signed 2023-11-13 10:12:34 +1300
  • James and Bernice McSaveney
    signed 2023-11-13 10:12:14 +1300
  • Gayna Crouch
    signed 2023-11-13 10:12:05 +1300
    👌
  • Pam Wilson
    signed 2023-11-13 10:11:54 +1300
  • Ken Brinn
    signed 2023-11-13 10:11:30 +1300
  • Athol Evans
    signed 2023-11-13 10:11:08 +1300
  • Bill Gray
    signed 2023-11-13 10:10:48 +1300
  • Rose Haysom
    signed 2023-11-13 10:10:21 +1300
  • Tony Barrett
    signed 2023-11-13 10:09:44 +1300
    Regardless of your opinion on this issue the right to free speech must prevail
  • Shelley Pegman
    signed 2023-11-13 10:09:30 +1300
  • Phillip Pugh
    signed 2023-11-13 10:09:15 +1300
    It is a shame that common sense appears be the casualty here.
  • Julia Martin
    signed 2023-11-13 10:08:28 +1300
  • Noeline Marsh
    signed 2023-11-13 10:07:46 +1300
  • Marcus Davis
    signed 2023-11-13 10:06:57 +1300
  • Owen Baxter
    signed 2023-11-13 10:06:57 +1300
  • Florence Bruce
    signed 2023-11-13 10:06:38 +1300
  • Di Gordon
    signed 2023-11-13 10:06:33 +1300
    It is time for the world to stop all war and for people to come together for peace and harmony to be restored worldwide no matter what side one is on. Find a way please
  • Judith Craven
    signed 2023-11-13 10:06:20 +1300
  • Christian john Glennie
    signed 2023-11-13 10:05:02 +1300
    I am with Israel 100 percent
  • Simonne Dyer
    signed 2023-11-13 10:04:46 +1300