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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Tim Kronfeld signed 2023-12-02 08:03:11 +1300 -
Fiona Standen signed 2023-12-01 19:05:49 +1300
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David Pirotta followed this page 2023-12-01 12:06:48 +1300
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David Pirotta signed 2023-12-01 12:05:12 +1300
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Vicki-maree Stewart signed 2023-12-01 01:27:08 +1300
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Nigel Mitcherson signed 2023-11-30 22:53:02 +1300
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Sharron Hillier signed 2023-11-29 18:40:29 +1300
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Rui Dos Santos Martins signed 2023-11-28 18:05:38 +1300
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Chaquila Venter signed 2023-11-28 17:26:01 +1300Where is the protests for Afghanistan women, or Ruthless, Malachi, Kween and thousands of other children who are beaten and killed in NZ. Where are the protests for the high domestic violence here in NZ and the slave labour? Quite frankly NZ is not going to change anything overseas when they cannot change their own patch.
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John Klaphake signed 2023-11-28 16:59:21 +1300
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Gordon Sanders signed 2023-11-28 16:01:48 +1300
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Craig Schofield signed 2023-11-28 10:30:16 +1300
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Edwina Allen signed 2023-11-28 00:03:43 +1300
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Richard Motet signed 2023-11-27 16:58:39 +1300
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Darryl Bartlett signed 2023-11-26 21:57:13 +1300
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Moira Casson Fallows signed 2023-11-26 14:48:15 +1300
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Stewart Hanna signed 2023-11-25 21:27:40 +1300
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Jim McPhee signed 2023-11-24 20:13:22 +1300
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Maureen Hartmann signed 2023-11-24 16:22:03 +1300
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Rosie Paltridge signed 2023-11-23 21:50:26 +1300
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Corinna Cornelius signed 2023-11-23 19:33:53 +1300
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Dion Cave signed 2023-11-23 14:24:36 +1300
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Denise Bonnar signed 2023-11-23 14:02:20 +1300It’s no trick to support the free speech of somebody you agree with or to those whose opinion you are indifferent.
The defense of free speech begins at the point when people say something you can’t stand.
If you can’t defend their right to say it,
then you don’t believe believe in free speech.
Salman Rushdie -
louise Chapman signed 2023-11-22 17:28:41 +1300
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Christina McGeorge signed 2023-11-22 17:11:04 +1300
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Bill O'Connell signed 2023-11-22 15:25:44 +1300
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Kevin Kerr signed 2023-11-22 08:42:40 +1300
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Ray Gallagher signed 2023-11-21 08:36:21 +1300
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Sylvie Zlami signed 2023-11-20 17:36:13 +1300
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Mila Doerr signed 2023-11-20 13:54:19 +1300As Above