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.

3,492 signature
Goal: 5000 signature

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Showing 2191 reactions

  • Michael Moroney
    signed 2023-11-11 09:29:33 +1300
  • Michelle Otten
    signed 2023-11-11 09:29:20 +1300
  • Simon Allan
    signed 2023-11-11 09:28:59 +1300
  • Peter Wheen
    signed 2023-11-11 09:28:27 +1300
  • Ian Robertson
    signed 2023-11-11 09:28:06 +1300
  • Malcolm Downer
    followed this page 2023-11-11 09:28:01 +1300
  • Francis Hitchcock
    signed 2023-11-11 09:27:41 +1300
  • Allen Goodall
    signed 2023-11-11 09:27:35 +1300
  • George Mooyman
    signed 2023-11-11 09:27:24 +1300
  • Vera Vostinar
    signed 2023-11-11 09:26:56 +1300
  • Bryan Lee
    signed 2023-11-11 09:26:18 +1300
  • Peter Dunlop
    signed 2023-11-11 09:26:15 +1300
  • Kahu Wright
    signed 2023-11-11 09:26:12 +1300
  • Mary Sherborne
    signed 2023-11-11 09:26:02 +1300
  • Glyn McHenry
    signed 2023-11-11 09:25:48 +1300
    Recent aggression during the Palestinian marches has been unreasonable and is anti Kiwi. Encouraged by the Green Party fueling high potential for violence. Worldwide these are not peaceful protests.

    Everyone accepts that it is tragic for any innocent civilians to be hurt or killed on both sides. Why are people not protesting as anti Hamas and giving no responsibility to their terrorist actions. Most Kiwi’s would support an anti Hamas protest. Any supporters of Hamas need to be arrested and have their immigration status checked. We do not want terrorists or terrorist supporters in NZ fueling violence. All nationalities should be safe and feel safe in NZ. This is a requirement if you want to become a Kiwi.
  • Ron Ranger
    signed 2023-11-11 09:25:38 +1300
  • Ted Johnston
    signed 2023-11-11 09:25:06 +1300
  • Debbie Norris
    signed 2023-11-11 09:24:53 +1300
  • Els Vam Rensburg
    signed 2023-11-11 09:24:11 +1300
  • Edward Lyons
    signed 2023-11-11 09:23:44 +1300
  • Christine Winters
    signed 2023-11-11 09:23:12 +1300
    In NZ anyone demonstrating for the Hamas terrorist organization publicly & shouting for Jihad should be arrested.
  • Terri Lipanovic
    signed 2023-11-11 09:22:53 +1300
  • Michael Edwards
    signed 2023-11-11 09:22:43 +1300
    You’ll never stop this neither side cares about life or even respect each other. Israelis are settling illegally on the West Bank & East Jerusalem. The Palestinians will not stop until they’ve gotten rid of the Jews and vice versa. Radical groups leaders aren’t even there they live in Qatar in luxury whilst their people suffer. It’ll go on forever
  • Greg Dickson
    signed 2023-11-11 09:22:28 +1300
  • Raewyn Stockdale
    signed 2023-11-11 09:22:28 +1300
  • Patricia Mackenzie
    signed 2023-11-11 09:22:22 +1300
    The deaths of babies and children is shocking, this madness must stop!
  • S Dempsey
    signed 2023-11-11 09:22:20 +1300
  • Patrick Frengley
    signed 2023-11-11 09:22:18 +1300
  • Melva Buchanan
    signed 2023-11-11 09:21:50 +1300
  • Alan and Annette Wilson
    signed 2023-11-11 09:21:41 +1300
    The death of innocent victims on both sides needs to stop.