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.

3,538 signature
Goal: 5000 signature

Will you sign?

Showing 2203 reactions

  • Mark Jones
    signed 2023-11-19 10:53:43 +1300
  • Lesley Lowry
    signed 2023-11-18 21:36:53 +1300
  • Alan York
    signed 2023-11-18 19:12:08 +1300
  • John Hurley
    signed 2023-11-18 18:30:31 +1300
  • Don Knight
    signed 2023-11-18 18:06:52 +1300
  • Robyn Jackson
    signed 2023-11-18 17:10:13 +1300
  • Avril & David Warren
    signed 2023-11-18 16:54:52 +1300
  • FL David Warren
    signed 2023-11-18 16:52:29 +1300
  • Pam Fitzsimmons
    signed 2023-11-18 16:04:35 +1300
  • Dave Carreyett
    signed 2023-11-18 15:16:16 +1300
  • Josephine Rogers
    signed 2023-11-18 11:07:51 +1300
  • Reg and Barbara Adams
    signed 2023-11-18 09:38:53 +1300
    People get offended because they see things from a different angle.However we need to respect another person’s view even if we do not agree.Our new generation has lost respect for others opinion.
  • Phillip Gordon
    signed 2023-11-18 09:36:32 +1300
    A complex situation is quickly becoming a one sided bombardment without a dialogue to navigate through this not so obvious discourse.
  • Greg Peacocke
    signed 2023-11-18 09:05:55 +1300
    In Gaza and in Israel – there but for the luck of where we were all born, go you and me…
  • Paul Reid
    signed 2023-11-18 08:49:02 +1300
  • Lynne Sheriy
    signed 2023-11-18 08:46:23 +1300
  • Peter van der Voorn
    signed 2023-11-18 07:21:52 +1300
  • Blair Tucker
    signed 2023-11-18 07:03:15 +1300
  • Lester Simpson
    signed 2023-11-17 19:23:04 +1300
  • Kevin Matthews
    signed 2023-11-17 16:17:27 +1300
  • Robert Clemens
    signed 2023-11-17 16:08:14 +1300
    Thankyou Free Speech Union for bringing this to the attention of Parliament.
  • Tony Ross
    signed 2023-11-17 12:28:36 +1300
    Daniel 9:19
  • Desrian Hill
    signed 2023-11-17 12:08:00 +1300
  • Dane Williams
    signed 2023-11-17 10:38:29 +1300
  • Barbara Cook
    signed 2023-11-17 06:52:27 +1300
  • Norma Sullivan
    signed 2023-11-16 22:57:30 +1300
  • terry farrelly
    signed 2023-11-16 22:56:21 +1300
    FREE SPEECH FOREVER
  • Lee Drabble
    signed 2023-11-16 20:55:57 +1300
  • Linda Carmichael
    signed 2023-11-16 18:14:43 +1300
  • Debbie Spiller
    signed 2023-11-16 16:51:47 +1300