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

Will you sign?

Showing 2191 reactions

  • John Oakden
    signed 2023-11-11 09:12:12 +1300
  • robert dawson
    signed 2023-11-11 09:11:38 +1300
  • Sharon Hooper
    signed 2023-11-11 09:11:21 +1300
  • Andromeda Tangipa
    followed this page 2023-11-11 09:10:48 +1300
  • Alan Napier
    signed 2023-11-11 09:10:36 +1300
  • Donald Stewart
    signed 2023-11-11 09:10:33 +1300
  • Andromeda Tangipa
    signed 2023-11-11 09:10:32 +1300
  • Lindsay Meech
    signed 2023-11-11 09:10:24 +1300
  • Rachel McKenzie
    signed 2023-11-11 09:10:16 +1300
  • Martin Vries
    signed 2023-11-11 09:10:15 +1300
  • David Allan
    signed 2023-11-11 09:10:12 +1300
  • Rebecca Lennie
    signed 2023-11-11 09:09:55 +1300
  • Rhonda Fitzpatrick
    signed 2023-11-11 09:09:52 +1300
  • Vivien Harlen
    signed 2023-11-11 09:09:33 +1300
  • Trevor Thornley
    signed 2023-11-11 09:09:19 +1300
  • Andrew Morrison
    signed 2023-11-11 09:08:47 +1300
    i entirely agree with you , and cannot comprehend the violent support of a terrorist Group HAMAS yet obstruction of any other point of view , and am concerned at the radical leftist anti-west model which the Green Party has adopted.
  • Jacob Verbeek
    signed 2023-11-11 09:08:38 +1300
  • Basil Wood
    signed 2023-11-11 09:08:18 +1300
  • ron harfield
    signed 2023-11-11 09:07:45 +1300
  • Selwyn Brown
    signed 2023-11-11 09:07:36 +1300
  • Patricia Cook
    signed 2023-11-11 09:07:35 +1300
  • Owen Elmiger
    signed 2023-11-11 09:07:24 +1300
  • Susan Aucutt
    signed 2023-11-11 09:07:10 +1300
  • Rolf Turner
    signed 2023-11-11 09:06:56 +1300
    There can be no peace until both sides, Hamas and Israel, acknowledge their own culpability.
  • Phil Coker
    signed 2023-11-11 09:06:12 +1300
    Same thing happens if you dare to critisise anything maori
  • Barry Austin
    signed 2023-11-11 09:05:31 +1300
  • Dave Peel
    signed 2023-11-11 09:05:01 +1300
  • Steve Lawrence
    signed 2023-11-11 09:04:44 +1300
  • Joanne Dorne
    signed 2023-11-11 09:04:43 +1300
  • Donald Stuart
    signed 2023-11-11 09:04:10 +1300
    Arabs are born to kill , and will continue to do so