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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Peter Glaister signed 2023-11-11 08:48:15 +1300I consider our civilisation is at stake. Clear uninhibited discourse will expose the way forward and the fallacies for what they are. -
Philip Temple signed 2023-11-11 08:48:09 +1300
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Cyril Gwyn signed 2023-11-11 08:47:33 +1300
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John Harmsen signed 2023-11-11 08:47:21 +1300
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Pat Sale signed 2023-11-11 08:47:05 +1300
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Bruce Dixon signed 2023-11-11 08:47:03 +1300
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Keith Harrison signed 2023-11-11 08:46:56 +1300
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Tracy Butters signed 2023-11-11 08:46:51 +1300
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Raymond Halliday signed 2023-11-11 08:46:43 +1300
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Ian kilpatrick signed 2023-11-11 08:46:25 +1300
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Dave Winefield signed 2023-11-11 08:46:13 +1300But I want to emphasise that I fully uphold the rights of Israel to defend itself to the end against the barbarism exhibited against them and their people. Antisemitism is an abomination whenever, wherever, or why it is practised.
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Rosemary McQueen signed 2023-11-11 08:45:54 +1300
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Colin Hildreth signed 2023-11-11 08:45:32 +1300I call for both Israeli and international hostages to be freed from the tunnels where they are being held by force. I call that those innocent Palestine people being held as human shields in this conflict be allowed to move to places of safety out of the war zone. I am saddened by the destruction of community for those ordinary people caught up in the conflict and the prospect of their dislocation due to flattening caused through it.
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Greg Lagan signed 2023-11-11 08:44:55 +1300
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Kevin Seque signed 2023-11-11 08:44:52 +1300
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Catherine Hayes signed 2023-11-11 08:44:51 +1300
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Jill Ware signed 2023-11-11 08:44:49 +1300
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Sean Rush signed 2023-11-11 08:44:47 +1300
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Kathryn McColl signed 2023-11-11 08:44:38 +1300
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Lilka Durham signed 2023-11-11 08:44:31 +1300
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Kate Allison signed 2023-11-11 08:44:10 +1300
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John Styles signed 2023-11-11 08:43:48 +1300
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Micky Turner signed 2023-11-11 08:43:42 +1300
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Mark Stewart signed 2023-11-11 08:43:20 +1300I find it very concerning there is no balanced debate on this issue. It seems you have to be staunchly pro Israel or a Hamas fanatic. Anything in between is not tolerated.
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David Carman signed 2023-11-11 08:43:20 +1300
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Andrew Beer signed 2023-11-11 08:43:05 +1300
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Barbara Carran signed 2023-11-11 08:41:57 +1300
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Stephen Newnham signed 2023-11-11 08:41:52 +1300
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Tim A'Beckett signed 2023-11-11 08:41:48 +1300
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Julia Martin signed 2023-11-11 08:41:43 +1300