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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Sandra Breckon signed 2023-11-11 08:35:30 +1300I celebrate Anzac Day because it is a reminder that war does not bring peace in any form but the creates the destruction of human lives.
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Jim Mason signed 2023-11-11 08:35:02 +1300
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Karl du Fresne signed via Karl du Fresne 2023-11-11 08:34:20 +1300
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Gail Godtschalk signed 2023-11-11 08:34:14 +1300This is very confronting, innocent civilians on both sides are being murdered and to see either protest especially in NZ is very troubling to me, or what this could do to our already fractured society especially to the very citizens in NZ that associates with either side. Will never profess to understanding what is going on, yet I pray for peace.
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John Coffin signed 2023-11-11 08:34:08 +1300
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Diana Ekren signed 2023-11-11 08:33:55 +1300
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John Hill signed 2023-11-11 08:33:27 +1300Easy to sit in NZ watching from afar and being spoon fed by the media. Im in France and just before in the UK the muslim aggression is beyond belief.
I think the time for tolerance is over. Hamas needs to be destroyed they have oppressed the Palastine peopleand are all out terrorist group who hide behind civilians. Cannot sign this, the time for tolerance has ended.
I support Israel 100% in destroying Hamas. -
Jiarui Sun signed 2023-11-11 08:33:23 +1300
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Dinah Malyon signed 2023-11-11 08:33:22 +1300
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Barry O'Connell signed 2023-11-11 08:33:20 +1300
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Dave Bufton signed 2023-11-11 08:32:49 +1300
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Jim Sutcliffe signed 2023-11-11 08:32:34 +1300
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Robin Mackenzie-Suggate signed 2023-11-11 08:32:12 +1300
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Ken Hoolihan signed 2023-11-11 08:32:06 +1300
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Les Counsell signed 2023-11-11 08:32:02 +1300
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Derrick Moot signed 2023-11-11 08:31:57 +1300
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Isla McCoy signed 2023-11-11 08:31:56 +1300
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Anne Allan signed 2023-11-11 08:31:31 +1300
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Roger Boulter signed 2023-11-11 08:31:28 +1300
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Des McGrath signed 2023-11-11 08:31:14 +1300
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Patrice Jones signed 2023-11-11 08:31:10 +1300
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Peter Lynch signed 2023-11-11 08:31:08 +1300
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Peter Snell signed 2023-11-11 08:30:57 +1300Violence is never the answer to the problems we face in our own personal world and the world at large. Tollerence is required toward people different from ourselves and we may actually learn something
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Chris Jenkins signed 2023-11-11 08:30:56 +1300
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Patricia Frost signed 2023-11-11 08:30:50 +1300
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Murray Hollings signed 2023-11-11 08:30:44 +1300
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Linda Wright signed 2023-11-11 08:30:38 +1300
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Callum Wright signed 2023-11-11 08:30:36 +1300
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Alice Harper signed 2023-11-11 08:30:34 +1300
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Mary Stuart signed 2023-11-11 08:30:00 +1300