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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Michele van den Brink signed 2023-11-11 08:29:55 +1300
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Wanda Roberts signed 2023-11-11 08:29:34 +1300
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Glen Shadbolt signed 2023-11-11 08:29:24 +1300
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Norman Arnold signed 2023-11-11 08:29:07 +1300
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Bryan Norton signed 2023-11-11 08:29:03 +1300
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John Aldworth signed 2023-11-11 08:28:50 +1300
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Jane Burden signed 2023-11-11 08:28:38 +1300Anyone using threatening behavior, which is an illegal act, should be arrested and prosecuted regardless of religious or political affiliations.
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Craig Lovegrove signed 2023-11-11 08:28:36 +1300All we are saying is give peace a chance
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Alf Holt signed 2023-11-11 08:28:35 +1300
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Alison Lewis signed 2023-11-11 08:28:34 +1300
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Irene Ingham signed 2023-11-11 08:28:08 +1300
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Geoff Willmott signed 2023-11-11 08:27:59 +1300
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Tony King signed 2023-11-11 08:27:57 +1300
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David Ewen signed 2023-11-11 08:27:56 +1300
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Darag Rennie signed 2023-11-11 08:27:44 +1300
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Jocelyn Wilson signed 2023-11-11 08:27:40 +1300I think we should stay out of who’s right & who’s wrong. What do we know about what’s really going on over there. My sympathies lie with the innocent people who are the victims in this whole corrupt war 😢
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Josh Gifford signed 2023-11-11 08:27:26 +1300
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Louise Dingley signed 2023-11-11 08:26:55 +1300
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Linda Reid signed 2023-11-11 08:26:55 +1300
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Isabel White signed 2023-11-11 08:26:50 +1300
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Dinah Cameron signed 2023-11-11 08:26:46 +1300
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Bill Horton signed 2023-11-11 08:26:27 +1300
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natalie holmes signed 2023-11-11 08:26:11 +1300
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Helen Middlemass signed 2023-11-11 08:26:09 +1300
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Robert Macleod signed 2023-11-11 08:26:03 +1300
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Pat Wheatley signed 2023-11-11 08:25:18 +1300
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Leonie Leroy signed 2023-11-11 08:25:17 +1300
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Jeffrey Greer signed 2023-11-11 08:25:10 +1300
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Alice Phelan signed 2023-11-11 08:24:50 +1300
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James Snowsill signed 2023-11-11 08:24:41 +1300