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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keith boyd signed 2023-11-11 08:19:08 +1300 -
Sue Powell signed 2023-11-11 08:19:01 +1300
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Jennifer Young signed 2023-11-11 08:19:00 +1300
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Judy Cordier signed 2023-11-11 08:18:34 +1300
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Joy Mill signed 2023-11-11 08:18:22 +1300
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Helen Win signed 2023-11-11 08:18:15 +1300It’s Genocide plain and Simple
Heartbreaking the silence here -
Michael Sommerville signed 2023-11-11 08:18:13 +1300
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neil adams signed 2023-11-11 08:17:59 +1300
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Maureen Corry signed 2023-11-11 08:17:56 +1300
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Sarah Cole signed 2023-11-11 08:17:55 +1300
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Martin Stockdale signed 2023-11-11 08:17:43 +1300
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Marjorie Marshall signed 2023-11-11 08:17:31 +1300
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Martin Newcombe signed 2023-11-11 08:17:30 +1300
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Jane Bloore signed 2023-11-11 08:17:29 +1300
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Stephen Woolley signed 2023-11-11 08:17:22 +1300
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Tony Hickey signed 2023-11-11 08:17:05 +1300
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Deborah Loew-Black signed 2023-11-11 08:16:57 +1300War has never resulted in real peace anywhere on earth…..Only real & sincere peace negotiations that really respect the needs of those directly, physically involved in a conflict ( not anything to fo with external groups interested in the outcome for their own benefit) can achieve the foundation for people of different cultures, understanding &« living on earth « together « in peace!
People like Marione Ingram & the survivors/refugees of all wars, plus many many war veterans young & old alive today will agree war is never the solution to solve conflict! But peace & understanding -
Mary Byrne signed 2023-11-11 08:16:53 +1300I am deeply concerned at the Israeli genocide in Gaza and I condemn the Hamas atrocity on 7 Oct. I am also deeply concerned that the Green Party is not calling for peace, but appears to be calling for war by chanting a Hamas slogan. And then to stand by while a MP is hounded out of a rally because he dared to condemn violence on both sides, tells me the Green Party have no respect for free speech and democracy.
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Alison Pavlovich signed 2023-11-11 08:16:50 +1300
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Amanda Ironside signed 2023-11-11 08:16:44 +1300
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Martin Lyons signed 2023-11-11 08:16:43 +1300
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Peter Honeyfield signed 2023-11-11 08:16:36 +1300
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James Beed signed 2023-11-11 08:16:11 +1300
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Wally Richards signed 2023-11-11 08:16:05 +1300 -
Murray Laird signed 2023-11-11 08:16:04 +1300Both are equally to blame at this stage, however Hamas stoked the fire
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william byfleet signed 2023-11-11 08:15:48 +1300
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Sheryl Swanevelder signed 2023-11-11 08:15:36 +1300
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Steve Schapel signed 2023-11-11 08:15:35 +1300
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Necia France signed 2023-11-11 08:15:34 +1300
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Robin Dunmall signed 2023-11-11 08:15:30 +1300We have to push for a two state solution to end these years of aggression