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.

3,491 signature
Goal: 5000 signature

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Showing 2190 reactions

  • Desrian Hill
    signed 2023-11-17 12:08:00 +1300
  • Dane Williams
    signed 2023-11-17 10:38:29 +1300
  • Barbara Cook
    signed 2023-11-17 06:52:27 +1300
  • Norma Sullivan
    signed 2023-11-16 22:57:30 +1300
  • terry farrelly
    signed 2023-11-16 22:56:21 +1300
    FREE SPEECH FOREVER
  • Lee Drabble
    signed 2023-11-16 20:55:57 +1300
  • Linda Carmichael
    signed 2023-11-16 18:14:43 +1300
  • Debbie Spiller
    signed 2023-11-16 16:51:47 +1300
  • Mark Hall
    signed 2023-11-16 16:27:31 +1300
  • Christopher Wood
    signed 2023-11-16 15:27:43 +1300
  • Tony Baird
    signed 2023-11-16 15:23:11 +1300
  • Brian Wheeler
    signed 2023-11-16 15:21:55 +1300
  • Paul Christie
    signed 2023-11-16 15:14:26 +1300
    Agree – only tolerance and cool heads will prevail.
  • Sheryll Newman
    signed 2023-11-16 14:46:33 +1300
  • Carolyn Taylor
    signed 2023-11-16 11:09:10 +1300
  • Ronald Pengelly
    signed 2023-11-16 10:35:44 +1300
  • Malcolm Mackay
    signed 2023-11-16 09:27:51 +1300
  • Terri Walsh
    signed 2023-11-16 09:12:06 +1300
  • Ngakiri Mangu
    signed 2023-11-16 08:19:46 +1300
  • Judith Tatana
    signed 2023-11-16 07:20:03 +1300
  • Dianne Austin
    signed 2023-11-16 06:11:30 +1300
  • Les Binns
    signed 2023-11-15 23:17:04 +1300
  • Richard Buckingham
    signed 2023-11-15 21:32:29 +1300
  • Jasmine Retief
    signed 2023-11-15 20:20:53 +1300
  • Kate Rosenbrock
    signed 2023-11-15 19:44:07 +1300
  • Daniel Relf
    signed 2023-11-15 18:38:55 +1300
    Those who shout the loudest, get angry, deplatform others or protest violently are often the ones with the most to hide.
  • Andrew Lambert
    signed 2023-11-15 17:41:13 +1300
  • Allan Thomson
    signed 2023-11-15 16:54:50 +1300
  • Terry Kurukaanga
    signed 2023-11-15 16:46:56 +1300
  • Eileen Loh
    signed 2023-11-15 16:13:24 +1300