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.

3,538 signature
Goal: 5000 signature

Will you sign?

Showing 2203 reactions

  • Alan Stephenson
    signed 2023-11-11 08:05:33 +1300
    There is far too much hate in the world right now
  • Nick Waldon
    signed 2023-11-11 08:05:15 +1300
  • Merilyn Rigg-Weston
    signed 2023-11-11 08:05:13 +1300
  • Eleanor Turner
    signed 2023-11-11 08:05:03 +1300
  • Debby Verdonk
    signed 2023-11-11 08:04:39 +1300
  • Gordon fullard
    signed 2023-11-11 08:04:24 +1300
  • Steve Shadbolt
    signed 2023-11-11 08:04:10 +1300
    Hamas instigated this violence worse than any animals, what did they expect or is this Irans plan. Israel has the right to end them. What about the Ukraine and what Russia has done?
  • Gray Bartlett MBE
    signed 2023-11-11 08:04:09 +1300
    The instigator of extreme violence MUST still be brought to justice, otherwise peace and free speech cannot go hand in hand.

    Organisations like Hamas and Hezbolah have NO place in a free speech democracy.
  • Geoffrey Monks
    signed 2023-11-11 08:04:08 +1300
  • Lisa Condell
    signed 2023-11-11 08:03:59 +1300
  • Laurence Ennor
    signed 2023-11-11 08:03:58 +1300
  • N Bradford
    signed 2023-11-11 08:03:47 +1300
  • Stefanie Backhouse
    signed 2023-11-11 08:03:42 +1300
  • Kareen McLaren
    signed 2023-11-11 08:03:19 +1300
  • Jim Mearns
    signed 2023-11-11 08:03:19 +1300
  • Stan Najbert
    signed 2023-11-11 08:03:19 +1300
  • Fraser Galbraith
    signed 2023-11-11 08:03:12 +1300
  • Linda McRae
    signed 2023-11-11 08:03:02 +1300
  • Steve Dowsett
    signed 2023-11-11 08:02:55 +1300
  • Peter Foster
    signed 2023-11-11 08:02:45 +1300
  • Chris de Lange
    signed 2023-11-11 08:02:44 +1300
  • Peter Davies
    signed 2023-11-11 08:02:43 +1300
  • Clare Corban-Banks
    signed 2023-11-11 08:02:20 +1300
  • Tess Monro
    signed 2023-11-11 08:02:08 +1300
  • Stuart Macann
    signed 2023-11-11 08:01:58 +1300
  • Amanda Clarke
    signed 2023-11-11 08:01:46 +1300
  • maxine de Jong
    signed 2023-11-11 08:01:46 +1300
  • John candy
    signed 2023-11-11 08:01:31 +1300
  • Trevor Harris
    signed 2023-11-11 08:01:13 +1300
  • Andy Gray
    signed 2023-11-11 08:01:01 +1300