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.

3,492 signature
Goal: 5000 signature

Will you sign?

Showing 2191 reactions

  • Eileen Loh
    signed 2023-11-15 16:13:24 +1300
  • William Crocker
    signed 2023-11-15 16:08:11 +1300
  • Raif-David Howard
    signed 2023-11-15 15:58:04 +1300
  • Colin Dubi
    signed 2023-11-15 15:44:17 +1300
  • Paul Way
    signed 2023-11-15 15:34:21 +1300
  • Dee Way
    signed 2023-11-15 15:32:16 +1300
  • Nelson Walker
    signed 2023-11-15 13:32:21 +1300
  • Steve Coatsworth
    signed 2023-11-15 12:42:08 +1300
  • Ashton Russell
    signed 2023-11-15 12:38:20 +1300
  • Russell Sweetman
    signed 2023-11-15 12:05:28 +1300
    We ALL have a right to say whatever we like and Nobody has the right to stop anyone from being able to speak to whoever wants to listen.
  • Steve Hobson
    signed 2023-11-15 11:46:50 +1300
  • Chris Hancock
    signed 2023-11-15 11:33:46 +1300
  • Kristal Gould
    signed 2023-11-15 11:27:47 +1300
  • Lucy Whittingham
    signed 2023-11-15 11:19:09 +1300
  • Ed Damvelt
    signed 2023-11-15 11:00:28 +1300
  • Caryn Waldeck
    signed 2023-11-15 10:57:27 +1300
  • Kennedy Millward
    signed 2023-11-15 10:04:04 +1300
  • Freida Maverick
    signed 2023-11-15 08:08:24 +1300
  • Vladimir Brijacek
    signed 2023-11-15 08:05:09 +1300
    Only open and full conversation can lead to solution. Means: talk to be heard and understood, listen to hear and understand.
  • Amy Brown
    signed 2023-11-15 07:34:16 +1300
  • Allan Morrison
    signed 2023-11-15 06:02:51 +1300
  • Christopher Adams
    signed 2023-11-14 23:05:48 +1300
  • Nicole Way
    signed 2023-11-14 22:46:56 +1300
  • Craig Reynolds
    signed 2023-11-14 22:38:30 +1300
  • Alwyn Morgan
    signed 2023-11-14 22:35:20 +1300
    Who started it? And will they do it again?
  • Jocelyn de Reus
    signed 2023-11-14 22:28:48 +1300
  • Yvonne Charsley
    signed 2023-11-14 22:20:55 +1300
  • Hugh Thorpe
    signed 2023-11-14 22:20:35 +1300
  • Wendy Marsh
    signed 2023-11-14 21:49:26 +1300
  • Penelope Coleman
    signed 2023-11-14 21:34:28 +1300