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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Ashton Russell signed 2023-11-15 12:38:20 +1300 -
Simon Wood signed 2023-11-15 12:27:52 +1300There is no other option than peace, apart from death & destruction.
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Russell Sweetman signed 2023-11-15 12:05:28 +1300We 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.
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Steve Hobson signed 2023-11-15 11:46:50 +1300
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Chris Hancock signed 2023-11-15 11:33:46 +1300
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Kristal Gould signed 2023-11-15 11:27:47 +1300
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Lucy Whittingham signed 2023-11-15 11:19:09 +1300
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Ed Damvelt signed 2023-11-15 11:00:28 +1300
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Caryn Waldeck signed 2023-11-15 10:57:27 +1300
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Kennedy Millward signed 2023-11-15 10:04:04 +1300
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Freida Maverick signed 2023-11-15 08:08:24 +1300
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Vladimir Brijacek signed 2023-11-15 08:05:09 +1300Only open and full conversation can lead to solution. Means: talk to be heard and understood, listen to hear and understand.
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Amy Brown signed 2023-11-15 07:34:16 +1300
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Nicola Packard signed 2023-11-15 06:43:55 +1300
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Allan Morrison signed 2023-11-15 06:02:51 +1300
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Christopher Adams signed 2023-11-14 23:05:48 +1300
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Nicole Way signed 2023-11-14 22:46:56 +1300
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Craig Reynolds signed 2023-11-14 22:38:30 +1300
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Mitch Morgan signed 2023-11-14 22:35:20 +1300Who started it? And will they do it again?
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Jocelyn de Reus signed 2023-11-14 22:28:48 +1300
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Yvonne Charsley signed 2023-11-14 22:20:55 +1300
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Hugh Thorpe signed 2023-11-14 22:20:35 +1300
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Wendy Marsh signed 2023-11-14 21:49:26 +1300
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Penelope Coleman signed 2023-11-14 21:34:28 +1300
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Maria Beattie signed 2023-11-14 21:33:31 +1300
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Kevin Beard signed 2023-11-14 21:31:42 +1300
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Gill Parker signed 2023-11-14 21:11:16 +1300
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Timothy Langley signed 2023-11-14 20:50:49 +1300
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Kevin Riley signed 2023-11-14 20:50:09 +1300
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Jan Washington signed 2023-11-14 20:37:32 +1300