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

  • Graeme Eddy
    signed 2023-11-14 20:17:32 +1300
  • Chris Lawrence
    signed 2023-11-14 19:33:07 +1300
  • Peter J Ryan
    signed 2023-11-14 19:17:27 +1300
    why dont those people rise up against Hamas it self
  • Verena Watson
    signed 2023-11-14 19:12:58 +1300
  • Janet Marks
    signed 2023-11-14 18:54:06 +1300
  • Joan Armstrong
    signed 2023-11-14 18:47:20 +1300
  • Stephanie Blennerhassett
    signed 2023-11-14 18:46:04 +1300
    This is extremely important becauxse so many lives are at stake. We must be free to express our opinion.
  • Fiona McEwen
    signed 2023-11-14 18:32:03 +1300
  • Gareth Filer
    signed 2023-11-14 18:31:25 +1300
  • Dianne Mackenzie
    signed 2023-11-14 18:13:35 +1300
    just like the thugs did to Posey Parker.. Mobs are ruling unfortunately. Police need to do more
  • Jonathan Newcombe
    signed 2023-11-14 18:12:31 +1300
  • Lone Sorensen
    signed 2023-11-14 18:12:20 +1300
    Yes free speech has been eroded and it is very hard to have a debate about anything. Fringe and lobby groups are pushing their agendas at all cost. Just think about what happened with the women’s rally in Auckland. I hate violence of any kind but stand with Israels right to defend themselves when attacked by terror groups like Hamas. Cowards that hide in the civilian population and under hospitals, who kill and behead children and rape and kill innocent women. Personally I do not understand how anyone can defend that!
  • Vaughan McCurrie
    signed 2023-11-14 17:59:53 +1300
  • Rita Muller
    signed 2023-11-14 17:50:54 +1300
  • Tamra Steens
    signed 2023-11-14 17:49:31 +1300
  • Gary Fleet
    signed 2023-11-14 17:44:24 +1300
    It is so sad That so called peace advocates of the Green Party and the Māori Party support the Hamas and are unwilling to give people that support nether of the Terrorist’s on both sides a chance to stop the War. They should be kicked out of Parliament.
  • Robert N Gillam
    signed 2023-11-14 17:36:29 +1300
  • bernadette macnevin
    signed 2023-11-14 17:33:52 +1300
  • Matt Shallcrass
    signed 2023-11-14 17:12:58 +1300
  • Caroline Sayle
    signed 2023-11-14 17:11:47 +1300
  • Gordon & Julie Coster
    signed 2023-11-14 17:06:15 +1300
  • Brian Dunick
    signed 2023-11-14 17:03:33 +1300
  • Alan Harris
    signed 2023-11-14 17:00:42 +1300
    freedom is the root of all LIFE
  • Robert Drum
    signed 2023-11-14 16:49:16 +1300
  • Edward Wadsworth
    signed 2023-11-14 16:43:10 +1300
  • Lynda Elson-Haigh
    signed 2023-11-14 16:24:28 +1300
    I believe in the TWO STATE solution
  • John Dickson
    signed 2023-11-14 16:23:30 +1300
  • Brians Gym
    signed 2023-11-14 16:16:50 +1300
  • Hamish Pilbrow
    signed 2023-11-14 16:14:18 +1300
    True democracy allows disagreement and opinions expressed and values PEACEfull resolutions, providing justice to be done, where injustice has arisen.
  • Mary Harris
    signed 2023-11-14 16:11:33 +1300