On October 3, David Cumin (Israel Institute of NZ) and John Minto (Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa), met in a highly anticipated debate over Differing Perspectives of Israel.
Held at the University of Auckland, it attracted a full house of some 170; so full that people filled the area around the podium.
Well moderated by Rosslyn Noonan, NZ’s former Human Rights Commissioner, the deep feeling of each debater’s supporters threatened to break out into chaos at times.
Minto idealistically promoted a one-state solution where both Arab and Jew enjoyed the rights of democratic citizenship in peace.
Cumin supported a two-state solution where both peoples could seek self-determination. Having said that it looked like he didn’t believe this had much chance of ever succeeding as Arab leaders continue to seek a “river to the sea” solution.
The first public debate on Israel in many years, it served as a release valve for many of the pent up emotions evoked by the issue.
A video recording of the event and each debater’s opening remarks may be found here.
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