NZFOI condemns in the strongest terms the recent spate of antisemitic and hate‑motivated graffiti that has appeared across Aotearoa over the past several days. The violent antisemitic message spray‑painted on a Nelson footbridge—described by the New Zealand Jewish Council as a “direct call for violence”—is deeply disturbing and has no place in our society. Scoop
These incidents have not occurred in isolation. In the same week, police arrested a man in Papatoetoe, Auckland, after graffiti inciting racial violence was discovered, and a second piece of threatening graffiti carrying the same message was found in a public toilet in Royal Oak. RNZ
Acts like these—whether targeting Jewish New Zealanders or any other community—undermine the safety, cohesion, and shared values that bind us together. They create fear, embolden further hatred, and erode the sense of trust that every person in Aotearoa deserves.
We stand in solidarity with Jewish New Zealanders and with all communities affected by hate. We echo the call of the New Zealand Jewish Council: there is no place in our society for messages that dehumanise or call for harm against any group. RNZ
NZFOI urges community members to speak out against all forms of hate, support those targeted, and work together to ensure Aotearoa remains a place where everyone can live safely and freely.
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