Here is a calendar of upcoming events, up and down the country. Some are organized by us, others by like-minded organizations and groups.
Leon Malmed
Wednesday 21 February @ 6:30pm
Leon Malmed was born in France in 1937, and is a survivor of the Holocaust, in which his parents were killed at Auschwitz. Leon moved to the USA in the 1960s, where he lives today. After 60 years of total silence about his childhood and experience during World War II, Leon decided to write and publish his memoir “We Survived… At Last, I Speak”. Leon is visiting Christchurch and graciously offered tell his story while he is in town, to talk about his life and answer questions.
Because of heightened security alerts because of October 7, here are the protocols for admission:
1. You must be a paid up member.
2. You must RSVP to NZFOI by email to contact@nzfoi.org by Tuesday 10pm.
3. If you are a paid-up member then we will advise you of the venue by return email.
4. On Wednesday evening, your membership and identification will be checked at the entrance to the venue.
These terms will be strictly adhered to: Exceptions will not be accepted.
If you are unsure of your membership status contact our treasurer jaclarke@orcon.net.nz.
Dr Sheree Trotter
Indigenous Peoples and the Middle East Conflict
Today, one hears that the Palestinians are an indigenous people that is having their homeland stolen from them by the white settler colonialists, the Jews. Is this true?
The events of October 7 have divided New Zealanders. The connection to indigenous rights has created fault lines for our Maori community.
On Thursday, we are delighted to welcome Dr Sheree Trotter to talk to us about the establishment of the Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem and her views on how the Middle East Conflict has impacted her Maori Community.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr Sheree Trotter is a researcher, writer, and co-director of the Indigenous Coalition For Israel. She also co-founded the Holocaust and Antisemitism Foundation, Aotearoa New Zealand (formerly Shadows of Shoah). Sheree is Māori (Te Arawa) and earned her PhD in History at the University of Auckland.
Hi Folks
Are you shocked by the killing of innocent civilians? Are you feeling conflicted as to who is “in the right” in the Israeli-Gaza conflict? Why as a Christian should you care about a dispute on the other side of the world? Are you puzzling over what a Christian response should be? If any of these questions resonate with you, then this event is for you.
Hope Presbyterian in Amyes Rd Hornby, has invited us to join a discussion panel at their evening service, this Sunday at 7pm.
The topic is: What should be the Christian attitude toward Israel and Gaza?
They have already had two sermons over the last two weeks on the history of Israel for background, and the sermons can be found here (click the image):
You’re invited to take part in this fascinating discussion. The Q&A session is going to be informative and rewarding. Even more so, if you have thought about it already so bring some questions with you.
See you there!
There has been a lot happening with Israel and Antisemitism since our last meeting. To name a few:
- The ICC prosecutor announces he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders.
- ICJ orders Israel to stop Rafah assault.
- Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognize Palestine as a state.
- A Christchurch teachers decides to go on a hunger strike hoping to pressure NZ’s government to push harder for a ceasefire.
- The US completes its kitset wharf and additional aid flows into Gaza.
- New evidence shows Hamas is diverting the aid so that it can profit by selling it on the black market.
- The Rafah assault continues in earnest. Hamas is starting to show more enthusiasm for a ceasefire.
After the briefing and Q&A we will be holding our Annual General Meeting (AGM), a pivotal event in our calendar. Here’s why you should attend:
- Transparency and Accountability: The AGM provides a transparent platform where we share our achievements, challenges, and financial performance. Your participation ensures accountability.
- Shape Our Future: Your voice matters! At the AGM, you can contribute ideas, vote on key decisions, and help shape our strategic direction for the coming year.
- Community Bonding: Connect with fellow members, volunteers, and our passionate team. Forge new relationships and celebrate our collective impact.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: 7.30pm, Thursday, MAY 30. Hao Room, Halswell Centre, 341 Halswell Rd, Christchurch.
Together, let’s continue our mission of fighting racism and intolerance through raising awareness of Jewish history and culture. We look forward to seeing you!
DOWNLOADS
The four rescued hostages being reunited with their families. Heartwarming.
Hi Folks
Because it looks like our June 7 mail out of our newsletter wasn’t received, we’ve decided to call off tomorrow night’s meeting.
If you are aware of another member who receives the newsletter by snail mail, please get in touch and let them know.
We will be making this announcement on Facebook, Instagram and our website too.
In the meantime, we’ll investigate why the email might be in our “Sent Items” folder, it didn’t make it to our members.
Apologies for the inconvenience
Hi Folks
Our next meeting in Christchurch is on Tuesday, 7.30pm at the Halswell Centre, 349 Halswell Rd, Christchurch.
Our focus will be:
• The inside information about the rescue of the four hostages last weekend and how that gives hope for rescuing more hostages.
• Jordan Peterson and John Spencer on what urban warfare means and how that has shaped the IDF’s conduct in Gaza.
As always, admission is a plate of finger food, please no pork or seafood products.
See you there!
We are also raising funds for Moran (who will speak with us tonight). If you’d like to donate, please go to https://donorbox.org/donate-to-moran-stella-yanai