NZ Friends of Israel Association Inc
Fighting racial intolerance in New Zealand and beyond
To all our friends and followers who are observing Hanukkah and Christmas this week, may you have a wonderful time with your family, friends and loved ones.
We’re signing off for the holiday season so any orders put through our shop will not be dispatched until after January 13.
We look forward to reconnecting again in the New Year.
The September issue of our newsletter is out.
We’re continuing to have problems emailing our newsletter to Gmail, Hotmail and Xtra account holders. If you are one of our members and you’re not receiving our newsletter, then you can download it from here.
Folks, we held a farewell reception for HE Ambassador Ran Yaakoby last Tuesday evening.
Here is a transcript of our address to His Excellency and the rest of the audience:
Your Excellency Ran Yaakoby, the Ambassador of the State of Israel to New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Niue and Tonga.
Father Barry Malone of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish of the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch
Members of the Committee of New Zealand Friends of Israel
Members of the New Zealand Friends of Israel
Before we get started, there are some housekeeping matters to deal with.
I was flying with a budget Airline in the US called Spirit.
As usual, there was a safety announcement made before the flight began.
They said if an oxygen mask falls down in front of you, please stop screaming, let go of your fellow passenger, if you are travelling with your children, decide which has the most earning potential after college and decide from there who to put the mask on first.
To activate the flow of oxygen, swipe your credit card for the first minute because you are flying Spirit Airlines, a budget airline.
They said: We won’t let you smoke onboard our aircraft during the flight, but if you can step out on the wing, you may, if you can light it, we will let you smoke it. We are very accommodating at Spirit.
To the rest of the passengers, you’re in for a treat. As soon as the smokers step out on the wing, the inflight movie will automatically change to “Gone with the Wind”.
At NZ Friends of Israel, we are much less dramatic.
In the unlikely event of an earthquake or fire, the exits are well signed, and the assembly point is the car park on Rutland St.
You will not need your credit card.
After the formalities are over, you are very welcome to join us for light refreshments.
The toilets are through that door to my right and right again…
So ends our inflight announcements.
Your excellency, I’m sure that when you were appointed to become the Ambassador for Israel to New Zealand, you wouldn’t have thought that it would be so eventful.
In 2020, COVID-19 swept through the world. We were horrified by what we saw in New York City and Italy, which dismayed the world and countries worldwide went into lockdown.
The world owes a debt to Israel who took actions that gave the world much more confidence to use the new vaccines.
Who knows how many millions of lives were saved by your country’s courage?
In a breakthrough step toward long-term peace, the Abrahamic Accords meant normalization of relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.
In the West, four horsemen have been unleashed into the world and are causing mayhem and confusion, dividing societies and weakening their ability to discern good from evil.
These four horsemen are Settler Colonialism, Critical Race Theory, Neo-Marxism and Linguistic Theft.
Together they have created a toxic mix that has allowed the false accusations of colonialism, apartheid, illegal occupiers, genocide, and baby killers against Israel to take hold.
Your excellency, we see these things and we know that:
1. Jews are indigenous to the region and to call Jews colonizers is a lie.
2. Jews come in all different races and colors and to call them white settler colonialists is a lie.
3. We see people of different races and religions given equal access to education, employment and so we see them in every walk of life, in government, in the judiciary, in academia, in commerce, in trades, delivery people, cleaners, and civil servants; at every level of society no matter how much prestige that level gets, and so we know the accusation of apartheid is another lie.
4. It’s been nearly fifty years since NZ has seen war. For most of us we’ve never seen it first hand. War is ugly. War is tragic. Civilians die in war; The UN studied modern urban warfare and said that the ratio of civilian deaths to combatant deaths is about 9 to 1.
Yet all military experts agree that Israel has taken steps to evacuate civilians from the battlefront, have brought this ratio down from 9 to 1 to 1.5 to 2.5 to 1. Unfortunately in saving lives, the element of surprise is lost and so the war is prolonged. Yet, there are no regrets, for we all agree life is precious.
We all want the killing to stop. But war is necessary, because every government has a duty to protect its vulnerable, punish wrongdoing and to deter further wrongdoing. Hamas has promised that given the oppportunity, it will repeat October 7 all over again. Only war can prevent Hamas from fulfilling their promise.
Hamas knew that Oct 7 would bring war. And it would put their people in harm’s way. Yet they pulled the trigger anyway and hid in their tunnels while their women and children paid the price.
Even the ICJ judge who presided over the question of genocide stated that her court’s decision was misreported by media. Thus the accusation of genocide is also a lie.
5. We see Israeli Arabs and other minorities saying they wouldn’t want to live under the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, or Hezbollah. We don’t see people lining up to emigrate to China, Russia, your neighbouring countries or Northern Africa.
They want to live in freedom, and thus there are people queuing to live in Israel, Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. There is a reason. They want to live in freedom. Thus the neo-Marxist accusation that Israel is an oppressor is also a lie. The wise and sensible know this and they are voting with their feet. Thus the accusation that Israel is the oppressor tyranny based on neo-Marxist ideas, is also a lie.
6. We see the linguist thieves who try to hijack words like resistance and occupation as if they can share in the honor and nobility of the French Resistance of WW2.
But did the French Resistance ever execute German civilians at gunpoint like in October 7?
Did they take German civilians hostage like in October 7? Did they roast German babies in ovens?
Did they rape German girls in front of their parents like in October 7?
In hijacking the idea of resistance they tarnish the good work of the French Resistance.
Through linguistic theft, they try to steal the word resistance and claim its nobility for themselves.
Churchill once said that the first casualty of war is the truth. And indeed, Israel is beset by a concerted campaign of mis- and disinformation that has gathered so much momentum that it has created a kind of anti-semitic hysteria.
The big lie can be beaten. We can beat it with the Truth. In truth, there is freedom. We certainly need to be more savvy and direct in our messaging.
And unfortunately, it may take more war to beat tyranny. Many NZers have a strong belief in pacificism. Unfortunately, the world in which swords will be beaten into plowshares is not yet.
While some people believe that the only way to accomplish their goals is through a winner-take-all, fight to the death, a strong robust defense is necessary.
The world is in a fight between freedom and tyranny. Israel is at the forefront of this battle.
Tyranny may try to hide behind religion, it may hide behind political philosophies such as Self-Determination, Marxism, Nationalism, and Communism. But in the end, tyranny is the true source of oppression.
October 7 was horrific and revealed the depth of evil that Tyranny can bring.
But adversity can also bring out the best in people.
In New Zealand, many New Zealanders have seen fit to organize marches and vigils to support Israel and the hostages.
I’d like to publicly thank Bobby and Judah Meyer, Ravit Abraham, and Orla for organizing the weekly Solidarity march and vigil at the Bridge of Remembrance. It has been held without a break, rain or shine since October. [clap]
I know there are many of you that have regularly attended the Solidarity march, risking abuse, hot sun, heavy rain and freezing wind. I would like us to show our appreciation to your commitment to righteousness too. [clap]
Other NZers have travelled to Israel and brought back stories that have greatly moved us.
We had Bryce Turner speak at one of our events and we were horrified by the story of a raped teenager who subsequently discovered she was pregnant.
As the adults in her family argued about the fate of the baby, the girl emerged from her room, to rightly declare that the baby had done nothing wrong, and the baby would live.
Tyranny and evil bring great tragedy. But it also brings out the best among the noble and true.
New Zealand and Israel share many values.
We both believe that all humans are created equal, we both believe in democracy, the freedom of speech, freedom of association, the freedom of religion, an independent news industry, a separation of government from police, the military and the judiciary; we both believe in the rule of law.
No matter what people may say, Israel today is a shining light of democracy, a source of economic growth and employment, and a great example of plurality and tolerance.
These values are antithetical to tyrants. As long as Israel exists, it might give ideas to the citizens of neighbouring countries, ideas that might make them want freedom too.
A significant number of NZers feel joined to all Jews in Israel and the diaspora because they worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Not all New Zealanders are taken in by the big lie.
NZ Friends of Israel and other supporters in our community can see through the big lie.
October 7 has shocked us too and reminded us of the grim reality that some are not just debating ideas, but are prepared to take away our freedom to impose their will on us through deadly force.
Since October 7, our community has been galvanized into action, in many towns and cities there are brave organizers who have led regular marches and vigils for the hostages.
There are those who are devoting themselves to be social media warriors, recognizing that, social media is a significant debating chamber of today’s modern society and that this is an important battlefront.
We NZers join all Jews in Israel and the Diaspora in working towards a lasting peace in the Middle East, a Middle East where all peoples may flourish, mutually contributing to the success and prosperity of each other. Where one day, swords may be turned into plowshares. But that time is not yet.
As you return to Israel, I hope that you will not feel that Jews in Israel or in the Diaspora stand alone against the dark forces of evil.
Instead, you will know that you have many friends in New Zealand, friends who are faithful and true, who will not give up on you, who will proudly stand with you, and speak up for you, until righteousness prevails.
Thank you.
Am Yisrael Chai.
There have been several newsletters sent out by email this year to members and those who have requested the newsletter on our website.
Newsletters contain announcements of events and notices. We’ve been experiencing problems with our email system.
We have activated read receipts so that we can track the problem. Please let them through if your email asks for approval to send them back to us.
If newsletters have stopped coming to you then please email us on newsletter@nzfoi.org and let us know. The last newsletter went out on Tuesday.
UPDATE JULY 31, 2024
Despite considerable efforts from our Internet Service Provider, we are still receiving reports from members that they are not receiving our emails. Until we get to the bottom of this, then:
On January 14, a bike ride and march were held to mark 100 days of captivity for the remaining hostages held by Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza. This was the address we gave at the gathering:
“Thank you for coming out today to show your support for the hostages.
My name is Tony Kan, President of the NZ Friends of Israel Association Incorporated.
As we’ve said before, today marks 100 days since October 7, since Israelis were cruelly attacked, atrocities committed and innocent civilians were ripped from their homes and held hostage.
It means a lot to the families of the hostages to know that you support them.
In NZ there are weekly vigils like this one organized by those who want to see the hostages freed and the people of Israel safe.
We want to thank Shalom New Zealand and its volunteers for creating the billboard campaign that has raised awareness of this tragedy to so many in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
We want to thank Bobby, Ariela, Ravit and others for sacrificing their time and energy to organize these weekly vigils.
There are hundreds of others who are sacrificing their time to debate and show their support on social media. We thank them too.
But in marking 100 days, we also recognize that the fight to bring back the hostages and to win Israel’s safety is not over.
This struggle may last many more months, if not years.
Churchill said:
In war: Be resolute
In Defeat: Be defiant
In victory: be magnanimous
In peace: be of good will.
This is the time to be resolute. Relentless. Enduring. Don’t give up. Do more than hang in there. Get on the front foot. Write to your mayor. Write to your MP. Write to Winston Peters. Write to Chris Luxon.
A cease fire will only take the pressure off Hamas and prolong captivity.
To those who are afraid because of the Anti-Semitism that has become so apparent in recent weeks, even in New Zealand.
Now that anti-semitism is out in the open, we can fight it.
Be strong. Be defiant. The only way to beat bullies is to stand up to them.
Have you ever wondered why Hashem commanded “be bold and courageous” in the Torah?
It is because there is a likelihood that we wouldn’t feel bold and courageous.
Hashem never commands you to do something impossible. For with Hashem, all things are possible. So be bold and courageous.
To those supporters who don’t count themselves as Jews yet you can recognize evil, when you see it:
Before October 7, anti-semitism in NZ was always here. Growing like mushrooms in the dark, fed by lies and conspiracy theories.
On September 4, 1942, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. reported that:
When the King of Denmark was told the Germans were going to press for the introduction of the Yellow Badge for Jews, he declared:
“When this happens, I shall wear the Yellow Star on my uniform in public and I shall order the entire Royal household to follow my example.”
The king of Denmark has shown us a key. You too can fight anti-Semitism by publicly and visually showing that you stand with all Jews.
When the anti-Semites realize that they cannot bully people into submission they will lose their nerve.
Stand up to Antisemitism wherever and whenever you encounter it. And give it a symbolic stiff uppercut.
To those who follow Hashem, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, thank you for your prayers.
But remember the struggle, is not over.
Hamas continues to fight. Hostages are still in captivity and those who support Hamas in other countries are taking up arms.
Be resolute. Don’t stop.
Many of us limit our fight to what we can see.
But you who pray, like Elisha’s servant, who saw the hosts of angels above his city, know that this is only one part of the struggle.
Be resolute. Don’t stop.
To the families of the hostages, you are not alone. Know that even in a country, as far away as at the ends of the earth, there are thousands of people who are deeply concerned about your plight.
To the hostages, in case you see any phone footage of this demonstration, we urge you to
stay strong,
to keep believing that you will be free.
We won’t give up on you,
we will do all within our power to bring you back.
Finally,
The DCM, Yael Horan, at the Embassy of Israel has asked us,
the Christchurch community of supporters to adopt one of the hostage families.
One of the families that was taken hostage, was the Bibas Family.
They are a family who lived in Kibbutz Nir Oz
which is a community well known for its peace activism.
Their youngest, Kfir, was nine months old when he was kidnapped.
His first birthday is going to be this Thursday, January 18.
To mark his birthday, NZ Friends of Israel will be holding a special meeting at the Halswell Center at 7.30pm.
See you there.
Thank you.”
A Billboard campaign has been put together to highlight the plight of the hostages.
Politicians instead of exercising leadership, often follow voter sentiment. The Billboard campaign is therefore also a tangible way for our politicians to see that there is a constituency that supports Israel.
Above is an example of what has been put up in Wellington.
Please support this worthy campaign:
If you’re in New Zealand donate to
NZFOI’s BNZ account 02 0820 0569411 00 and put “Billboards” in the “code” field and your initials and surname in the “particulars” field.
If you’re outside NZ make your donation via Paypal below.
If you’d like a tax receipt, please send us your contact details and we’ll match it up to the donation deposit. Once matched, we’ll send you a tax receipt.
NZ Friends of Israel is a registered charity: CC 43880.
Photos of other sites with Billboards in Auckland below:
and
This afternoon we received this outrageous letter from the NZ Psychological Society.
Here is our response sent this afternoon.
To the Executive of the New Zealand Psychological Society
One of your members has sent us your open letter to the international community of Psychological Societies regarding Gaza.
We applaud your efforts to protect the civilians of Gaza from harm.
On the other hand, we deplore the absence in your letter of any condemnation of the atrocities carried out on October 7.
The absence of such condemnation leaves you wide open to the accusation that you find rape, summary executions of whole families in their homes, the beheading of babies, immolation of captives, gouging out of eyes, executing people at bus stops, and sitting in their cars, the abduction of civilians, children, babies, and the elderly, justifiable.
These are crimes against Israel, they are crimes against all Jews, and they are crimes against all humanity. They are therefore crimes against us, New Zealanders. This is evil.
The people of Gaza elected Hamas as their government.
With such power, Hamas has great responsibility.
On October 7, Hamas committed a series of atrocities on such scale that no right-thinking nation could ignore.
In so doing, Hamas has taken their people into war.
No government who carries out such an act of war can expect that there will not be any consequences for its citizens.
But Hamas’ ideology values martyrdom more than the lives of their people.
And therefore they have no regret in using their people as human shields.
Consequently they fight their war from residential apartment buildings, schools, hospitals and even designated safe zones.
This war is not a war of vengeance, it is not a war of evening up the score, it is not just about defending Israel, it is about making Israel’s people safe.
October 7, has shown the world that Hamas is prepared to throw aside its humanity in the furtherance of its cause. Their evil is revealed.
Any idea of coexistence, of living with Jews in peace and harmony, is far from Hamas’ mind.
History shows that unless evil is confronted then many more will die.
Although we sympathise with your goal of trying to protect the non-combatants in Gaza, we are deeply disappointed that your letter leaves you wide open to the accusation that you condone the October 7 atrocities as justifiable actions to further a political cause.
In doing so, you contribute rather than mitigate a tragedy.
There is also a war for the world’s heart and mind. For our hearts and minds.
Do not be taken in by the emotional messages currently before the media.
The number of casualties that was supposed to have died outside a hospital began with 500 and since then the number has steadily dropped.
There is much value in independent investigations after the conflict is over.
From past conflicts, Western news agencies have attested to Hamas’ misinformation campaigns.
You and your members are scientists, and if you as a society feel strongly enough to weigh into this conflict, then we urge you to examine this conflict and its history and the respective claims of both sides with the same forensic care you take in your professional life.
If you do, you may find that talk of apartheid practices, invasions, indigenous peoples, and colonization is not as simple as some would have you think.
We urge you to re-write your letter with these thoughts in mind.
Regards, etc.
To all our friends and supporters in New Zealand and around the world, many of whom are still in various forms of lockdown because of COVID-19, who are observing Pesach: Hag Pesach sameach!
Baruch haba from NZ Friends of Israel, your Excellency.
To all our friends and supporters who are observing Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles), Hag Sameach from all of us at NZ Friends of Israel, may the nights not be too chilly in your Sukkah (currently 12 deg C here in NZ)!
