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→ 14 May 2021
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Israeli Embassy Press Release

Folks,

Please find attached their latest press release on the current violence in Israel:

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE AND FACTSHEET – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 14 May 2021

In Light of the Continued Wave of Terrorism from Gaza

 Israel is protecting its citizens from a wave of terrorism instigated by Hamas. Israel has taken steps to restrain and de-escalate the situation for a number of weeks. These steps have been answered by a wave of rockets and acts of terrorism from the Gaza Strip.
 Israel is currently experiencing a large-scale wave of terrorism that is being directed entirely at civilian population centers throughout the country. No country would tolerate such extreme levels of terrorism and aggression.
 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist organisations are committing double war crimes. Hamas is indiscriminately launching rockets at civilian population centers and is launching them from within civilian population centers. Every rocket that is launched at Israel is an act of terrorism and a war crime. Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist organisations have carried out over 1,500 war crimes in the past three days.
 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist organisations have situated their terrorist infrastructures (launch bases, weapons arsenals, manufacturing sites, headquarters) in the heart of the civilian population, including within multi-story buildings. In doing so, Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist organisations have turned the civilian population of Gaza into a human shield. Between 20-30 percent of the rockets launched by Hamas and the terrorist organisations fall in the territory of the Gaza Strip. Indications suggest that at least nine Palestinian children were killed by these rocket landings.
 The IDF is only acting against terrorist targets in Gaza that are directly connected to the rocket fire on Israel’s cities and civilians. Israel is acting against the terrorist attacks by Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist organisations in a measured and accurate manner and on the basis of unequivocal intelligence information, adhering to the principles of international law.
 Strengthening of Hamas is a mistake. The strengthening of Hamas is destructive to the effort to achieve regional stability. Hamas instigated the escalation in the current situation in an attempt to seize control of the Palestinian agenda and to weaken and replace the Palestinian Authority. Hamas’ strength in the face of the

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Palestinian Authority opposes Palestinian interests, harms Palestinian society and is not in the international community’s interests, and certainly harms the State of Israel’s interests and security. Hamas is exploiting the heightened religious and nationalist sentiments surrounding the holy days in Jerusalem in order to encourage terrorism and violence. Unequivocally condemning these acts of terrorism and supporting Israel’s steps to protect its citizens will help to prevent this radical terrorist organisation from being further emboldened at the expense of pragmatic and moderate actors.
 The internal tension in Israel arising from the current situation is indeed worrisome. The State of Israel is a law-abiding country and the police will maintain law and order throughout the country. These are difficult days of polarisation and violence within Israeli society. The President, Prime Minister, and other public leaders have condemned the violence on all sides and have called for de-escalation. The Prime Minister called on the country’s citizens to unite in order to reinstate governance, neutralize the anarchy, and preserve and restore the security and calm that we all deserve.
 It is important to note that Sheikh Jarrah is not the story. Hamas is attacking Israel for its self-declared goal of eliminating Israel. Hamas has exploited the tensions surrounding the Sheikh Jarrah legal matter and turned it into a nationalist and religious issue in order to bring about an escalation, violence, and terrorism. Whoever links Hamas’ terrorist attacks and hundreds of rocket launches against the civilian population in Israel to the issue of Sheikh Jarrah is playing into the hands of the terrorist organization and granting legitimacy to terrorist activities. We condemn these acts of terrorism in the strongest terms and hope to return to our lives of coexistence and peace soon.

End.

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→ 13 May 2021
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Statement on the escalation of violence in Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Gaza | NZ Govt

Nanaia Mahuta, NZ Minister of Foreign Affairs

NZFOI: The NZ Government has released a statement regarding the current escalation of violence between Israel and the Arabs. In her statement, she is implying the root cause of the violence is Israel’s forced evictions occurring in East Jerusalem. However the matter she is referring to is an ongoing legal dispute between Arabs who occupied those properties after Jordan’s illegal invasion of Israel and Israelis who fled during that conflict and want them repatriated. In the 1970s Israel passed laws that legalised the repatriation of such properties provided there was sufficient proof of ownership. In NZFOI’s opinion, MFAT’s root cause analysis is flawed. Here is the NZ government’s full statement:

BEGINS

Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today expressed Aotearoa New Zealand’s grave concern at the escalation of violence in Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Gaza.

“The growing death toll and the large numbers of casualties, including children, from Israeli airstrikes and Gazan rockets is unacceptable,” Nanaia Mahuta said

“Senior officials met with the Israeli Ambassador yesterday. Officials underlined the concerning loss of life and strongly urged Israel to de-escalate to prevent the prospect of a widening conflict. They also raised their concern at the continued violation of international law and forced evictions occurring in East Jerusalem.

“The launching of rockets towards Israel by Hamas is unacceptable and must stop. At the same time any response from Israel should be restrained and must avoid civilian casualties. All sides have a responsibility to de-escalate, stop the violence and prevent further suffering and loss of life.

“Aotearoa New Zealand stands ready to assist in any constructive way we can to support urgent de-escalation of the situation.” Nanaia Mahuta said.

ENDS

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→ 7 December 2020
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NZFOI deeply troubled by Ngarewa-Parker’s use of the Holocaust

Maori Party co-leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Parker

Maori Party co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Parker’s claim to be a holocaust survivor diminishes the Nazi Holocaust and causes further pain to those who have lost loved ones in that attempted genocide.

In Parliament, newly elected Maori Party MP, Debbie Ngarewa-Parker said:

“I stand here as a descendant of a people who survived a holocaust, a genocide sponsored by this House and members of Parliament whose portraits still hang from the walls—members of this Parliament who sought our extermination and created legislation to achieve it. They confiscated all our whenua, imprisoned us without trial, murdered and raped our women and children, and deliberately engineered our displacement for generations to come. What William Fox, George Grey, John Bryce, and many others did to my people was unforgiveable. Fortunately, their one-generational plan was outlived by our forever-generational resolve: such is the strength of my whakapapa. But the trauma of what they did lives with us.” — Hansard

NZ Friends of Israel finds her comparison to the Nazi Holocaust of the 1930s and 1940s deeply troubling.

For her accusation to hold true, then the NZ governments of the day must have intentionally set out to and organised to build and operate an infrastructure to systematically incarcerate and eliminate all Maori from New Zealand. There is no historical evidence of such a plan or endeavour.

By using the Holocaust in such a way to dramatize her community’s historical pain and suffering, she diminishes the original Holocaust, causes more pain to those who have lost loved ones in the Nazi Holocaust, undermines her own credibility, promotes division in NZ society, distracts from her cause and potentially curses her followers to perpetual victimhood.

NZFOI

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→ 9 November 2020
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Tribute: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

R Lord Jonathan Sacks and Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the UK

Last weekend, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks passed away, just a few weeks after announcing that he had been diagnosed with cancer and that he would be taking a break from his duties while he focused on his treatment and recovery.

The Rabbi has been a much-respected voice for the Jewish people, and the Torah, whose sage advice was sought by many including leaders of nations.

He was a prolific writer and through those writings he critiqued many of today’s societal trends through the lens of the Torah.

And because of this, his messaging was full of grace, kindness, compassion, mercy and justice.

His parashot commentaries have been a rich blessing and the subject of much (often constructive) discussion and debate for many families on Shabbat.

Rather than dwell on being sad that he is gone, we rejoice that he was given to us to be here at all.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Eileen and his children Joshua, Dina and Gila.

Baruch dayan ha’emet.

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→ 25 June 2020
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Progressive Jews hail NZ censure of Israeli annexation | J-Link

NZFOI: Hmmm….

PRESS RELEASE

THURSDAY, 25 JUNE 2020

J-LINK AOTEAROA, a group of New Zealand Jews, welcomed Aotearoa-New Zealand’s condemnation of Israel’s illegal plan to annex up to one third of the occupied West Bank in flagrant breach of international law.

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“The Aotearoa-New Zealand government has courageously followed its sponsorship of the 2016 UN Security Council resolution declaring Israel’s West Bank settlements illegal with a powerful statement condemning the planned annexation,” J-LINK spokeswoman Dr. Margalit Toledano.

“Israel is attempting to do this in breach of the Geneva Convention and United Nations international rights while the world’s attention is diverted by Covid19 and Black Lives Matter.

“Jews around the world know this is wrong, illegal and a prescription for bloodshed.”

“The world condemned Russia’s annexation of Crimea and it should damn this equally aggressive action.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Hon Winston Peters today called on Israel to reconsider its illegal plan. He said annexation would gravely undermine the two-state solution, breach international law, and pose significant risks to regional security.

J-LINK, an international network of Jewish organisations committed to democracy and peace, says annexation plans would lead to permanent Israeli military control over millions of Palestinians while denying them basic civil and political rights. It would put an end to Israel’s democracy and kill any hope for a Two state solution and peace in the Middle East.

“This new land grab will intensify the undemocratic and inhumane reality of Israeli’s 53-year occupation of whatever is left of the Palestinian territory. It is prescription for a violent conflict and bloodshed.” Dr Toledano said

Fifty Jewish organisations from all over the world signed J-LINK’s appeal to the Israeli government to take the annexation plan off the Israeli government agenda.

J-Link Aotearoa calls on all democratic countries to follow Aotearoa-New Zealand’s lead against Israel’s illegal plan.

J-LINK Aotearoa is part of J-LINK, an international network of Jewish organisations committed to democracy and peace.

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→ 22 November 2019
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NZFOI welcomes US announcement on Israeli Settlements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

22 November 2019 CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND — NZ Friends of Israel welcomes the US announcement on Monday November 18, that acknowledges that Israel’s settlements in Judea and Samaria (also known as the West Bank) are not illegal.

Most international law opinions that suggest otherwise are based on a misapplication of the Fourth Geneva Convention which was never written with the Middle Eastern situation in mind.  The original convention expected that the land of a sovereign state was being occupied by another sovereign state. 

This is not the case with the lands of the Middle East.  Following the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the end of the Second World War, there was no legitimate sovereign over the disputed lands. 

The US announcement affirms the fact that Jews have always been indigenous to the region and are not foreign colonizers. 

With the resurgence of anti-Semitism in many countries of the world, the foresight and wisdom of the League of Nations in mandating the establishment of a Jewish homeland, is unfortunately being vindicated. 

NZ Friends of Israel (www.nzfoi.org, contact@nzfoi.org, ph 027 433 9745) is a registered charity that fights racial prejudice and intolerance by raising awareness of Jewish history and culture.

ENDS

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→ 15 March 2019
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NZFOI condemns Christchurch Mosque Attack

MEDIA RELEASE

Christchurch, 15 March 2019. 

The NZ Friends of Israel Association strongly condemns the attack on the Christchurch mosque and the Islamic community.

“Our hearts go out to all those who have suffered the loss of loved ones, who have been seriously and even gravely wounded, and those who experienced such a traumatic nightmare,” said the President of the Society, Tony Kan.

“We hope that a spirit of forgiveness prevails over any desire for revenge and hate. 

May the people Christchurch show the world that even in this, it can respond with grace, compassion and dignity. 

May there be no ongoing ethnic or religious conflict arising from this tragedy.

May all New Zealanders show their repugnance for what has been done today.”

New Zealand Friends of Israel Association Inc (www.nzfoi.org) was formed nearly fifty years ago.  It fights racial and religious intolerance through raising awareness of Jewish history and culture.  

Any enquiries may be made to Tony Kan, 027 433 9745.

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→ 15 May 2018
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NZFOI urges Hamas to withdraw from border

PRESS RELEASE

15 May 2018, Christchurch.  Today unconfirmed reports have been published stating that up to 58 people have been killed by Israeli Defence Forces as a Gazan crowd of protesters numbering several tens of thousands, stormed the border dividing Gaza from Israel.

NZ Friends of Israel is deeply saddened by the deaths of protestors, the pain it must cause their families and friends, and the waste of life this represents.

NZ Friends of Israel Association Inc calls upon Hamas to stop urging their supporters to tear down the security fence.  By doing so it is irresponsibly putting its people in harm’s way.

The security fence separates two societies that have a history characterised by acts of deadly violence towards one another.  Urging its tens of thousands of supporters to storm the security fence could only lead to a deadly result.

There have been reports that the protests are a direct result of the harsh conditions brought about by the Gaza Blockade currently maintained by Israel and Egypt.

This blockade was caused by the election of Hamas, an organisation that has publicly stated that the destruction of the State of Israel is its principal goal.  Hamas has also aligned itself with insurgents within Egypt, causing that country to join the blockade.

The preservation of life must take precedence therefore we urge Hamas to act quickly and withdraw its protestors from the immediate area of the border fence.

NZ Friends of Israel is a charity that fights racism and intolerance through raising awareness of Jewish history and culture.

ENDS

All enquiries may be directed to

Tony Kan 

President
NZ Friends of Israel Assoc Inc
Box 37 363
Halswell
Christchurch
New Zealand 8245

+64 (27) 433 9745
tony.kan@nzfoi.org
www.nzfoi.org

 

 

 

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→ 16 June 2017
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NZ FRIENDS OF ISRAEL APPLAUDS RESTORATION OF DIPLOMATIC TIES

Thursday, 15 June 2017, 1:48 pm
Press Release: NZ Friends Of Israel

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND 15 June 2017

The NZ Friends of Israel Association (NZFOI) applauds the restoration of diplomatic ties between New Zealand and Israel.

Diplomatic ties were broken after New Zealand co-sponsored a UN resolution opposing Israeli settlement activity in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank). Israel responded by withdrawing its Ambassador to New Zealand.

While Andrew Little might say that many were proud of New Zealand’s move to co-sponsor UN Security Council Resolution 2334, many other New Zealanders were ashamed and disappointed.

There is no doubt that the resolution harmed the relationship between the two countries.

However, it has made the issue front and centre in our relationship. We hear that the dispute has resulted in robust discussions between our respective officials.

Most probably, those discussions will have meant that both countries will have learnt more about each other and what each other thinks about the issue.

Both nations have many common values. Both nations value democracy, freedom of information and speech, an independent media, the rule of law and equality under that law, and most of all, both countries desire justice. That must be a good platform from which to work together on finding a solution to the settlements and the disputed territories.

We suspect that there is a disconnect between New Zealand perceptions of what is going on there and the reality.

Perhaps this dispute will mean that we will be prepared to commit more resources to send officials over there to observe first-hand the situation, being careful to maintain a detached neutrality.

If that results in a better and deeper understanding of the situation and each other, then perhaps our governments will have moved the issue forward and to help bring about a sustainable solution.

The relationship between Israel and New Zealand is long and deep. Our country was one of the ones who voted for the establishment of Israel in the UN back in 1948. Today our relationship spans many levels across business ties, diplomatic ties and social ties.

Hundreds of Israelis travel through New Zealand every year. They come to enjoy our outdoors and many enjoy the hospitality of our homestays. Through them, many New Zealanders have developed long-standing friendships with Israelis.

Re-establishing diplomatic ties means that our two governments can fully cooperate on the commemoration of the Sinai and Palestine Campaigns of World War I, where hundreds of our ANZAC soldiers fought and gave their lives to bring freedom to that region. Now, their sacrifice can be properly honoured.

NZFOI Association Inc is a registered charity formed to fight prejudice and intolerance through raising awareness of Jewish history and culture. Sadly, Jewish history is marked by prejudice, intolerance and persecution. New Zealand has a fast-growing multicultural society and so their history has universal lessons for New Zealand communities. Many conflate events in the Middle East with Jews elsewhere in the world. Consequently, reports of violence against Jews, their buildings and facilities and desecration of burial sites often rise during periods of Arab-Israeli conflict.

© Scoop Media

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→ 14 June 2017
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TVNZ interviews NZFOI on the restoration of diplomatic ties between Israel and New Zealand

This afternoon NZFOI was asked by TVNZ to comment on the restoration of diplomatic ties between NZ and Israel. Here are our notes from the interview:

Q: What is your reaction to the restoration of diplomatic ties between Israel and New Zealand?

A: The relationship between Israel and New Zealand is long and deep. Our country was one of the ones who voted for the establishment of Israel in the UN. Today our relationship spans many levels across business ties, diplomatic ties and social ties. Hundreds of Israelis travel through New Zealand every year to enjoy a welcome break after completing their compulsory military duty. Our country is a long way away from any conflict, it’s green and wet while theirs is often brown and dry. They come to enjoy our outdoors and many enjoy the hospitality of our homestays. Through them, many New Zealanders have developed long-standing friendships with Israelis. Re-establishing diplomatic ties means that our two governments can cooperate fully on the commemoration of the Sinai Palestine campaigns of World War I, where hundreds of our Anzac soldiers fought and gave their lives to bring freedom to that region. Now, their sacrifice can be honoured properly.

Q: Do you think that the resolution was the right thing to do and if not, what else could have been done?

A: There is no doubt that the resolution harmed the relationship between the two countries. However, it has made the issue front and centre in our relationship. We hear that the dispute has resulted in some rather robust discussions between our respective officials. Most probably, those discussions will have meant that both countries will have learnt more about each other and what each other thinks about the issue. We don’t know how much resources we have available as a small country to fully research the situation over there. But we suspect that there is a disconnect between New Zealand perceptions of what is going on there and the reality. Perhaps this dispute will mean that we will be prepared to commit more resources to send people over there to see first-hand the situation from both sides, being careful to maintain a detached neutrality. If that results in a better and deeper understanding of the situation and each other, then perhaps we will have moved the issue forward and perhaps help to bring about a sustainable solution.

Q: Does the letter expressing regret for the harm that the resolution has done to the relationship between the two countries, go far enough?

A: It is a beginning. Both nations have many common values. Both nations value democracy, freedom of information and speech, an independent media, the rule of law and equality under that law, and most of all, both countries desire justice. That has to be a good platform from which to work together on finding a solution to the settlements and the disputed territories. The relationship between Israel and New Zealand is long and deep. Our country was one of the ones who voted for the establishment of Israel in the UN. Today our relationship spans many levels across business ties, diplomatic ties and social ties. Hundreds of Israelis travel through New Zealand every year to enjoy a welcome break after completing their compulsory military duty. Our country is a long way away from any conflict, it’s green and wet while theirs is often brown and dry. They come to enjoy our outdoors and many enjoy the hospitality of our homestays. Through them, many New Zealanders have developed long-standing friendships with Israelis. Re-establishing diplomatic ties means that our two governments can cooperate fully on the commemoration of the Sinai Palestine campaigns of World War I, where hundreds of our ANZAC soldiers fought and gave their lives to bring freedom to that region. Now, their sacrifice can be honored properly.

It could be on the 6pm news tonight, but there are no guarantees how much of it or any of it at all, make it through the editing process.

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