Latest news with #Antisemitism
Scoop
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Jewish And Muslim Communities Unite To Combat Hate In Harmony Accord
The New Zealand Jewish Council has today signed the New Zealand Harmony Accord, alongside Muslim community leaders, as a step toward strengthening understanding and addressing Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate and extremism. The Accord, which was spearheaded by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, aims to lay a foundation for constructive interfaith dialogue and cooperation based on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. The New Zealand Jewish Council signed the Accord on behalf of its affiliated communities: the Auckland Hebrew Congregation, the Progressive Jewish Congregation of Auckland, the Waikato Jewish Association, the Wellington Jewish Community, the Wellington Progressive Jewish Congregation, the Nelson Jewish Community, the Christchurch Hebrew Congregation, and the Southern Lakes Jewish Community. 'This Accord represents an opportunity to work together more intentionally in confronting rising hate,' said Juliet Moses, President of the New Zealand Jewish Council. 'Antisemitism has significantly increased in New Zealand over the past two years, fuelled by global tensions and a concerning spread of disinformation and polarisation.' By signing the Harmony Accord, the Jewish and Muslim communities are affirming a shared intention to engage across differences. 'Islamophobia and Antisemitism stem from many of the same root causes, fear, ignorance, and the tendency to dehumanise 'the other',' said Moses. 'We hope this Accord can be a first step toward deeper understanding and stronger relationships.' The Accord outlines shared principles of trust, safety, education, and pluralism, and commits signatories to continued dialogue and collaborative initiatives. It also proposes the formation of a Leadership Council to help guide its implementation and offer a joint response mechanism during times of stress or division. 'We are hopeful this can be the beginning of a constructive and sustained conversation,' Moses said. 'There is much work to be done, but this could be a meaningful step in the right direction.. We look forward to supporting each other, and to show that there is a better path forward, not just for our communities, but for all New Zealanders.'
Scoop
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Speech At The Signing Of The Harmony Accord
Minister for Ethnic Communities Tēnā koutou katoa. Shalom. As-salamu alaykum. I would like to acknowledge: Your Excellency, The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro His Excellency Dr Richard Andrew Faith and community leaders - Ibrar Sheikh, President of the Islamic Associations of New Zealand, and Phillip Green from the New Zealand Jewish Community Security Group Charitable Trust Police Commissioner, Richard Chambers Dr Melissa Derby, Race Relations Commissioner Parliamentary colleagues And other distinguished guests It is a real honour to be here today as the Minister for Ethnic Communities for the signing of the Harmony and Peace Accord between Jewish and Muslim organisations. This is a significant and brave stand taken by leaders of deep conviction, against division, hatred, and fear. To the leaders here today, you have my deepest respect. Your commitment to dialogue, to mutual respect, and to standing together in difficult times is something we can all learn from. Thank you for your leadership and for the example you have set. At a time when global conflicts have placed immense strain on many communities worldwide, and where we are seeing growing Islamophobia and Antisemitism, you have chosen the right pathway for us as country - a path guided by responsibility, not reaction. In doing so, you have shown the very best of leadership. As Minister, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Jewish and Muslim communities. I have seen firsthand efforts to confront hate that our communities are facing in day-to-day life here in New Zealand. We acknowledge the pain and pressure felt by our communities, and we understand the deep emotions tied to what is happening in other parts of the world. This is where our shared values as a country must be a shield to protect our communities, our children and those who are frightened by global conflict to ensure that those conflicts are not imported into New Zealand and do not become divisions of our own. We are a country shaped by diversity. Whether your ancestors arrived centuries ago or just last year, New Zealand is home to people of every ethnicity, every background, and every faith. That is our strength. And we are guided by Kiwi values - manaakitanga, fairness, and giving everyone a fair go. We believe in respect, in dialogue, and in treating each other with dignity, regardless of difference. But these values aren't passive. They are upheld by action. Every New Zealander, whether Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, or of no faith, has a responsibility to help keep our country peaceful and united. That means standing up against hate crime, against racism, and against violence - wherever it tries to take root. We are fortunate to live in a democracy - one that protects freedom of speech and the right to protest. These are pillars of our society. But with those freedoms comes responsibility: to protest peacefully, to speak respectfully, and to never let those freedoms be twisted into a licence for hatred or intimidation. Our diversity should never divide us. Whether you are a Jewish Kiwi, a Muslim Kiwi, or a Christian Kiwi, we are, first and foremost, Kiwis. And as Kiwis, we stand together. We will not import hate. We will not allow conflict from abroad to create fear or division at home. We will protect each other through respect, through tolerance, and through peace. This Accord is a testament to what is possible when brave people choose unity over fear. Let it be more than a document - let it be a beginning. A beginning of deeper conversations, stronger relationships, and a more resilient, inclusive New Zealand. Let this moment remind us all that peace is not something we inherit, it is something we build, together.
Vancouver Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
Canada's envoy for combatting antisemitism Deborah Lyons leaving post early
Canada's special official for fighting antisemitism announced on Thursday that she is retiring her post, three months before the end of her term. Deborah Lyons served as Canada's Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism since October 2023, and was set to serve until this October. In a social media post announcing her departure she did not explain why she is leaving before then. Lyons did say that she is leaving 'with a heavy heart' and with some deep disappointments while also pointing to achievements including work with institutions like universities and polices to improve understanding of anti-Jewish hate. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. She said her office fought antisemitism 'with a vigour and passion not seen in many other countries,' and yet she leaves with concern over Canadians who feel they must pick a side when it comes to defending humanity. 'Support to one community should never mean, or be interpreted as, minimizing another community. Our value of inclusivity has at its core our ability to hold the concerns of multiple communities, in our hearts and minds,' Lyons wrote. 'It was troubling in the last few years to see our lack of patience, lack of tolerance, and inability to reach out across the gulf to one another.' She says there must be 'seamless co-operation amongst the three levels of government to combat hate' and joint efforts from business, education and faith sectors. On Monday, Lyons took the unconventional step of releasing a report about issues that fall squarely into provincial jurisdiction, urging Ontario school boards to take seriously incidents of anti-Jewish bigotry targeting students, after she commissioned a survey of Jewish parents with children in the province's schools. Lyons was the second person to hold the post of antisemitism envoy, following former attorney general Irwin Cotler who filled the role between 2020 and 2023. She is not Jewish, but served as Canada's ambassador to Israel between 2016 and 2020. Global Affairs Canada has not yet replied to questions about when Lyons' replacement will be appointed. Lyons' departure prompted messages of support from Jewish advocates. 'She's brought clarity, conviction and compassion to a critical mandate,' the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs wrote in a statement. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Edmonton Journal
6 days ago
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
Canada's envoy for combatting antisemitism Deborah Lyons leaving post early
Article content Canada's special official for fighting antisemitism announced on Thursday that she is retiring her post, three months before the end of her term. Article content Deborah Lyons served as Canada's Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism since October 2023, and was set to serve until this October. In a social media post announcing her departure she did not explain why she is leaving before then. Article content Article content Article content Lyons did say that she is leaving 'with a heavy heart' and with some deep disappointments while also pointing to achievements including work with institutions like universities and polices to improve understanding of anti-Jewish hate. Article content Article content She said her office fought antisemitism 'with a vigour and passion not seen in many other countries,' and yet she leaves with concern over Canadians who feel they must pick a side when it comes to defending humanity. Article content 'Support to one community should never mean, or be interpreted as, minimizing another community. Our value of inclusivity has at its core our ability to hold the concerns of multiple communities, in our hearts and minds,' Lyons wrote. Article content 'It was troubling in the last few years to see our lack of patience, lack of tolerance, and inability to reach out across the gulf to one another.' Article content She says there must be 'seamless co-operation amongst the three levels of government to combat hate' and joint efforts from business, education and faith sectors. Article content Article content On Monday, Lyons took the unconventional step of releasing a report about issues that fall squarely into provincial jurisdiction, urging Ontario school boards to take seriously incidents of anti-Jewish bigotry targeting students, after she commissioned a survey of Jewish parents with children in the province's schools. Article content Lyons was the second person to hold the post of antisemitism envoy, following former attorney general Irwin Cotler who filled the role between 2020 and 2023. She is not Jewish, but served as Canada's ambassador to Israel between 2016 and 2020. Article content Global Affairs Canada has not yet replied to questions about when Lyons' replacement will be appointed. Article content Lyons' departure prompted messages of support from Jewish advocates. Article content 'She's brought clarity, conviction and compassion to a critical mandate,' the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs wrote in a statement.
Fox News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed' Newsletter: DNC boss says Mamdani's hateful phrase welcome in 'big tent'
Fox News' "Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world. IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER: - Democrats' 'big tent' just fine with Mamdani's 'globalize the intifada' mantra- Stanford scientist says antisemites drove him out of lab after Oct. 7- Ivy League prof leaves school over unwillingness to deal with anti-Israel hate TOP STORY: 'Globalize the Intifada' is just one opinion in the big tent that is the Democratic Party, according to DNC Chairman Ken Martin. He dismissed concerns over New York Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's unwillingness to explicitly condemn the slogan, adding in an interview with PBS that the key to developing a winning coalition is through welcoming people with whom you disagree. Mamdani has garnered backlash for refusing to condemn the phrase, which has become a rallying cry for anti-Israel protesters. VIDEO: Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt argues the National Education Association, the largest teachers union in the U.S., has been 'overtaken' by activists. WATCH HERE: HATRED IN THE LAB: An Israeli scientist claims his work at Stanford was sabotaged, he was falsely accused of sexual harassment and ultimately fired, all because he is Jewish. Shay Laps joined Stanford University months after the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel, with the hope of furthering his award-winning research into peptides and proteins under the mentorship of more experienced scientific minds, according to his federal lawsuit against the school. DROPPING OUT: An Israeli professor has left Columbia University, fed up with the Ivy League school's unwillingness to deal with anti-Israel protests on campus. Shai Davidai said he doesn't trust the school's leadership, including Acting President Claire Shipman, to make the school safe for Jewish students and faculty. ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK: Jewish leaders and advocates predict a mass exodus from New York if 33-year-old socialist Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor. The winner of the Democratic primary has participated in anti-Israel protests and refused to condemn the phrase "Globalize the intifada" or recognize Israel as a Jewish state. GUEST EDITORIAL: Anat Alon-Beck , Mark Goldfeder , Erielle Davidson explain how Ireland's proposed boycott of Israeli businesses could create a dangerous legal trap for American investors. Under U.S. law, it is illegal for American companies to participate in or support foreign-government-backed boycotts of Israel, and many states have laws against even indirect support of the BDS movement. If Ireland were seeking to chase American capital out of the country, it could not have devised a better way to do so, they write. QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "If Zohran Mamdani is elected, expect a Jewish exodus out of New York City." - Yuval David, an actor, filmmaker and Jewish activist. - Looking for more on this topic? Find more antisemitism coverage from Fox News here. - Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe to additional newsletters from Fox News here. - Want live updates? Get the Fox News app here
