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Scoop
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Upholding Religious Freedom And Respect For All
Wednesday, 25 June 2025, 8:58 pm Press Release: Joint Media Statement Joint Statement from New Zealand Faith Communities 22 June 2025 As leaders and representatives of diverse religious communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, we are united in our concern about the messages promoted during the public protest held on June 21, 2025 by Brian Tamaki and his followers against immigration and the spread of non-Christian religions in New Zealand. The right to protest is a cornerstone of democracy. However, we are saddened to see rhetoric that appeared to diminish the place of some faiths in New Zealand's multicultural society. Our religious traditions may differ, but we all share a common commitment to compassion, dignity, and the peaceful coexistence of communities. New Zealand's strength lies in its diversity, including its religious diversity. The freedom to worship, or not to worship, is a value we all cherish. We believe that no one faith should be positioned as having greater legitimacy than others in the life of our nation. We encourage dialogue rather than division, and understanding rather than suspicion. In times of tension, it is especially important that we come together in the spirit of unity and mutual respect. We remain committed to working together across our faiths to uphold these values and to support the inclusive, respectful society that we all seek to build. Statement supported by the following organizations, spokespeople noted: Ben Kepes, Spokesperson New Zealand Jewish CouncilDaljit Singh, Chair NZ Central Sikh AssociationSecretary, Hindu Foundation New Zealand, IncSomaliland Society in New Zealand Incorporated Wellington Abrahamic Council © Scoop Media
Scoop
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Hatred Of Jews Is Condemned In Aotearoa New Zealand
The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand and the New Zealand Jewish Council condemn the vile antisemitic graffiti that appeared overnight in our capital city, Wellington. Holocaust Centre of New Zealand, chair, Deborah Hart said, 'This graffiti is, alas, quite accurate. It would appear, once again, to be cool to hate Jews. We actually see that in a stark increase in Jew hatred, the lacklustre response of schools when Jewish children are subjected to abuse, the deplatforming of Jewish artists, hate mail, property damage and the lack of concern for Jewish people generally. The small Jewish community in New Zealand is vulnerable and has suffered ongoing hate, which shows no signs of abating.' New Zealand Jewish Council spokesperson, Ben Kepes, says, 'Under the guise of protest against Israel's war in Gaza, classic antisemitic tropes, insults and abuse are rife. The Jewish community has been targeted, intimidated and discriminated against through physical attacks, threats of violence, boycotts of Jewish businesses and careers and harassment of students. Such actions would never be justified or tolerated against any other minority under the guise of opposition to overseas events.' 'The graffiti we saw daubed across a public space in Wellington this morning could have been once daubed across German streets in the 1930s. Then, like now, some leaders are emboldening citizens to find a scapegoat on whom to place blame for all manner of ills. For example, when New Zealand political leaders support calls to "Globalise the Intifada", they are repeating a call for an armed, violent uprising not only against Jews, but against Western society more generally. We call on all leaders to think before they parrot slogans from overseas that could target our vulnerable Jewish community here' Ms Hart commented, 'It's chilling to recall the horrific events over 80 years ago, half a world away. The Holocaust started with hate. It ended in the Holocaust. It's time for all to condemn antisemitism, in all its forms and to take care in their messaging.' Mr Kepes said, 'No matter what is going on internationally or politically, New Zealand Jews should be safe and secure in New Zealand. They should not wake to hateful messages in our streets'.
