Editor The New Zealand Jewish Council is concerned by the decision of Twisted Frequency Festival to withdraw its invitation to Israeli musician Dekel, reportedly on the basis of his nationality, his previous performances in Israel and his failure to make a public statement condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza. This is not about endorsing an artist’s politics, … Read more
The New Zealand Jewish Council is deeply concerned by an escalating pattern of online harassment, vilification and threats directed at Jewish New Zealanders and those who speak publicly on behalf of the Jewish community. In recent days, Jewish community representatives have been subjected to hostile social media posts, personal attacks and explicit threats of violence. … Read more
The New Zealand Jewish Council strongly condemns a social media post by John Minto publishing photographs of two visiting Israelis and urging the public to confront them and tell them they are not welcome in New Zealand. Targeting individuals because of their nationality, and encouraging others to confront and intimidate them, is not criticism of … Read more
The New Zealand Jewish Council strongly condemns recent comments by Brian Tamaki targeting New Zealand’s Hindu, Sikh and Muslim communities. New Zealand is a diverse and pluralistic society built upon the principles of religious freedom, mutual respect and equal citizenship. Calls to exclude, marginalise or vilify people because of their faith or ethnicity have no … Read more
The New Zealand Jewish Council has been alerted to deeply concerning graffiti discovered under a footbridge in Nelson reading “Kill all Jews”. Most New Zealanders would be appalled by such a message, which constitutes a clear incitement to violence against a minority community. However, the Council is aware that there are some who will seek … Read more
In the last 10 days or so, we have witnessed an upsurge in violent attacks on Jewish institutions, as well as individuals, in the West. In early March, three synagogues in Toronto, Canada were hit by gunfire within five days. On 9 March in Liege, Belgium, a blast damaged windows and nearby structures at a … Read more
WELLINGTON, Aotearoa New Zealand — The New Zealand Jewish Council expresses its profound sorrow and shock following yesterday’s terror attack targeting Jews celebrating the first night of the festival of Chanukah at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the wider Australian community as they grieve and begin the … Read more