Inaugural ICFI event in Rotorua a great success

On 27 September 2022 members of the Indigenous Coalition for Israel and Iwi leaders met at Ohinemutu, Rotorua to hold a plaque blessing ceremony.  The plaque marked the olive tree gifted by Israeli ambassador, H.E. Ran Yaakoby at the end of 2021, when in a historic first, he was welcomed by Te Arawa on to the prestigious ‘Tama-te-Kapua’ meeting house. 

As well as a blessing ceremony, ICFI held a public meeting at Arawa Park Hotel with the theme, ‘Why Israel’, ‘Why an Indigenous Coalition?’. The evening event was well attended with people travelling from as far afield as Gisborne, Auckland and Whitianga as well as from the local districts Tauranga, Hamilton, Cambridge, Whakatane and Tirau.

The olive tree, redolent with meaning, provided a theme for the evening’s proceedings. 

Brad Haami spoke of the significance of the olive tree. He also discussed the way in which Māori in the nineteenth century were impacted by the Jewish story. An identification with the Israelites of the Old Testament inspired the growth of Māori prophetic movements, Haami explained. Māori, in a sense, grafted themselves onto that story by embedding biblical names in their whanau and on their land. In addition, Māori/Jewish relationships developed and were fostered.

Dr Sheree Trotter discussed the meanings of indigeneity and why it matters today. She gave a brief historical survey and addressed some of the political challenges Israel faces. Hon Alfred Ngaro shared a story handed down to Ngapuhi Kaumatua, Pat Ruka, of his ancestor’s attempt to help the Jewish refugees after World War Two. Ngaro also discussed ways to develop and build the relationship with Israel. Emeritus Professor Dov Bing, an expert on Middle East affairs and a Holocaust survivor, was an honored guest and joined the Question and Answer session.  

While many of the audience were highly knowledgeable on Israel and were themselves involved in Israel-related groups, there were also many for whom the topic was quite new. One participant stated, ‘I feel like I’ve been asleep and have just woken up’. There was a general sense of excitement with many asking, when’s the next one?

ICFI Co-Director, Dr Sheree Trotter stated, ‘We’re very pleased with this inaugural event, and look forward to many more opportunities to bring greater knowledge on a topic that is little understood. We’re available to come and speak to groups on Marae, or in public venues. Be in touch!’

Co-Director Hon Alfred Ngaro concluded, ‘What we need to do is ensure two sides of the story are being told. We also want to help grow the relationship with Israel. We not only want to be grafted to the olive tree, we want to see growth in order to produce good fruit’.