Distorted picture of complex Palestine conflict
None of this context matters to Minto, who for some reason sees the Palestinian cause as his raison d’être. He should realise by now that the Israel/Palestinian conflict is nothing like the South African situation where he won his spurs as an activist.
Visiting Auschwitz 75 years after liberation of death camp
My visit to Auschwitz was as profound as it was disturbing, a sense made more acute by awareness of the resurgence of antisemitism across much of Europe.
Arama Kukutai on Israel Agritech and NZ opportunities
Israel is one of the leading centers of excellence in Agtech and has been for many years. As Finistere was raising our latest fund, we decided we needed to have presence on the ground
The Forging of Māori/Israel Friendship
NgaPuhi kaumatua, Pat Ruka spearheaded the staging of a special event to welcome back the ambassador after he was recalled, following New Zealand’s infamous co-sponsoring of the anti-Israel UNSC Resolution 2334 in 2016.
Historic Māori-led Apology To Israel
History was made on 29 July 2018 when the indigenous people of New Zealand organised a special ceremony to honour and welcome the Israeli ambassador, His Excellency Dr. Itzhak Gerberg.
Waiata (song) to honour Ben Gurion Film-maker
Indigenous support on Israel’s 70th
“We, the Māori people support Israel. And there are many behind me and all over this nation that support Israel.” With these words Tawhiri Littlejohn, Ngati Whatua, opened the ‘Celebrating Israel at 70’ rally at Silo Park Auckland. He then recited the well known karakia, E to Matou Matua (The Lord’s Prayer).
Exploring the Kiwi connection as Israel turns 70
Though Israel now leads the world in start-up companies and innovative technologies it still faces existential challenges. But in spite of all the difficulties Israelis - Jews, Arabs and other ethnic groups - thrive, embrace life and enjoy a vibrant and dynamic society.
Be’er Sheva Commemoration: a moment to honour
The legacy of courage in the face of overwhelming odds, the stamina and endurance of these young men so far from their homes had lived on. The part they had played in establishing place, security and peace for the Jewish people would not be forgotten.
The Balfour Declaration at the Ends of the Earth
A steady flow of Zionist emissaries made their way to New Zealand, seeking support for the ‘upbuilding of Palestine.’ The New Zealand Jewish community quickly gained a reputation for generosity in support of the cause. Enthusiasm for the Zionist project was not confined to the Jewish community however…
Chris Trotter’s dark reading of Israel’s dilemma
The false narrative that the conflict is about colonialist possession of territory, rather than Islamic-inspired rejectionism has done much to prolong the conflict. Israel has given up land for peace and made offers of peace that have been repeatedly rejected.
The Power of Bar Mitzvah
As I shared this amazing experience, a comment was made by a non-Jewish friend, that if we would practise bar mitzvah in New Zealand perhaps our youth would not be so troubled, insecure, lonely, lost and suicidal. Maybe it would help them to take ownership and responsibility for the lives in the safety net of loving adults, encouraging them to become mature and responsible young adults.
Not all Māori on board with Marama
The return of Jews to their ancient homeland has been an inspiring example for many indigenous peoples. Even though the Jewish people experienced expulsion and dispossession, they never abandoned their hope of return, and a small Jewish remnant kept ahi kā (continuous presence) in the land over many centuries of dispersal. The rebirth of Hebrew has been an inspiration for the revitalisation of Te Reo Māori in Aotearoa.
NZ’s UNSC Proposal: Even Handed or Empty Handed?
The Palmer report found that the thousands of rockets launched by militant groups from Gaza were indeed a real threat to Israel’s security. Stopping these violent acts was seen as an ‘obvious’ and ‘a necessary step’ for Israel to take to protect her citizens.
ISIL: A Copycat of Israel?
‘New Zealand staunchly supports the existence of the State of Israel; and supports its right to defend that existence in accordance with international law; and we accept that security arrangements will be fundamental to any final agreement.’ Ambassador Jim McLay, Permanent Representative of NZ