A Palestinian Voice of Realism
Dr Sheree Trotter Dr Sheree Trotter

A Palestinian Voice of Realism

“We are people who want to survive. We are people who are looking for a better level of life. We are a people that want to ensure the future of our children…”

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The Māori Queen’s support for Israel
Dr Sheree Trotter Dr Sheree Trotter

The Māori Queen’s support for Israel

Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu’s love for Israel was not unique. Indeed Māori have long had a fascination with the Holy Land. Scattered around the motu are marae and small towns named Hiruharama (transliteration for Jerusalem)…

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Distorted picture of complex Palestine conflict
2020 Dr Sheree Trotter 2020 Dr Sheree Trotter

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.

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Māori-Israeli Ties Strengthened
Dr Sheree Trotter Dr Sheree Trotter

Māori-Israeli Ties Strengthened

During the time of Gerberg’s posting in New Zealand, the relationship between Ngapuhi and the ambassador has continued with further engagements in the North…Today, both parties are keen to see the strengthening of the relationship between Ngāpuhi and Israel.

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No peace until Jewish presence accepted
Dr Sheree Trotter Dr Sheree Trotter

No peace until Jewish presence accepted

It is not uncommon to view the Israel-Palestinian conflict as a power battle, with Israel as the dominant power and the Palestinians as the victims. However, this type of analysis ignores realities on the ground and twists historical facts to suit a political agenda.

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New Zealand’s Exuberant Zionist Prime Minister
Dr Sheree Trotter Dr Sheree Trotter

New Zealand’s Exuberant Zionist Prime Minister

In 1948 NZ Prime Minister Peter Fraser was criticised for his ‘Zionist exuberance’ by one of his most senior officials, at a time when the NZ government was vigorously debating recognition of the state of Israel. Peter Fraser’s biographers described him as a man of principle who was an old fashioned human rightist, ‘tied on a tight leash to the under dog’.

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The gap in our Anzac memory
Dr Sheree Trotter Dr Sheree Trotter

The gap in our Anzac memory

What the Allies set out to achieve in Gallipoli was finally realised in northern Palestine and the Jordan Valley - the routing of Turkish forces. ...Ironically, the Allied failure in Gallipoli has been enshrined in New Zealand’s war commemorations, while victory over the Ottomans in the Sinai-Palestine campaign is less remembered .

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NZ must step up against antisemitism
Dr Sheree Trotter Dr Sheree Trotter

NZ must step up against antisemitism

If New Zealand holds to the values of justice and standing against racism, it is incumbent on us to examine our own history in relation to the Holocaust and to step up efforts to ensure that antisemitism is given no ground.

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The Forging of Māori/Israel Friendship
2020 Dr Sheree Trotter 2020 Dr Sheree Trotter

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.

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Historic Māori-led Apology To Israel
2020 Dr Sheree Trotter 2020 Dr Sheree Trotter

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.

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Indigenous support on Israel’s 70th
2020 Dr Sheree Trotter 2020 Dr Sheree Trotter

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).

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Exploring the Kiwi connection as Israel turns 70
2020 Dr Sheree Trotter 2020 Dr Sheree Trotter

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.

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Be’er Sheva Commemoration: a moment to honour
2020 Jane Troughton 2020 Jane Troughton

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.

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