Media release: NZ Jewish Council…
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 the Israeli government. It imposes collective blame on ordinary people and risks inciting violence against them.
Minto is a candidate in the upcoming elections, heading the list for the Free Palestine party. The party’s leader has recently described the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack as a “great victory” and justified violence against Israelis.
Council President Juliet Moses says: “You cannot hold an entire population responsible for its government’s decisions, any more than you can assume every citizen of any country supports its government. This is about protecting people from intimidation and the threat of violence simply because of where they come from.
“The car-ramming of a politician in Australia this week is a stark reminder of what happens when hostility and inflammatory rhetoric escalates into political violence. When a candidate encourages the public to target individuals in this way, it is particularly alarming. Political leaders have a responsibility to uphold democratic debate and the rule of law, not encourage vigilantism.”
New Zealanders must not allow political disagreement to become a licence for intimidation, harassment or violence against individuals. We urge political leaders and candidates across the spectrum, as well as others in a position of influence or responsibility, to affirm that everyone in New Zealand is entitled to safety and dignity, regardless of their nationality or their government’s actions.
Criticism of governments is legitimate. Targeting people for their nationality is not.
Read about John Minto’s previous targeting of Israelis with his hotline for New Zealanders to report Israeli soldiers holidaying in New Zealand HERE and HERE.
