Greg Bouwer
IINZ
Subject: Political Silence on the Crisis in Israel and Moral Failure
Dear Prime Minister Christopher Luxon
We are writing to express our deep concern and frustration over the deafening political silence in New Zealand regarding the atrocities committed in Israel and the wider conflict in the region. The reluctance of our leaders to take a clear moral stance, especially when financial interests seem to take precedence over condemning barbaric acts, is both alarming and disappointing.
It took a viral tweet from a US Senator for action to be taken regarding John Minto’s so-called “genocide hotline” – an appalling and baseless attack on Israelis – Jews – visiting New Zealand. Why was it ignored until international pressure forced a response? This lack of proactive leadership suggests either indifference or an unwillingness to act unless external forces dictate the agenda. Is this what we have come to? A nation that follows rather than leads in matters of principle?
The moral equivalency being drawn between the victims of Hamas’ unprovoked massacre and casualties of the war Hamas started is beyond grotesque. The murder of two children, nine months and four years old, by strangulation following their abduction and subsequent bludgeoning in an attempt to make it look like the result of an airstrike – these are not acts of war. These are acts of terrorism, crimes against humanity. Yet you remain largely silent. Even as some of your colleagues march in protests while openly calling for the destruction of Israel. Where is the condemnation? Where is the leadership?
Furthermore, while the so-called “hostage handovers” are acknowledged as criminal acts, there is no meaningful action from our government to demand the immediate and unconditional return of all hostages. The fact that New Zealand’s political voices are louder in condemning Israel’s right to self-defense than in demanding justice for the victims of these atrocities is unacceptable.
New Zealand has historically stood for justice, human rights, and moral clarity. Our silence – or worse, our complicity in legitimizing calls for Israel’s destruction – contradicts that legacy. I urge you to take a stand, to ensure that our nation does not continue down the path of moral ambiguity and political cowardice. New Zealand must unequivocally condemn terrorism, demand the release of hostages, and refuse to entertain rhetoric that supports genocide under the guise of activism.
I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
This article was originally published by the Israel Institute of New Zealand.
