An article written by Sheree Trotter (Te Arawa) in 2017 and reposted by the Israel Institute of NZ a few days ago has some good observations.
Gaza is ruled by Hamas, a Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist organisation that does not recognise Israel and whose charter calls for genocide. Hamas is the political and administrative authority in Gaza and has the ability to improve life for its citizens, but chooses instead to pour millions of dollars of aid money into building terror tunnels (using child labour) and acquiring weapons. In spite of Israel’s limited capacity to improve the lives of Gazans, it sends thousands of truckloads of humanitarian aid into Gaza. […]
[Marama Davidson] has aligned herself with an organisation that is little more than a hate group. Kia Ora Gaza leader, Roger Fowler, has expressed support for a one-state solution (the dismantling of the world’s only Jewish state), has compared Israel to Islamic State, has publicly supported a “third intifada”, and has justified violence against Israeli civilians. […]
For Maori who oppose Kia Ora Gaza’s hatred of Israel, the co-opting of Te Reo Maori for their cause is deeply offensive. Historically, Maori have had strong connections with the Jewish people. Indeed the struggle of the Jews gave inspiration to many of our tipuna (ancestors), and several indigenous prophetic movements in the 19th century were established on the Jewish model. 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 ka (continuous presence) in the land over many centuries of dispersal. The rebirth of Hebrew has been an inspiration for the revitalisation of Te Reo Maori in Aotearoa.
Davidson’s oft-repeated statement that she stands in solidarity with the women of Gaza “as an indigenous woman” is disingenuous.
Israel Institute of NZ
Now, here’s Chloe Swarbrick ranting on Saturday and acknowledging Davidson as co-leader of the Green Party. (James Shaw has been conspicuously absent of late.)
“Whanau, this ain’t complicated, we have got enough expert evidence this is genocide: this is ethnic cleansing, this is apartheid. […] From the river to the sea.”
Chloe Swarbrick/Twitter
I leave the last word to the concise Ani O’Brien:
The Green Party were instrumental in the mob that attacked women in Albert Park this year. The Green Party are now attending pro-Hamas rallies & calling for the eradication of Israel. Women. Jews. Who is next, @NZGreens?
Discuss it on the BFD.
