Here is a calendar of upcoming events, up and down the country. Some are organized by us, others by like-minded organizations and groups.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Andrew Tucker (1963) studied law in Australia (BA/LLB), UK (BCL) and The Netherlands, and has worked since 1988 as an adviser and consultant to private companies, governments and (semi-)public entities in various fields of international law.
Andrew was a Fellow of the Law Faculty of the University of Melbourne from 1994 to 2001, and Research Associate at the TMC Asser Institute in The Hague from 1996-1998. Based in The Netherlands, he is Principal of Tucker & Associates.
Andrew is co-author of ‘Israel on Trial’, Soest (NLD), thinc. (2018) and “Two states for two peoples?” (2022/23)
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Andrew Tucker (1963) studied law in Australia (BA/LLB), UK (BCL) and The Netherlands, and has worked since 1988 as an adviser and consultant to private companies, governments and (semi-)public entities in various fields of international law.
Andrew was a Fellow of the Law Faculty of the University of Melbourne from 1994 to 2001, and Research Associate at the TMC Asser Institute in The Hague from 1996-1998. Based in The Netherlands, he is Principal of Tucker & Associates.
Andrew is co-author of ‘Israel on Trial’, Soest (NLD), thinc. (2018) and “Two states for two peoples?” (2022/23)
Indigenous Peoples and the Middle East Conflict
Today, one hears that the Palestinians are an indigenous people that is having their homeland stolen from them by the white settler colonialists, the Jews. Is this true?
The events of October 7 have divided New Zealanders. The connection to indigenous rights has created fault lines for our Maori community.
On Thursday, we are delighted to welcome Dr Sheree Trotter to talk to us about the establishment of the Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem and her views on how the Middle East Conflict has impacted her Maori Community.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr Sheree Trotter is a researcher, writer, and co-director of the Indigenous Coalition For Israel. She also co-founded the Holocaust and Antisemitism Foundation, Aotearoa New Zealand (formerly Shadows of Shoah). Sheree is Māori (Te Arawa) and earned her PhD in History at the University of Auckland.
We are gathering at 11.30am behind the Verdict Cafe for prayer, briefing and singing.
Our theme song is
OH DAUGHTERS OF ZION
We will have song sheets available.
At 12 noon we will raise the flags and walk to opposite the Plaza, where we will sing, pray, and declare we are with the Nation of ISRAEL.
Come and stand with us.
There has been a lot happening with Israel and Antisemitism since our last meeting. To name a few:
- The ICC prosecutor announces he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders.
- ICJ orders Israel to stop Rafah assault.
- Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognize Palestine as a state.
- A Christchurch teachers decides to go on a hunger strike hoping to pressure NZ’s government to push harder for a ceasefire.
- The US completes its kitset wharf and additional aid flows into Gaza.
- New evidence shows Hamas is diverting the aid so that it can profit by selling it on the black market.
- The Rafah assault continues in earnest. Hamas is starting to show more enthusiasm for a ceasefire.
After the briefing and Q&A we will be holding our Annual General Meeting (AGM), a pivotal event in our calendar. Here’s why you should attend:
- Transparency and Accountability: The AGM provides a transparent platform where we share our achievements, challenges, and financial performance. Your participation ensures accountability.
- Shape Our Future: Your voice matters! At the AGM, you can contribute ideas, vote on key decisions, and help shape our strategic direction for the coming year.
- Community Bonding: Connect with fellow members, volunteers, and our passionate team. Forge new relationships and celebrate our collective impact.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: 7.30pm, Thursday, MAY 30. Hao Room, Halswell Centre, 341 Halswell Rd, Christchurch.
Together, let’s continue our mission of fighting racism and intolerance through raising awareness of Jewish history and culture. We look forward to seeing you!
DOWNLOADS
Limmud is a cross-communal ‘festival of learning’ which last year attracted over 25000 participants to its events, held across five continents, in almost forty countries. It started in the UK 30 years ago where the annual five-day event now attracts 2,500 people from across the religious spectrum and boasts 350 presenters offering some 900 sessions.
Limmud aims to enable each participant to go one step further on their own Jewish journey. One of the key principles behind what has now become an international cross-communal movement is that we all have something to contribute and can learn from each other. Presenters are treated as part of the community, they are volunteers like those who organise the events and all are rewarded by the opportunity to learn from each other. Becoming Limmud NZ makes us part of an exciting worldwide movement.
Limmud has core principles that we feel reflect our community. The catchphrase behind Limmud is “Every Jew should be a student and everyone can be a teacher”. This seems very much to capture what our organizing committee believes, and we are eager for more local presenters to put themselves forward and to encourage people to volunteer. Even an hour will make a huge difference to the success of the first Limmud conference on 18/19 August. Expanding Jewish horizons, empowering individuals to contribute to their community and enabling connections to be made between individuals and across communities are the values behind Limmud International and behind Limmud NZ. We also love the emphasis on ensuring all participants feel equally respected and comfortable at Limmud, no matter which shul they go to, or don’t go to. All Limmud events will be strictly kosher to enable participants to eat and enjoy together.
Limmud, of course, means learning and it is about learning but not in a formalized way. The great thing about the format is it is “pick and mix”. Each session runs for an hour, and there are five different streams to choose from.You just pick what you want to go to – discussion of an ethical dilemma with local and international experts, an intimate text study, a film discussion, or sessions relating to parenting issues. If you need a break for a session, grab a coffee and schmooze. The only thing we can’t do for you is arrange for you to be at two sessions at once – although some sessions are repeated.
Keep these dates free, more information to come.
We are also raising funds for Moran (who will speak with us tonight). If you’d like to donate, please go to https://donorbox.org/donate-to-moran-stella-yanai
On the morning of October 7, Kibbutz Be’eri was struck by a devastating tragedy. Hundreds of Hamas terrorists invaded the community, unleashing a wave of unimaginable horror. Ninety-three members of the community had been brutally murdered. This horrific event claimed the lives of women, children, toddlers, and even an infant, amounting to 10% of the farming community’s residents.
Fire and gunfire destroyed thirty percent of the homes, leaving behind tales of survival marked by horror, abandonment, helplessness, and enduring pain. After capturing the kibbutz, the terrorists went from house to house, shooting or capturing residents while setting buildings on fire. They were accompanied by a camera team and a journalist who documented the attack. Many residents tried to hide in shelter rooms, but the attackers blew up the doors and killed everyone inside.
Nine members were taken into the Gaza Strip, five of whom have since died in captivity. 120 people are still held hostage, their fate uncertain.
The kibbutz is currently a closed military zone, off-limits to the general public. Created on February 7th, exactly five months after October 7th, this series has a significant historical value. In an era rife with disinformation, fake news and AI manipulated imagery, these documentary photos serve as a silent testament to that horrific attack.
Attendance by registration only, please click here to register.
Opening event: Saturday, June 22nd, 6-8pm with keynote speaker Juliet Moses
Exhibition Dates: Sunday June 23rd – Friday July 5th, 10am-3pm, excluding Friday, June 28th (public holiday)
Venue: Auckland Hebrew Congregation, 514 Remuera Road, Remuera
Phone: 09-373 2908