Calendar

Here is a calendar of upcoming events, up and down the country. Some are organized by us, others by like-minded organizations and groups.

Jun
16
Sun
CHRISTCHURCH: A HATEFUL STATE OF MIND: HATE SPEECH AND FREE SPEECH IN NEW ZEALAND @ Spark Room, Christchurch Central Library
Jun 16 @ 2:00 PM

Professor Paul Moon

Where:  Spark Room, Christchurch Central Library, Turanga.

When:  2.00pm, Sunday, June 16.

Admission:  A plate of finger food.  Please avoid pork and seafood products. A collection will be taken to defray expenses.

With talk of new Hate Speech Legislation in NZ, this free talk shows how ineffective such legislation has been; and offers a robust alternative to counter ideologies of prejudice and intolerance. 

NZ Friends of Israel wishes to acknowledge the kind support of the Holocaust Centre of NZ.  This address was originally part of their Human Rights Series of lectures.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Having written over 25 books, Professor Paul Moon is one of New Zealand’s best-selling and respected historians and social commentators.

His specialist area is New Zealand history, and in 2014, he was shortlisted for the international Ernest Scott Prize in History for his book Encounters: The Creation of New Zealand, which academics described as ‘powerful’ and ‘truly fascinating’. His works have been published by Penguin Random House, and HarperCollins.

He has worked on several Treaty claims, and with numerous government agencies, on Treaty-related issues. In 2003 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society at University College, London, and has since gained fellowships in the Royal Geographical Society and the Royal Society of Arts. He also has been a consultant on documentaries about New Zealand history

Oct
24
Thu
CHRISTCHURCH: OCT 24: The Story of the Jews: Part V @ Woolston Community Library Hall
Oct 24 @ 7:00 PM


THE STORY OF THE JEWS
(Part V)

CHRISTCHURCH:
Thursday, 7.00 PM, 24 October 2019

Woolston Community Library Hall, 689 Ferry Rd, Christchurch 

Simon Schama presents an epic five-part series exploring the extraordinary story of the Jewish experience from ancient times to the present day. Drawing on original scholarship and Sharma’s own family history, this is a story that is at once deeply historical and utterly contemporary, taking viewers on a journey from the biblical past to tomorrow’s front pages. Travelling the globe from the Middle East to Eastern Europe, from New York and Burlington to Cairo in Jerusalem, the story unfolds with the help of a dazzling cast of historical characters, vivid storytelling, stunning location photography, and encounters with people who live with the passions and perplexities of the Jewish story today. At the heart of the story of the Jews is a compelling argument about distinctiveness and difference, separation and isolation, tolerance and prejudice, but it is also a celebration of the ways in which Jewish thought, Jewish imagination and Jewish achievement have transformed the world for us all.

In a review for The Daily Telegraph, Neil Midgley described the first episode as a “resounding success”, saying: “Schama told the story efficiently and evocatively – and deftly picked out stories that would illustrate his overarching thesis about how Judaism managed to survive…In Schama’s view, to be a Jew is to be verbal…By the end of this first episode, Schama had given the title of his programme an intriguing double meaning. Over its four remaining parts, The Story of the Jews promises to be not only a chronological history, but also a common narrative of what unifies and fortifies Jewish people”

Where:  Woolston Community Library Hall, 689 Ferry Rd, Christchurch.  Please note the time, date and venue is different from that published in our newsletter.

When:  7.00pm, Thursday October 24.

Admission:  A plate of finger food.  Please no pork or seafood products. 

Jun
6
Sat
Limmud NZ and Oz: June 6-14 @ Online
Jun 6 – Jun 14 all-day
This year Limmud NZ is combining with Limmud Oz to provide a fascinating programme of Jewish learning online. Click here to see the programme. Click here for early bird registrations: $36 pp. ABOUT LIMMUD
From when we founded it in 2008, the national Jewish community embraced the annual Jewish Learning Conference, run by the Zionist Federation of New Zealand. When we started the JLC, we discovered that the community was hungry for more Jewish learning. And each year, we have strived to reach more people and make the conference even bigger and better. In 2010, we joined the international Limmud Federation. For the past 30 years, Limmud has brought Jewish education to communities around the world. Limmud brings together Jews of all strands, stripes and flavours, in an atmosphere of shared passion for and dedication to learning. We’re very proud to be part of the global Limmud community. We’ve got an exciting line-up this year, with presenters from near and far, presenting on a diverse range of scintillating topics.
Jul
9
Thu
AGM: July 12 @ Halswell Centre
Jul 9 @ 9:37 PM – 10:37 PM

Our AGM will be held on 2pm, Sunday 12 July at the Piharau Room, Halswell Centre, 341 Halswell Rd, .   Send nominations for the committee to us by 10 July.

After the AGM we will be showing the highly entertaining comedy about a Jewish Bakery, entitled “Dough”. Please bring a plate of finger food.  No pork or seafood products.  Thanks.

Dough is a heartwarming about a Jewish baker and his community.

Some of the most interesting movies that I’ve seen focus on food: “Big Night”, “Chocolat” and “Chef”, to name a few. Now we have “Dough”. Part look at Jewish baking, part look at a mixing of cultures, it hits all the right notes. Basically, it reminds us that we’re all human, all trying to survive in this modern world. But it’s also got some funny stuff and great lines. I’ve liked Jonathan Pryce in every role where I’ve seen him, and I hope that newcomer Jerome Holder gets more roles like this one. Definitely worth seeing. — IMDB

 

 

Jul
31
Sun
AGM @ The Library, the Olde Vicarage
Jul 31 @ 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Hi Folks, its AGM time again.

This year, its in the Library of the Old Vicarage, 335 Halswell Road, Christchurch 8025.

We look forward to seeing you.

Feb
27
Tue
Israel on Trial in the Hague — thinc. @ Online
Feb 27 @ 12:00 AM

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)

 

Israel on Trial in the Hague — thinc. @ Online
Feb 27 @ 7:00 AM

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)

 

Mar
21
Thu
CHRISTCHURCH: Sheree Trotter: Indigenous Peoples and Israel @ Te Hapua Halswell Centre
Mar 21 @ 7:30 PM

Dr Sheree Trotter

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.

May
30
Thu
CHRISTCHURCH: Israel Briefing & AGM: May 30. @ Hao Room, Te Hapua Halswell Centre
May 30 @ 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM

 

There has been a lot happening with Israel and Antisemitism since our last meeting.  To name a few:

  1. The ICC prosecutor announces he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders.
  2. ICJ orders Israel to stop Rafah assault.
  3. Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognize Palestine as a state.
  4. A Christchurch teachers decides to go on a hunger strike hoping to pressure NZ’s government to push harder for a ceasefire.
  5. The US completes its kitset wharf and additional aid flows into Gaza.
  6. New evidence shows Hamas is diverting the aid so that it can profit by selling it on the black market.
  7. 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:

  1. Transparency and Accountability: The AGM provides a transparent platform where we share our achievements, challenges, and financial performance. Your participation ensures accountability.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. AGM notice and agenda
  2. Proxy Form
  3. Annual Report
  4. Current Constitution
  5. Proposed Constitution
Jun
26
Wed
Holocaust Centre of NZ: Histories of Hate Lecture @ Holocaust Centre of New Zealand & online
Jun 26 @ 12:00 PM

L’DOR V’DOR SPEAKER SERIES

Wednesday 26 June, 12PM

Histories of Hate: the Radical Right in Aotearoa New Zealand explores intolerance and extremism in Aotearoa New Zealand, from the precursors of the radical right during British settlement in the late nineteenth century to today’s conspiracists and keyboard warriors. The volume reveals the complexities of Aotearoa’s radical right traditions. It discusses how, through time, various groups have been animated by a diverse mix of ideas, idealogues, organisations, social clubs, and political parties.

Speaker Bio: Marinus La Rooij
Marinus La Rooij is an independent researcher with degrees in History and Religious Studies from Otago and Victoria Universities. Raised in Dunedin amidst a large Dutch-Catholic immigrant family, his post-graduate research focused on the rise of conspiracy theories and antisemitism in New Zealand during the 1930s. For over thirty years, he has continued his research with a focus on exploring the process of radicalisation, including the influence of false information and manifestations of extremist thinking in New Zealand and Australia. Marinus has published in scholarly journals overseas and recently was a co-editor of Histories of Hate: The Radical Right in Aotearoa New Zealand (Otago University Press, 2023). Professionally, Marinus has worked as a public servant and consultant on transport and infrastructure matters. He has also worked for a decade as an official and researcher in the Treaty of Waitangi settlement process.

This event is both in-person at 80 Webb St, Te Aro, Wellington, and online via Zoom.
A Zoom link will be circulated to online registrants the week before the event.

CLICK HERE to register to attend in-person

CLICK HERE to register online attendance

To view the recording of our last L’dor V’dor session ‘Jewish Mystery Inside the History – Superheroes and the Holocaust’ with speaker Kris Clancy, HCNZ’s Education Director please CLICK HERE