Press Release in response to Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand

Press Release

In the spirit of Pesach (Passover) just concluding, and Ramadan next month, we do not want to enter into a public argument with FIANZ President Hazim Arafeh, but must point out the errors in his statement about the present unrest on the Israel-Gaza border.

Amongst other things, Mr Hazim says that, “Israel has no regard for the sanctity of human life.” Israel has absolute regard for life which is a central tenant of Judaism. There has been no attack by the IDF on unarmed Palestinian civilians. As previously announced, the IDF said it would resist any attempt to breach the border fence between Israel and Gaza, and this has resulted in the deaths of armed militants as admitted by Hamas at their funerals. Israel has the right to defend its borders and its population, as does any country.

Using molotov cocktails, slingshots to throw rocks, and burning tyres to deliberately create polluting smoke, cannot be described as a peaceful protest.

Mr Hazim’s anger should be direct at Hamas who have little or no respect or care for the lives of their own population.

Ends.

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