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RNZ News
15 hours ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
'Gaza is not a religious issue': Advocates split on government harmony accord
Ethnic communities minister Mark Mitchell. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii New Zealand's Muslim and Jewish leaders have signed a harmony and peace accord, but not everyone's happy with the idea. The government-led initiative sets out a shared commitment to peace, solidarity, and social cohesion and will create a joint council between the two communities. Governor-general Dame Cindy Kiro said it was not just symbolic, but would lead to action against discrimination and isolation. "This accord is a powerful statement of unity, courage, and compassion. It reminds us that dialogue, even when difficult, is the foundation of a peaceful and inclusive nation." Ethnic communities minister Mark Mitchell said it was important that global conflicts were not imported into New Zealand, and the accord signalled the beginning of work to support social cohesion. The signed accord was presented at government House in Auckland today. About 70 people attended, including representatives of the New Zealand Jewish Council, His Highness the Aga Khan Council for Australia and New Zealand and the Jewish Community Security Group. The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand said it was an historic accord that was a call to action for communities to support each other in the face of antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and bigotry. "We owe it to our communities, and to future generations, to do the hard work of listening, understanding, and standing together against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and Islamophobia," said chair Deborah Hart. "At a time of heightened tensions and a huge increase in antisemitism, we know that peaceful coexistence isn't always easy, but it is always worth striving for." She declined to say whether the Israeli attacks on Gaza amounted to genocide, saying the Holocaust Centre does not make general statements on international conflicts. Mitchell did not mention Gaza in his speech, saying afterwards that was because there were many other conflicts in the world at the moment. "The focus obviously on our Muslim and our Jewish communities here is quite simply we're seeing a rise in Islamophobia and anti-Semitism around the world, our communities back here feel exposed. We don't want to import that conflict into our country. We still retain the ability to engage in peaceful protest, freedom of speech, but not to weaponise those things and use them in a violent or intimidatory way." Asked if anyone from the Palestinian community had been invited to the event, he said the accord is a living document and any faith or ethnic leader would be welcome to sign it. Co-convenor of Jewish group Dayenu Philippa Yasbek said there had been deep disagreements between the communities over foreign policy, and allegations of betrayal on both sides. "I hope that this will repair the rift between part of the Jewish Community and the Muslim community - since the tragic events of 7th of October 2023 and the horrible fallout of the genocide in Gaza there been a lot of tensions between the Muslim and Jewish communities in New Zealand. But I don't think that that disagreement about overseas affairs should impact how we interact with each other in New Zealand. "There is a lot that unites the communities so in the wake of international events and the rising tide of both Islamophobia and anti-Semitism - and the roots of that are often very similar - I think the two communities can work together very effectively to combat hatred." Federation of Islamic Associations' spokesperson Abdur Razzaq said it was a good start and he wanted other faith groups and tangata whenua to be brought in. "Nothing has been formalised in terms of the work programme, nothing has been formalised in terms of the membership or the terms of reference. This is the start of the conversation. And in the start of the conversation, we have to consult widely with our community." Police data on hate crimes showed an increase since 2023, and about 60 percent of reported faith-based incidents were against Muslims, he said. Not present were two advocacy groups which disagreed with the accord's focus. Islamic Council of New Zealand (ICONZ) represents some Shia Muslims, and its president Dr Muhammad Sajjad Naqvi said the accord misframed the problem as being between religions. "Advocacy that comes from faith can be a powerful force. We already work with numerous interfaith community initiatives, some formed at government initiative and waiting to really find their purpose. Those existing channels include more of the parties needed to address local threats, including Christian nationalism like that of Destiny Church. Perhaps government should resource those rather than starting something new." Co-founder of Alternative Jewish Voices Marilyn Garson said the government should be more focused on the legal actions it should take than creating another multi-faith organisation. Gaza was not among the council's priorities and signatories are not required to acknowledge universal human rights, she said. "It has broad implications to overlook our rights and international humanitarian law. As currently formulated, the council includes no direct Palestinian representation. That's not good enough. How can there be credible discussion of Aotearoa's ethnic safety - let alone advocacy for international action - without Palestinians?" Both groups said there was no disharmony between the two groups in New Zealand, and it was a political conflict between Israel and Gaza. "Gaza is not a religious issue, and this has never been a conflict between our faiths," said ICONZ co-founder Dr Abdul Monem. "In Gaza we see a massive violation of international law with horrifying humanitarian consequences. We place Israel's annihilating campaign against Gaza, the complicity of states and economies at the centre of our understanding - not religion. The first action to address the suffering in Gaza and ameliorate its effects here in Aotearoa must be government action. Our government needs to comply with international courts and act on this humanitarian calamity. That does not require a new council." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
SBS Australia
10-07-2025
- Politics
- SBS Australia
Mixed reaction from Jewish groups to antisemitism recommendations
Australian universities, cultural institutions and public broadcasters could have their funding withheld as part of a sweeping plan to clamp down on antisemitism. The Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal has produced a report claiming that Jewish Australians are suffering discrimination cultural and educational spaces, specifically university campuses, are places where. Its recommendations call on the government to work with Ms Segal to withhold funding from universities, programs or individuals within universities that facilitate, enable or fail to act against antisemitism. The report also recommended governments review funding to cultural institutions, broadcasters and artists if they are determined to support or implicitly endorse antisemitism themes or narratives. Co-C-E-O of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry Alex Ryvchin says there needs to be a close examination of where antisemitism is stemming from. "To look at where antisemitism is allowed to take root, in schools, in universities, in cultural institutions and that's something that needs to be engaged with and that's a critical aspect of this report. But the role of the government will be fundamental in this in terms of both directly engaging with the plan, implementing aspects of it, but also sending a clear message through society that this is the way forward and the expectation is that everyone will do their part." The Jewish Council of Australia has criticised a sweeping new plan to combat antisemitism, calling it "straight out of the Trump playbook". Australian universities, cultural institutions and public broadcasters could have their funding withheld as part of plan outlined by the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal. Proposals also include amending the Migration Act to provide for antisemitic conduct to be grounds for visa refusal. Executive Officer of the Jewish Council and antisemitism expert, Dr Max Kaiser, has told S-B-S he believes the report is misguided and could lead to a far-reaching crackdown on the ability to criticise Israel. "I mean, this is straight out of the Trump playbook. This is mislocating the problem of antisemitism as being a problem of migrants, cultural institutions, universities, and by implication, the protest movement. And we think that that is not the source of antisemitism. There are serious issues with antisemitism in Australian society, but they can't be dealt with in isolation. They have to be dealt with as part of much broader efforts to tackle racism as a whole in Australian society." Toxic algae is taking over the waters off South Australia, with devastating consequences for marine life. It's also impacting the state's fisheries, and prompting fears of serious long-term effects. This week, the South Australian government announced a relief package for business impacted by the issue, valued at up to $500,000 [[09 JULY]]. Businesses in affected industries will see licence fee relief backdated to April, with the state saying more help may flow, depending on what happens next. Greens senator Sarah-Hanson Young is calling on the federal government to declare a national disaster. "What we're seeing unfolding on the South Australian coastline, and now right along Adelaide's metro beaches, is this algae bloom that is killing our sea life and our wildlife, killing the vegetation within the sea beds, and it's a disaster, it's an environmental catastrophe." A damning new report has found the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union deliberately inflicted physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse to cause fear - including against women and kids - to gain power. A damning report has found the union's Queensland branch was ruthless in its pursuit of political, industrial, and financial power. The union was placed into administration nationwide amid claims that bikie and organised crime figures had infiltrated the organisation. Administrator Mark Irving commissioned barrister Geoffrey Watson to probe the reports of violence and intimidation. He says what he found only scratched the surface of serious allegations of intimidation and thuggery. Multiple pedestrians are being assessed by paramedics after being struck by a car near a suburban playground in Melbourne's outer east. Victoria Police say the incident, which occurred around midday at Coleman Road in the suburb of Wantirna South, is not believed to be intentional. Telstra says they have proposed slashing 550 jobs from the organisation in a new restructure. In a statement to S-B-S, a Telstra spokesperson says the decision has no relation to their recent adoption of artificial intelligence technology and is an attempt to "reduce complexity, create efficiencies, and respond to changing customer needs". They say they are still in the process of consulting with staff and, if the decision does go ahead, affected staff will ahve access to a redundancy package and a range of support services. Two former A-League players have pleaded guilty to engaging in betting corruption by intentionally getting yellow cards during matches in 2023 and 2024. 33-year-old Kearyn Baccus and 27-year-old Clayton Lewis were allegdly paid ten thousand dollars by their former captain at the Macarthur Bulls, Ulises Davila, to get the cards during particular games. Baccus and Lewis will be sentenced in September. It's alleged that Davila was the ringleader of the operation, and the conduit between the Macarthur players and an unnamed criminal group in Colombia. He's facing nine charges, to which he has not yet entered a plea. He'll appear in court in August. In football, Paris Saint Germain will play Chelsea in the final of the Club World Cup in the United States on Monday morning. European champions P-S-G have thrashed Real Madrid, four goals to nil, in their semi-final in New Jersey. They blew away the Spanish giants with three goals in the first 25 minutes, two of them scored by midfielder Fabian Ruiz. Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso [[sha-bee ah-LON-so]] says he has no choice but to tip his cap to the French side. "They have already been playing together for a couple of years and for sure since February they have been playing at a top, top level. We have not been the first ones to have a strong defeat against them. So, they play really well as a team. It's been really tough to play against them."
The Guardian
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Afternoon Update: universities targeted under antisemitism envoy plan; teen surfer found on remote island; and a human book chain
Good afternoon. Universities and artists would have funding withheld if they fail to act against antisemitism, AI tools would be banned from sharing Jewish hatred, and the government would have new grounds to deport visitors under a wide-ranging plan presented to the prime minister by Australia's antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segal. 'There is no place in Australia for antisemitism. The kind of hatred and violence that we have seen on our streets recently is despicable and it won't be tolerated and I want those responsible to face the full force of the law,' Anthony Albanese said on Thursday morning. The government has not committed to the plan in full, but Albanese indicated he was open to parts of it, saying some components could be implemented quickly. Albanese denied the plan would limit legitimate criticism of the Israeli government, including its military actions in Gaza and the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians, despite the report recommending all levels of government adopt a contested definition of antisemitism which critics say conflates antisemitism with criticism of Israel. The executive officer of the Jewish Council of Australia, Dr Max Kaiser, said the document reads 'more like a blueprint for silencing dissent rather than a strategy to build inclusion'. Teen surfer found on remote island 14km off coast after going missing from NSW beach Landmark ruling finds Russia shot down MH17 with 38 Australians on board Report on Queensland CFMEU referred to police after 'threats of violence, intimidation, misogyny' alleged Trump announces 50% tariff on Brazil, citing a 'witch-hunt' against Bolsonaro US issues sanctions against Francesca Albanese, UN official investigating abuses in Gaza Discovery of ancient riverbeds suggests Mars once wetter than thought About 300 people gathered outside Melbourne's oldest bookshop, Hill of Content, to help it move to its new location just 130 metres down the road. The store first opened in 1922 and the three-storey heritage-listed building it occupied for 103 years was sold for $5.3m last year, with the bookshop's owners forced to start searching for a new home. Diana Johnson, who owns Hill of Content with her husband, Duncan Johnson, said the human chain would pass 17,000 books up to the new store. 'We've got a bipartisan approach to our PBS. It underpins our universal healthcare system. Makes sure no matter who you are in Australia, can access great world-class leading drugs for your family's health.' – Bridget McKenzie The Nationals senator said both sides of Australian politics were united in response to Donald Trump's proposed 200% tariff on pharmaceuticals. Anthony Albanese said the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, media bargaining code and biosecurity laws 'are not on the table for negotiations' with the US. The Trump administration is reportedly planning to cut at least 2,145 high-ranking Nasa employees with specialised skills or management responsibilities, as part of a push to slash the size of the federal government through early retirement, buyouts and deferred resignations. According to leaked documents, most employees leaving are in senior-level government ranks, with 1,818 of the staff currently serving in core mission areas, like science or human space flight, while the others work in mission support roles including information technology, or IT. Sign up to Afternoon Update Our Australian afternoon update breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Thomas Vowles: the 10 funniest things I have ever seen (on the internet) The author gives us a taste of his eclectic online presence – from Brazilian advertisements to a perennial Lindsay Lohan clipping. Today's starter word is: DIB. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply. If you would like to receive this Afternoon Update to your email inbox every weekday, sign up here, or start your day with a curated breakdown of the key stories you need to know with our Morning Mail newsletter. You can follow the latest in US politics by signing up for This Week in Trumpland.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Anti-Defamation League decries Trump's use of ‘centuries-old antisemitic trope' at rally
The Anti-Defamation League on Friday condemned President Donald Trump's use of the term 'Shylock' at a Thursday night rally, saying the president was invoking a 'centuries-old antisemitic trope.' During a campaign-style rally speech in Iowa on Thursday — in which the president basked in his megabill success — Trump touted what he and Republicans have promoted as benefits of the sweeping legislation. 'No death tax. No estate tax. No going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker — and in some cases, shylocks and bad people,' Trump said. The use of the word 'Shylock,' which is viewed as an antisemitic term, prompted immediate outcry from prominent Jewish organizations, including the ADL, which decried Trump's use of the term in a statement posted to X Friday morning. 'The term 'Shylock' evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trump's use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible,' the statement read. 'Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States.' The Jewish Council for Public Affairs, a progressive organization, also condemned Trump's comments on Friday, saying in a statement that the president's use of the word 'is not an accident.' 'Shylock is among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes. This is not an accident. It follows years in which President Trump has normalized antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories — and it's deeply dangerous,' the council's statement read. But Trump has claimed that he did not know the weight the term carried. "I've never heard it that way,' the president told reporters aboard Air Force One early Friday morning. 'To me, Shylock is somebody that's a moneylender at high rates. I've never heard it that way. You view it differently than me.' The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on ADL's statement. The term 'Shylock' originated in the Shakespearean play 'The Merchant of Venice,' in which Shylock is a Jewish character representing stereotypes of greed wielded against Jewish people. In the play, Shylock is an unscrupulous moneylender who demands a pound of flesh from a debtor, painting the Jewish character as villainous and money-hungry. Thursday night's comments aren't the first time Trump has been criticized for playing into antisemitic tropes. Trump ruffled feathers at an event with Jewish donors in 2015 where he appeared to suggest that the group wanted to pay to prop up a puppet in the White House, telling the crowd, 'I don't want your money. You want to control your own politician." He has also derided Jewish Americans who vote for Democrats, suggesting at times it would be a 'great disloyalty' to vote for the other party. The president also came under fire after hosting known white nationalist and antisemitic Holocaust revisionist Nick Fuentes at his Mar-a-Lago residence in 2022. Trump has been vocal about cracking down on what his administration describes as rampant antisemitism in higher education during his second term, making a point of targeting universities where students have held protests against Israel's war in Gaza.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Donald Trump Condemned After Using Antisemitic Slur to Promote His 'Big, Beautiful' Bill, Later Denied Knowing What It Meant
President Donald Trump used an antisemitic slur while promoting his 'Big, Beautiful Bill' He later denied knowing what the term 'shylocks' meant Jewish leaders denounced his words, calling his statement 'deeply dangerous'President Donald Trump is facing backlash after he used an antisemitic slur to describe Jewish bankers while promoting his 'Big, Beautiful Bill.' While speaking in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, July 3, leading up to next year's 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the 79-year-old politician used a choice word as he addressed the crowd. "No death tax, no estate tax, no going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker, and in some cases, shylocks and bad people," Trump said. "They destroyed a lot of families, but we did the opposite." Shylock is a fictional Jewish moneylender and principal villain in William Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice, which was believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. Shortly after, Jewish leaders publicly condemned the antisemitic slur. 'Shylock is among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes. This is not an accident. It follows years in which Trump has normalized antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories — and it's deeply dangerous,' Amy Spitalnick, the CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, tweeted on Thursday. Her message also included a video of Trump making the remark before a crowd of his supporters. The Anti-Defamation League also spoke out against his comment. "The term 'Shylock' evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trump's use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible,' the organization said. 'It underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States,' the statement continued. Trump later denied knowing the meaning of the word. 'I've never heard it that way. To me, Shylock is somebody that's a money lender at high rates,' Trump told reporters after getting off Air Force One, CNN reported Friday, July 4. 'I've never heard it that way, you view it differently than me. I've never heard that.' Following his antisemitic slur, Trump went on to sign the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' into law. It will introduce significant cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by implementing more requirements on possible beneficiaries. It will also prioritize funding for deportation and border efforts; diminishes green energy tax incentives and increases the national deficit by $3.8 trillion. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In early June, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she regretted supporting the bill without reading it. 'Full transparency, I did not know about this section on pages 278-279 of the OBBB that strips states of the right to make laws or regulate AI for 10 years,' Greene tweeted, in part. 'I am adamantly OPPOSED to this and it is a violation of state rights and I would have voted NO if I had known this was in there.' Read the original article on People
