A joint statement from NZ’s Jewish and Muslim community leaders gives us all a bit of heart:

The New Zealand Jewish Council and the Federation of Islamic Associations of
New Zealand issued the following joint statement today:

In the wake of recent attacks on a mosque in Lower Hutt and a synagogue in Christchurch, New Zealand Muslims and Jews stand together against racism and vandalism. We are all dismayed by the current turmoil in the Middle East, but we pray and work for a lasting peace daily. We have no desire to bring foreign hatred to New Zealand’s shores - we only want to live peaceably with our neighbours. The vandals and bigots are a tiny but vocal minority, and we know that our many friends are ashamed of such acts occuring in New Zealand.

We call on all New Zealanders to work hard towards increasing understanding and supporting each other in times of trouble, as this is the best way to achieve peace.

Stephen Goodman
Chair, New Zealand Jewish Council

Javed Khan
President, Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand