So I, a NZer, always supposed that the Jewish community here is too small to have much in the way of problems that are distinct from those faced by Jewish people in many places, or by many minority groups here. Feel free to ignore or scold me if I'm being rude, but with you being the first Jewish NZer I've ever knowingly encountered, I thought it might be a good opportunity to ask if there is anything I can do, specifically as a non-Jewish NZer, that might make things better for Jewish NZers?
Actually, I met up with @kingskelly over the weekend and she mentioned how little attention Jews get as a community in New Zealand! Which can be great- we’re not specifically targeted, or hardly ever (the Kadimah School stabbings were before I was born!)- but also means that people justify antisemitism because there are so few of us, or the old standby, Because Israel. I mean, I’m not seeing the Israeli connection in images like these, but what do I know? Similarly, I can mention the fact that kosher slaughter is illegal here- for us, it makes life expensive and difficult. Gentiles are often unaware that it’s illegal at all.
For instance, at this rally in Auckland in 2014, there was this charming piece of artwork. Seriously, comparing Jews to Nazis got old by about 1946-stop doing it, kids. At the same rally, Robert Reid (General Secretary of First Union) told New Zealanders that:“We must do more to make sure we are part of the international movement to bring down Israel and the global Zionist movement”. Mike Treen of Global Peace and Justice said:“These people [Jews] come from a race that fought for justice and humility, and has given us some of the most progressive and wonderful ideas. And this ideology they are supporting, this colonisation they are supporting, this racism they are supporting is turning them into monsters.” I’m generally the first to agree that Jews are great, especially if they are me, but painting us all with the same brush really… rubs me the wrong way.
I don’t think there’s anything you can do in particular for Kiwi Jews- we have it really good here, comparatively speaking! But, for my own self the Big Three are as follows:
1. Continually asking if such-and-such is a ‘Jewish thing’- I mean if I’m doing it obviously it’s a Jewish thing! You’re allowed to be curious, just be aware that I’m not a encyclopaedia, or a zoo exhibit.
2. Asking my opinion on conflict in the Gaza Strip. (I vividly remember being eleven and having to explain I/P to the class. It was very weird for me.)
3. I’m not your ‘Jewish friend’. My values aren’t representative of all Jews, everywhere- there are five Jews who would disagree with me under my roof, for Pete’s sake! I don’t exist to win other people’s arguments for them.
jacobvanloon
jbbartram-illu
kaledo-art
discoholicmusic
dededos
gummygunk
stormborns
annaxmalina
vaporwave
ellievsbear
