Controversy Erupts Over Campaign to Identify and Call Israelis on Vacation
An online campaign urging people to call a number if they spot an Israeli on vacation has sparked outrage in New Zealand, with Jewish organizations condemning it as ‘hateful.’
A campaign by the Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) to have individuals identify Israeli tourists holidaying in New Zealand and report them to a “tipline” has been criticized by Jewish Groups as “hateful” and “antisemitic.”
The organization’s national chairperson, John Minto, stated online that the campaign aims to hold Israel accountable for genocide, especially when the government is complicit in war crimes. He believes there is no place in New Zealand for individuals involved in genocide to relax and enjoy themselves.
In December, the PSNA wrote to Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters requesting the suspension of all visitors from Israel who are part of the Israel Defence Force (IDF) or its reservists.
The letter alleged that Israeli soldiers were being denied entry to Australia after being required to complete a detailed form to determine if they had been involved in war crimes against Palestinians in Gaza.
The New Zealand Jewish Council (NZJC) has condemned the hotline, describing it as “the latest in a series of disturbing antisemitic rhetoric.”
Despite the backlash, John Minto defended the campaign, stating that it aims to track down, not hunt down, IDF soldiers and reservists in New Zealand. He believes the campaign has been effective in sending a message to Israeli soldiers that they are not welcome in New Zealand.
The Human Rights Commission received over 90 complaints about the hotline and called for its immediate termination, expressing concern about the potential harm it may cause Israeli and Jewish people in New Zealand.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters condemned Minto’s actions as promoting fascism, racism, violence, and vigilantism, calling for the government’s condemnation of the PSNA’s behavior.
The NZJC urged government and security agencies to take urgent action to address the growing threat of hate crimes and prevent escalation similar to incidents in Australia, such as the recent synagogue arson attack in Sydney.
