Support Israel's Right to Exist and Defend Itself
The issue
To the Citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand,
We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned by the recent "Joint Statement by the Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand" regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. We wish to remind our leaders and fellow citizens of a profound truth articulated by Sir Jonathan Henry Sacks: "Israel’s opponents... deny Israel’s right to exist within any boundaries whatsoever."
Israel, since its inception on 14 May 1948, has continuously sought peace with its neighbours. However, it faces existential threats not just politically but also as a matter of religious principle from groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and certain state actors. Unlike any of the 192 member nations of the United Nations, Israel's very existence is uniquely contested.
Our nations' policies seem contradictory. While acknowledging Israel's right to defend against terrorism, supporting a ceasefire empowers Hamas and sets the stage for further assaults on Israeli civilians. This approach does not contribute to a lasting resolution and risks repeating the cycle of violence.
During World War II, calls for a ceasefire before the unconditional surrender of the Axis powers would have been seen as absurd. It was necessary to address the root causes of the war for lasting peace. Similarly, any ceasefire in the current conflict that fails to address the core issues and the unequivocal defeat of Hamas will only delay, not prevent, future conflicts.
As citizens of nations known for fairness and support for democratic values, we urge our governments to reconsider their positions. We should align our foreign policies more closely with our main partner, the USA, and uphold our commitment to Israel's right to exist and defend itself.
Let us stand together in support of a nation's right to exist in peace and security, free from existential threats. Your signature on this petition signals a commitment to these values and a call for our governments to reflect them in their policies.
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The issue
To the Citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand,
We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned by the recent "Joint Statement by the Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand" regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. We wish to remind our leaders and fellow citizens of a profound truth articulated by Sir Jonathan Henry Sacks: "Israel’s opponents... deny Israel’s right to exist within any boundaries whatsoever."
Israel, since its inception on 14 May 1948, has continuously sought peace with its neighbours. However, it faces existential threats not just politically but also as a matter of religious principle from groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and certain state actors. Unlike any of the 192 member nations of the United Nations, Israel's very existence is uniquely contested.
Our nations' policies seem contradictory. While acknowledging Israel's right to defend against terrorism, supporting a ceasefire empowers Hamas and sets the stage for further assaults on Israeli civilians. This approach does not contribute to a lasting resolution and risks repeating the cycle of violence.
During World War II, calls for a ceasefire before the unconditional surrender of the Axis powers would have been seen as absurd. It was necessary to address the root causes of the war for lasting peace. Similarly, any ceasefire in the current conflict that fails to address the core issues and the unequivocal defeat of Hamas will only delay, not prevent, future conflicts.
As citizens of nations known for fairness and support for democratic values, we urge our governments to reconsider their positions. We should align our foreign policies more closely with our main partner, the USA, and uphold our commitment to Israel's right to exist and defend itself.
Let us stand together in support of a nation's right to exist in peace and security, free from existential threats. Your signature on this petition signals a commitment to these values and a call for our governments to reflect them in their policies.
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Petition created on 13 December 2023