The New Zealand Jewish Council wishes to thank the many
New Zealanders who have offered messages of support and are
partaking in memorial events on today’s second anniversary
of the horrific terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas on
October 7, 2023.
We mourn for the 1,200 people,
Israelis and citizens of other nations, who were brutally
murdered, and we acknowledge the deep trauma and loss still
felt by their families, friends, and communities.
We
continue to call for the immediate release of all hostages
taken that day. Forty-eight remain in captivity, some of
whom remain alive and enduring unimaginable
suffering.
We are hopeful that the ceasefire proposal
on the table is accepted and that the war and suffering for
both Israelis and Palestinians can end and both peoples can
move forward towards a future in peace, security, and
dignity.
That future can only be achieved when Hamas
is no longer able to rule Gaza and repeat attacks like those
of two years ago, as it has repeatedly threatened. We are
deeply disturbed by the attempts to justify, celebrate, and
minimise the Hamas atrocities and its culpability. Such
responses have no place in a compassionate and moral
society.
As we reflect on this grim anniversary, we
reaffirm our hope for the safe return of all hostages and
for a future in which peace and coexistence can prevail over
hatred and
violence.
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