The Auckland Museum has apologised to pro-Palestinian supporters for lighting up its building blue and white as a token of support to Israel.
CEO David Reeves has posted on social media: “We wanted this to be an expression of hope for peace – our approach was wrong, and I personally apologise for the distress and hurt caused to members of our community.”
He said: “We condemn all acts of violence and terrorism. This evening the Museum is lit in blue and white in condemnation and as an expression of hope for peace.”
The Holocaust and Antisemitism Foundation stated: “Civilised nations across the world, including UK, Australia, and USA, have seen fit to show solidarity with Israel at her time of grief, by lighting prominent buildings with Israel’s colours. Sydney Opera House, 10 Downing St, The Brandenburg Gate and buildings in Kyiv and the European Commission have responded appropriately after the worst slaughter and atrocities against Jews since the Holocaust.Auckland Museum houses a Holocaust room and our Holocaust Foundation has directed Holocaust memorial events on its premises.
In response to the antisemitic thuggery of Hamas supporters, Auckland Museum has now apologised for the lighting of its building in expression of solidarity with the Jewish nation.
This is shameful.”
The Israel Institute of New Zealand’s David Cumin told J-Wire: “It was heartening when the Auckland Museum announced they would be the first landmark in New Zealand to follow worldwide expressions of commiseration with the 1300+ Israelis who were slaughtered and the 200+ kidnapped in an ISIS-style attack.
That the board felt the need to apologise for this in the wake of an intimidating protest is deeply concerning and upsetting.
Our brave ANZAC troops fought against the Ottoman Empire, and so helped pave the way for a modern State of Israel. How can the Museum board be trusted as curators of those stories or of the memory of the Holocaust if they cannot even honour the worst slaughter of Jews in a single day since the Holocaust?”
What confused, namby-pamby idiots. David Reeves obviously can’t distinguish between vile acts and ideology.