A useful accord

The Government announced:

Today, leaders from New Zealand’s Muslim and Jewish organisations gathered at Government House in Auckland to present the New Zealand Harmony Accord to the Governor-General, the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro.

This landmark agreement affirms their shared commitment to promoting understanding, rejecting hate, and strengthening social cohesion in New Zealand.

“This Accord is a powerful statement of unity, courage, and compassion,” says Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand. “It reminds us that dialogue, even when difficult, is the foundation of a peaceful and inclusive nation. I commend those who have worked so tirelessly to bring this vision to life.”

“To the leaders here today, you have my deepest respect. Your commitment to dialogue, to mutual respect, and to standing together in difficult times is something we can all learn from. Thank you for your leadership and for the example you have set,” says Hon Mark Mitchell, Minister for Ethnic Communities.

More than 70 guests attended, including Members of Parliament, senior faith leaders, and community representatives. Participants and guests at the ceremony included Race Relations Commissioner Dr Melissa Derby, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Juliet Moses (President of the New Zealand Jewish Council), Ibrar Sheikh (President of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand), Phillip Green (Jewish Community Security Group), Avigail Allan (Dayenu), and Salman Momin, Member for New Zealand, (The Aga Khan Council for Australia and New Zealand).

Very pleased to see this. It is vital that New Zealanders of different faiths can live and work together in harmony. The Accord notes:

The Muslim and Jewish communities in New Zealand have much in common. We share the same founding forefather, Abraham; we share faith in one God; and we share many of the same prophets, philosophies and practices, such as dietary restrictions and burial rites. We value education and family. We greet each other with “shalom” or “salaam”. We have a moral imperative to give charity (“sadaqat” in Arabic, “tzedakah” in Hebrew). The Jewish and Muslim communities contribute to, and are an integral part of, New Zealand’s rich and diverse ethnic and faith tapestry. We are proud of these contributions.