The view from Palestine
A Kiwi couple back from Israel have a story to tell of oppression and suffering.
A plea from Palestine will be heard in Hamilton on Tuesday as a couple give an eyewitness account of injustice and humiliation in Israel.
Martin and Lois Griffiths, retired teachers from Christchurch, have just returned from Israel and the Occupied West Bank.
There they say they witnessed devastating examples of oppression and ethnic cleansing of neighbourhoods and villages.
“Things that humans put other humans through simply isn’t right. I don’t remember being given the right to decide who is pure and who isn’t, or who should live and die,” said Mr Griffiths.
The pair are now back in New Zealand and taking the story of their travels around the country in a bid to inform people further about the Israeli peace activists who want the world to hear a different version of the suffering.
The Griffiths’ presentation will highlight the recent unity agreement between Fatah and Hamas, as well as overwhelming United Nations support for creating a Palestinian state.
“A cry from the heart. A plea from Palestine” will point out connections that already exist between New Zealand and the West Bank and Gaza.
It will also make suggestions of ways in which New Zealand could play a role in offering further assistance.
“Lots of people think that living so far away is a good reason to turn a blind eye, but there’s so much even we can do to help,” said Mr Griffiths.
For more information or to stay in touch with Palestine related issues email organiser Dan Morgan at office@kiaoragaza.net or visit www.kiaoragaza.net.
The Griffiths will talk about their experience on Tuesday June 28 at Wintec. Free admission, Room A1.04, enter gate 5 on Tristram St.
