Israel, in good faith, has had an embassy in our country for many years and it is time for New Zealand to reciprocate the goodwill. At a time when the misguided are shouting “free Palestine” and “close the Israeli Embassy in Wellington”, we can be involved in pushing that dangerous and negative rhetoric and narrative to the back by calling for the proper diplomatic representation of New Zealand within Israel itself.
Jerusalem has been deliberately kept out of the petition. It would have been attempting a bridge too far. I did get professional advice on this. I do agree that Jerusalem is the undisputed capital of the State of Israel, but to have asked for an embassy in Jerusalem at this stage would have been premature. It will be best to leave the placement of such an embassy to the diplomats on both sides to negotiate at the right time.
However, we have a big enough challenge before us convincing our Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish an embassy anywhere in Israel. Israel is the most democratic state (most akin to our values) in the Middle East.
Added to the above, I will say this on behalf of people of Faith like me:
We have no doubt that this venture is pleasing to God. I believe that if we as a nation were to establish a proper Embassy in Israel, then the God of Israel who is the God of the Holy Bible we believe in, would show favor to our nation in response. Part of that favor would probably look like innovation, technology and trade. Thank you for standing with us for such an embassy – Nigel Woodley
Timeline of the Petition:
Short videos for online promotion – September 2021
Full-page advertisements in major dailies – Sep. ’21 to Jan. ’22
Presentation of Petition to Parliament – 10 August 2022
Submission to the Select Committee – September 2022
Parliamentary procedure means that as the principle petitioner I was invited to make a submission of between two and ten pages to explain the reasons why an embassy in Israel is necessary. The submission has been submitted. It has passed the first hurdle – the Parliamentary Petitions Committee who have referred it to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee. The final role in the petition will be the Select Committee reporting back on their conclusions after having read and discussed the submission. Below is the submission:
Final Report from the Select Committee – December 2022
The Select Committee for Foreign Affairs reported back after considering the petition. They recommended that we make a direct approach to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, something that was done at the beginning of 2021. The petition was a seed that has planted, reiterated, and enforced within the minds of those in Foreign Affairs of the need for such an embassy. I am encouraged by the fact that two of the members on that Select Committee could possibly be in government this time next year and may even serve as heads of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Please continue to pray for a New Zealand embassy in Israel. The Committee’s Report follows:
14 Responses
It would be a blessing to have a New Zealand embassy established in Israel. I support Israel and trust God’s blessings upon those that follow.
God bless Israel.
God Bless the State of Israel. New Zealand must have an embassy in Israel, we are good friends with them and they have a lot to offer fo us.
I was thrilled to see the half-page advertisement in today’s Otago Daily Times publishing this petition.
It is high time we had a embassy in Israel and the right thing to do now at this very scary time in the world today
As my late husband David and I were the first married couple who served with the first group to Serve with Sar El in 1991 as volunteers . we also again in 1995 where my late husband David was one of ten David’s who met Teddy Kolick in a very special ceremony in the three thousand years of King David. We also pledged our support for Israel in a special round table meeting in 1991 to tell others the truth and have the then as now labour government recognise the importance of Israel. Having an Israeli embassy in JERUSALEM would be of great benefit for both countries and would certainly enrich our country in every way. So I humbly ask that you recognise this petition that I bring to you that you from this far end of the earth establish an embassy in JERUSALEM. yours sincerely Linda Crawford.
I think its a wise decision to have a NZ Embassy in Israel, a land of eternal destiny, and a wonderful place to visit, I was there with friends in 2008, beautiful historical nation.
I declare Aotearoa New Zealand, a nation and a people of the last hour, who will stand with Israel, fearless for righteousness in the Lord their GOD. Amen
Peace to all who thrive for love and goodwill.
We are to pray for Israel God bless Israel.
I support NZ embassy in Israel
AMEN
We stand with you♥️
We stand for Israel. Genesis 12:3 teaches us that “I will bless those who bless you.” God will bless those who bless you [Israel]. We can take a stand for Israel. Speak up for Israel. Stand up for Israel. Pray for Israel, and bless Israel. We support having a New Zealand embassy in Israel.
I fully support for a New Zealand Embassy in Israel.
God blessed Israel