Springtime greetings
and Happy Jewish New Year!

Thanks to all who were able to join us for our inaugural public meeting in Rotorua, the theme of which was ‘‘Why Israel’, ‘Why an Indigenous Coalition?’ It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and meet new friends. Your support means a lot to us. The first of the videos of the night is available for viewing in shortened form and in full. 

Brad Haami gave a presentation on the significance of the olive tree. He also discussed the way in which Māori in the nineteenth century were impacted by the Jewish story. An identification with the Israelites of the Old Testament inspired the growth of Māori prophetic movements, Brad explained. Māori, in a sense, grafted themselves onto that story by embedding biblical names in their whanau and on their land. In addition, Māori/Jewish relationships were developed.

We will publish further videos from the Rotorua event in the coming weeks. In the meantime, watch our website and Facebook for updates. 

While in Rotorua we held a plaque blessing ceremony for the olive tree gifted by Israeli Ambassador, H.E. Ran Yaakoby at the end of 2021, when in a historic first, he was welcomed by Te Arawa on to the prestigious ‘Tama-te-Kapua’ meeting house. 

We were also invited to join Ambassador Yaakoby in a hui with members of the Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa tribe, whose traditional territory lies between Lakes Taupo and Rotorua. 

As part of a tour of the geothermal power plants in the region using Israeli technology,  Ambassador Ran reached out to meet the local Iwi. A sharing of whakapapa, stories and gifts cemented the establishment of a new relationship between Iwi and Israel. It was a rich time of connection, which culminated in a vigorous jet boat tour of the awa. 

ICFI WELCOMES
EMERITUS PROFESSOR DOV BING

We are delighted to announce that Professor Dov Bing will join the Indigenous Coalition for Israel as part of a Jewish Advisory. Professor Bing brings a deep understanding of Te Ao Māori, as well as a wealth of experience and knowledge of his own people and heritage. Dov is child Holocaust survivor and has been active in fighting antisemitism and Holocaust denial.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Australia

We stand with our Indigenous partners in Australia, Norman & Barbara Miller, leaders of the Indigenous Friends of Israel, who have expressed their disappointment in their government's decision to reverse its decision to recognise West Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel.

Read their press release here. 

Canada

Using Education to Destroy:
Residential Schools in North America and the Tsarist Empire

We’re pleased to co-sponsor this upcoming webinar hosted by the Canadian Institute for Jewish Research featuring Indigenous activist Ryan Bellerose and Professor Ira Robinson.

“Jews and North American aboriginals share many common experiences as victims of more powerful societies.  Whereas the evils associated with residential schools are well-known, the same cannot be said about Tsarist Russia's attempts to destroy Jewish lives and identity over its 300-year history.”

7 November 1pm (NZ Time)

YouTube Live link for the event. Read more

We’re excited about future developments for the Coalition as we seek to grow a movement of indigenous support for Israel locally and internationally.

As Hon Alfred Ngaro said at our inaugural event, ‘What we need to do is ensure two sides of the story are being told. We also want to help grow the relationship with Israel. We not only want to be grafted to the olive tree, we want to see growth in order to produce good fruit’. 

If you’d like us to come and speak to your community or if you’re interested in getting involved in our work, please be in touch.

ICFI is a registered charity and our work to date has been done on a voluntary basis. Please help us to grow and to cover our ongoing costs.

DONATE

Raising a collective indigenous voice in support of Israel, locally and internationally, through education and cultural engagement

AN INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN INITIATIVE