Indigenous of the Nations in Solidarity with Israel and the Jewish People

“This Indigenous Embassy is exactly the 100th embassy to be opened in the State of Israel…”

Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Israel

We are thrilled to report that the 1 February launch of the Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem at Friends of Zion Museum was successful beyond our most optimistic expectations. It was announced by Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol, as the 100th embassy in Israel and, according to Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, the fifth embassy in Jerusalem.

There was a palpable energy and excitement in the room as the Indigenous groups expressed their support and gratitude to the people of Israel. The Israelis in the audience, some with tears in their eyes, warmly welcomed the love and solidarity of our peoples, which stood in such strong contrast to the opposition and hatred they had received from many parts of the world. 

One Israeli woman later commented to me that she had not felt this way, at least for ten years, perhaps in her whole life. The rather formal event took an unexpected turn as the Indigenous groups spontaneously began dancing to the music of the Solomon Brothers, and many in the audience, including leaders and politicians joined in. It was quite remarkable and a moment of true celebration. 

The Indigenous delegates included the Regent Xami Thomas, chief of the Xhosa tribe who spoke out against the actions of the South African government in taking Israel to the International Court of Justice. Dr Ate Moala brought a message from Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u of Tonga. Also in attendance were representatives from Native American and Native Canadian tribes, and of course Aotearoa New Zealand and the South Pacific. Please browse the IEJ website for videos of speeches and a gallery of images. We will be adding more content in the coming days and weeks.

Watch FoZM’s highlights video on our home page and CBN’s news report here. Hon Alfred Ngaro was unable to attend the event but addressed the meeting via a prerecorded message, also available on our homepage.

We are grateful to Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum who spearheaded the creation of Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem and to Dr Mike Evans of the Friends of Zion Museum who generously hosted the opening event.

A few days after the event many of the delegates undertook a visit to the Gaza border area - the town of Sderot, Kibbutz Mefalsim, as well as the site of the Nova massacre. It was indeed heartbreaking and deeply disturbing to hear what these communities faced as terrorists invaded their communities seeking to kill, maim and destroy. The guide at Sderot explained that telling her story was her means of recovering and healing from the trauma. She was tearful as our group expressed our love and support for her.

Mefalsim Kibbutz members told the heroic tale of how their community succeeded in fighting off the invaders. It is beyond our comprehension to understand the impact of the trauma on these communities. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people are displaced and the battle continues in the south and the north. View images of the visit.

We were pleased to travel to Jerusalem during a time of war to show our solidarity and support for Israel in her time of need, and to stand with her as the Indigenous people of the land.

The launch of Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem has generated interest throughout the world. I have had a number of requests for media interviews and I am fielding multiple enquiries from various representatives of Indigenous people-groups enthusiastic to support IEJ. 

We are at the early stages of planning for a major event in Jerusalem later in the year. 

There is much to do as we seek to build the work of Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem on a firm foundation. We invite you to follow us and to be part of this work as we fight the false narratives concerning Israel and affirm the Jewish people as indigenous to the land of Israel. Read more about IEJ goals and purposes here.

Dr Sheree Trotter
Director, Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem

PS. Since the launch I have been frequently asked, Why do so many Indigenous groups align with Hamas and the Palestinians? I have addressed this in a short article here.

OUR NEEDS

There is much to do as we set about getting Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem firmly established. It will require significant resources. Please consider helping us financially and sowing into this important initiative. IEJ/ICFI is incorporated as a charitable trust board (50078149) (NZBN: 9429049907490).

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Indigenous of the Nations in Solidarity with Israel and the Jewish People