In this Instagram clip, 10-year-old shooting victim Matilda can be seen standing alongside Rabbi Eli Schlanger as he performs the ritual of Tefillin on her father, Michael. Credit: bigmonya
A march to support the Jewish community and oppose antisemitism will take place on Sunday from 3pm in central Auckland.
“This cannot become the new normal. We must draw a line in the sand.”
Flowers have been laid at a memorial for the victims of Sunday's terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.
Rogers confirmed that the march was co-hosted by the New Zealand Jewish Council and NZ Against Hamas, with both organisations officially endorsing it.
Rogers, the founder of NZ Against Hamas, will be speaking at the rally alongside Juliet Moses, president of the New Zealand Jewish Council, David Cumin and representatives from tangata whenua, including Matua Hakiaha, Sheree Trotter and Tawhiri Littlejohn.
Representatives from the Muslim community might also be present. Rogers predicted the numbers attending could be “anywhere between a few hundred and a few thousand”.
“This march is an opportunity to show our Jewish whānau they are not alone.”
A menorah will be lit during the event and, after speeches and a vigil, the rally will move down Queen St.
Rogers was keen to avoid hatred at the event, urging people not to carry signs containing profanity or expressing hatred toward any group, including Muslims.
The rally will begin in Aotea Square before moving down Queen St. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
“By attending, you are also undertaking to comply with lawful police instructions,” she said.
Police told the Herald they were aware of a planned march in central Auckland on Sunday.
“We are in ongoing contact with the organisers ahead of this event, and planning our response accordingly.”
Glynn Leggat, head of community events at Auckland Council, said the council was told about the event, but was not involved in its co-ordination.
“We also note that Auckland Council does not issue event permits for protests, as it is guaranteed under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, which gives the right to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly.”
