The Israel Institute of New Zealand is calling for Professor Peter Davis to step down as trustee of the Helen Clark Foundation following his recent comments dismissing the seriousness of antisemitic graffiti discovered in Wellington.

The graffiti was widely condemned by community leaders and human rights advocates. However, Davis, in a public social media post, appeared to downplay the incident or even justify it, writing “you reap what you sow“.

“At a time when Jewish communities are feeling increasingly vulnerable, this kind of response from a high-profile public figure is deeply irresponsible,” said Dr David Cumin, spokesperson for the Institute. “Antisemitism is not a political football. It is a real and rising threat that demands unequivocal condemnation.”

The call for Davis’s resignation is especially urgent given his role as a trustee of a foundation that seeks to influence public policy. The Helen Clark Foundation recently released a report on social cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand, highlighting the importance of inclusive leadership and the dangers of racial and religious scapegoating. Davis’s dismissive remarks directly contradict those values.

“You cannot claim to champion social cohesion while minimising or rationalising antisemitic hate,” the Institute said. “Social trust depends on moral consistency, especially from those in leadership. Peter Davis’s actions erode that trust.”

The Israel Institute of New Zealand is urging the Helen Clark Foundation to take a public stance against antisemitism and to reaffirm its commitment to inclusivity by appointing new leadership.

“There must be zero tolerance for hate in any form,” the statement concluded. “If the Foundation is to maintain its credibility, Professor Davis must resign.”

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