2 November, 2007 Media Statement
Minister appalled by vandalism of Jewish graves

Ethnic Affairs Minister Chris Carter says he is appalled and disgusted by the desecration of Jewish graves and encourages anyone with information that might lead police to the perpetrators to come forward.

“The Jewish community is justly upset and angry at this mindless act of stupid vandalism, as are all right-thinking New Zealanders,” Mr Carter said.

New Zealand was a society that prided itself on tolerance, fairness and a willingness to value other cultures and communities who contributed so much to New Zealand’s way of life.

“This type of vandalism is particularly offensive when we think of events such as the Holocaust and all that the Jewish people have suffered,” Mr Carter said.

“I’m ashamed to think anyone in New Zealand would carry out such an act and urge anyone who knows who might have committed these crimes to come forward and give information to police.”

Jewish areas of other Wellington cemeteries were vandalised in 2004 and security guards were hired to protect them but it was offensive and unacceptable that any form of security should be necessary to protect grave sites of any cultural or ethnic group, the Minister said.

ENDS

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