The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand today became a signatory to a historic accord between the Jewish and Muslim communities of Aotearoa New Zealand – the New Zealand Harmony Accord.

The signing represents a commitment to peace, mutual respect, and the rejection of all forms of hatred and extremism. In a world increasingly marked by division and intolerance, this accord is a demonstration of our determination to keep dialogue alive — even when that dialogue is difficult.

“We owe it to our communities, and to future generations, to do the hard work of listening, understanding, and standing together against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and Islamophobia,” said Deborah Hart, Chair of the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand. “At a time of heightened tensions and a huge increase in antisemitism, we know that peaceful coexistence isn’t always easy, but it is always worth striving for”

The accord is a call to action — a commitment to engage across communities and support each other in the face of antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and bigotry.

“As an organisation founded on the lessons of the Holocaust, we know where hate can lead,” Hart continued. “Our mission has always been to educate, to remember, and to act —today is another expression of that mission in action.”

The Holocaust Centre acknowledges and thanks the New Zealand Jewish Council for its leadership in bringing this accord to life, and the Muslim community leaders who contributed to its development as well, under the aegis of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.

As ever, the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand continues to draw on the lessons of the Holocaust to challenge antisemitism and all expressions of hate, and to foster a more respectful, inclusive, and peaceful Aotearoa.

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