The New Zealand Jewish Council has today signed the New Zealand Harmony Accord, alongside Muslim community leaders, as a step toward strengthening understanding and addressing Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate and extremism.

The Accord, which was spearheaded by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, aims to lay a foundation for constructive interfaith dialogue and cooperation based on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.

The New Zealand Jewish Council signed the Accord on behalf of its affiliated communities: the Auckland Hebrew Congregation, the Progressive Jewish Congregation of Auckland, the Waikato Jewish Association, the Wellington Jewish Community, the Wellington Progressive Jewish Congregation, the Nelson Jewish Community, the Christchurch Hebrew Congregation, and the Southern Lakes Jewish Community.

“This Accord represents an opportunity to work together more intentionally in confronting rising hate,” said Juliet Moses, President of the New Zealand Jewish Council. “Antisemitism has significantly increased in New Zealand over the past two years, fuelled by global tensions and a concerning spread of disinformation and polarisation.”

By signing the Harmony Accord, the Jewish and Muslim communities are affirming a shared intention to engage across differences. “Islamophobia and Antisemitism stem from many of the same root causes, fear, ignorance, and the tendency to dehumanise ‘the other’,” said Moses. “We hope this Accord can be a first step toward deeper understanding and stronger relationships.”

The Accord outlines shared principles of trust, safety, education, and pluralism, and commits signatories to continued dialogue and collaborative initiatives. It also proposes the formation of a Leadership Council to help guide its implementation and offer a joint response mechanism during times of stress or division.

“We are hopeful this can be the beginning of a constructive and sustained conversation,” Moses said. “There is much work to be done, but this could be a meaningful step in the right direction.. We look forward to supporting each other, and to show that there is a better path forward, not just for our communities, but for all New Zealanders.”

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