Thousands gathered in central Auckland on Saturday 13 September to call on the Luxon government to impose sanctions on Israel. Greenpeace Aotearoa and many other organisations supported the March for Humanity which was organised by Aotearoa for Palestine. We asked members of the Greenpeace family why they went to the rally.
Jo Douglas attended the March for Humanity not only to show support for the Palestinian people, but to demand that the New Zealand government take a stronger stance against Israel.
“There needs to be immediate diplomatic and economic sanctions on Israel, as well as an unconditional ceasefire and an end to the blockade of Gaza. It is unfathomable and unconscionable that this is still being allowed to happen. I wanted to add my voice to the growing chorus of New Zealanders who are horrified by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Seeing tens of thousands of people united for this cause was powerful and emotional.
“I found myself welling up with tears at the sight of so many people walking together, waving their flags and placards and chanting loudly with one voice. It reinforced my belief that public pressure is crucial for holding governments accountable. It can feel so helpless watching the destruction of the Gaza Strip and the deliberate genocide of its people, so being a part of this march was an important way for me to actively express my solidarity and advocate for a just resolution to the conflict.”
Jasmine Crawford wanted to bring about change.
“I attended the March for Humanity in hope of creating change, and to add my voice to the thousands calling for a ceasefire and for the NZ government to sanction Israel for its war crimes. I marched because I can’t stand to see another child die from bombs or starvation. To march with thousands of people feeling the same way and standing up – helped restore my faith in humanity and made me feel a little less helpless. Future generations will learn about this one day and ask why more wasn’t done to stop it – I hope the thousands of voices marching is the beginning of that.”
Russel Norman said he felt proud to march along with other Aucklanders.
“I marched with tens of thousands of other Aucklanders calling out the barbaric genocide that the Israeli government is conducting in Gaza. It is imperative that we keep expressing our humanity, that we never grow numb to suffering and genocide. I felt proud that people in this amazing superdiverse harbour city of ours came out onto the streets to express our love for our fellow humans on the other side of planet earth.”
Juliane Thern said the March for Humanity brought her hope.
“Hearing 1000s of voices echoing down Queens Street, calling for ceasefire, for sanctions and to free, free Palestine brought me hope. Reading the many messages demanding action brought me hope; some scribbled on the back of a cardboard box, some carefully painted or sewn. Being welcomed by a sea of Palestinian flags when entering Victoria Park brought me hope. More protestors still flowing into the park 30 minutes after we had already arrived brought me hope. The respectfulness, the passion and compassion shown by everyone gave me hope.
“If you are also sometimes overcome by a sense of powerlessness and hopelessness, or even if you are not, I encourage you to join us in the streets. Coming together to make your voice heard, to demand change and courage by those who have the power to put an end to the violence and injustice is something that you won’t regret. I will be back and I hope to see you there!”
Join the call for sanctions on Israel over Gaza genocide.
Take Action
