Key keen to build ties with Israel
New Prime Minister John Key has pledged to continue rebuilding strong ties between New Zealand and Israel.
"Israel is a country that I haven't had the opportunity to visit, but one for which I definitely have a great respect, especially in its economic growth and high-tech strength," Mr Key said in a telephone interview with Israel Radio on Tuesday.
The Mossad spy affair involving forgeries of New Zealand passports four years ago which led to a prolongued suspension of ties, "should be put behind us," Mr Key said.
"We want the relations to be on a strong foundation and a strong footing to allow us to move forward. That's my intention."
He spoke of his "historic connections" to Judaism and Israel. "I have a Jewish mother and grandmother who lived in Israel for some time and I have relatives there, whom I have not seen since my own childhood.
"Many New Zealanders have strong religious beliefs, but I do not consider myself to be overly religious. My mother was very involved with the Jewish faith and synagogue. When we came out to New Zealand I grew up without a high amount of religious instruction but I have great respect for Judaism and those who observe it," he said.
Mr Key does not speak Hebrew. "This is probably something that my mother was remiss in not teaching me. However, it's a language that I hear from time to time when I attend the odd synagogue service and on formal occasions," he said.
He told Israel Radio that he intends to pay a formal visit to Israel.
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Comments
Shalom!
When you make friends with Israel, you join a company of strong and durable friends. Phil Goff's historical hand-in-hand photo opportunity with PLO leader Yasser Arafat would never have done NZ any good.
We can expect to see that our PM's declaration of "pro-Semitism" is likely now to lead to anti-Jewish tirades and a renewed desecration of Jewish sacred sites. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem - it is both the cornerstone of world peace and the touchstone of world conflict.
I have no problem with John
I have no problem with John Key forging strong ties with Israel as long as he puts equal energy into forging strong ties with the other nations of the region. A failure to do the latter will justify accusations of pro-Semitism.
Israel/U Connection
Key needs to be very careful in dealing with Israel. Their US connection to the detriment of all other neighbouring countries will end in a worse situation than has already been. What Israel wants it usually gets ( from the USA) and continued war rhetoric from Israel and the USA in regard to Iran will set the stage for continual suffering.
Lest We Forget
We should NEVER forget the Mossad passport forgeries just as we should NEVER foget that French govt agents bombed the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbour.
Neither of these terrorist acts by foreign govts should ever be forgotten nor forgiven !!!!
Taken Out
I noted my last comment was taken out- truth to much huh?
Passport affair
Why shouldn't we move-on from what was a nothing of a crime. If we can trade with Japan and Germany, and we should, surely we can get past this one.
Iran
We trade huge amounts with Iran and many other mid-east countries. Nearly all our abbatoirs face Mecca for that reason. If you want war rhetoric to be a reason not to trade then I think Iran might be the most obvious offender.
Trade with Israel
International Christian Chamber of Commerce suport this 100%
Key disingenuous
I note that Key was careful not to go public with this support of Israel prior to the election. Had he been honest with voters with regard to support for a state currently drawing heavy criticism from the UN over the blockade of Gaza there is no doubt many would have voted differently. Ehud Olmert has recently explained that it is only time before Israel launches a fully fledged attack on Gaza, and we have to wonder whether Key is supportive not only of Israel blocking food supplies to Palestinian children and educational materials for blind children in Gaza, but of war on the Palestinian people too.
The passports affair was nothing
Helen Clark blew up the passport affair when if she cared about Israelis she would have sat tight and said nothing. The Mossad were trying to protect their citizens from terrorists for goodness sake! But no N.Z. has to blow their cover because we have an inferiority complex.
Gaza
I think if we had a bunch of nutters firing missiles over their fence into our yard, aimed at our schools (I'm talking about Hamas) we would also be trying everything we could to stop it.
There seems to be a natural urge to side with anyone who is against Israel, no matter of who did what first and what their motivations are. All too often people just ignore the real facts and take the phoney liberal route.
Meat to Iran
Ever since we started killing meat Hala that has brought the biggest curse on New Zealand meat
Key will have blood on his hands
I agree with the previous comment, nz should not allow its PM to build ties with an illegal and zionist like like Israel. I believe this is just the crust of Key's dark mind and intentions and he sure supports the destruction of innocent lives in Palestine.
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