Why is New Zealand missing?
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
On the 23rd of January (World Holocaust Memorial Day), the Fifth World Holocaust Forum is being held in Israel, hosted by the President of Israel and Yad Vashem.
Invites were sent to many world leaders, including New Zealand. And leaders from 46 countries are attending including US Vice President Mike Pence; French President Emmanuel Macron; Russian President Vladimir Putin; Charles, the Prince of Wales; and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeie.
The attendees include:
- Presidents – Albania, Armenia, Austria, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, EU x 3, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, US
- Prime Ministers: Czech, Denmark, Sweden
- Governor-General: Australia, Canada
- Speakers: Belarus, Latvia, US
- Monarchs: Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, UK
- Ambassadors: Holy See
- Ministers: Monaco
Now who is missing?
Which is the (almost) sole first world country that is absent?
New Zealand. Not only did we decide not to send the Governor-General, we’re sending no-one at all. Not even a Minister or an Ambassador.
Most of the 46 other countries are sending their heads of state or head of government. We’re not sending anyone.
The Holocaust was a crime against humanity. This Government goes on and on about human rights a lot, yet has decided not to attend the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the largest ever gathering of countries to fight anti-Semitism.
Why?
We send thousands of people to hundreds of different international conferences and gatherings. But no-one for this one.