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Auckland Museum has apologised for lighting the museum up in support of Israel on Sunday, an act that drew dozens of pro-Palestine supporters who “blacked out” the building’s lights.
Museum chief executive David Reeves apologised in a statement where he acknowledged the depth of feeling around the issue.
“We wanted this to be an expression of hope for peace – our approach was wrong, and I personally apologise for the distress and hurt caused to members of our community,” Reeves said.
“I am carefully reviewing and reflecting on all of the feedback we have received and as a War Memorial Museum, we continue to hope for deeper understanding and a peaceful resolution to conflict.”
The Auckland War Memorial Museum was lit up with the colours of Israel's flag on Sunday evening.
Pro-Palestinian protesters “blacked out” the Auckland Museum on Sunday night in protest of the decision to light up in blue and white in solidarity with Israel.
Police were called when tensions rose between them and a group of pro-Israel protesters.
A police spokeswoman said officers were there to “maintain the peace” from about 6.30pm to 9pm, after which all protesters left. She said there were no reports of injuries.
Video of the incident showed numerous cars surrounding the museum, many with Palestinian flags. Shouting was heard.
JUST IN Auckland Museum decided to project on their building front apartheid Israel’s flag as it commits a literal genocide in Gaza,, and it got quickly surrounded by a flood of Palestine flags booing the genocidal museum 🇵🇸🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/mOXsHxLfm0
The Israel Institute of New Zealand shared on social media that pro-Palestinian supporters had allegedly “damaged lights” at the museum to prevent the showing of the Israeli colours.
Janfrie Wakim, a member of the Auckland Museum Institute, and a longtime activist for justice in Palestine, said the protesters used jackets and flags to cover the lights. She called it a “very non-violent act of defiance”.
Wakim was shocked the museum would take what she believed was “such a partisan view”.
“I have felt very outraged about it,” Wakim said.
“If they wanted to demonstrate they care for all humanity then acknowledgement, particularly of those people who have been oppressed and subjected to a military blockade, would be evident.”
Auckland Museum posted on social media on Sunday evening saying its “thoughts go out to the many civilians impacted as a result of the terrorist attack in Israel a week ago today.
“As a war memorial, we value the importance of peaceful dialogue and understanding.
“We condemn all acts of violence and terrorism. This evening the Museum is lit in blue and white in condemnation and as an expression of hope for peace.”
Apparently anti-Israel activists are driving around the Auckland Museum @aucklandmuseum waving Palestinian flags in an attempt to intimidate them out of the idea of lighting the building in blue and white to show support for the 1,300+ slaughtered Israelis and the 150+ kidnapped…
“Their actions tonight have caused deep divisions for people who are already hurting.
Rata alleged by 9pm the museum lights had been turned off, and white lights had replaced them.
“Palestine supporters subsequently covered the lights with red fabric,” Rata said.
“The museum is entrusted with many of our taonga and regularly holds exhibitions helping us to remember the horrors of wars.
“Their actions today show they have no respect for human suffering. Their actions were highly unethical.”
Last week, the Palestinian militant group Hamas sent rockets and military into Israel as part of their historical and long-standing feud. More than 1300 Israelis have been killed in the initial assault and in rocket attacks from Gaza. The overwhelming majority were civilians, the Associated Press reported.
Israel retaliated in the aftermath of the attacks. The Gaza Health Ministry says 2329 Palestinians were killed since the latest fighting erupted, making this the deadliest of the five Gaza wars for Palestinians.
