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 tonight on social media 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.”
A man who supports Israel and the Jewish community, who asked to remain anonymous, said things got “heated” between the two groups.
The man said he was not Jewish or from Israel, but has many friends who are still missing in the country, presumably dead or kidnapped. He and about a dozen others had gone to the museum to admire the colours in support of Israel.
“So we drove up and then very quickly had people trying to rip flags off our vehicle,” he claimed.
He said the crowd was allegedly interfering with the lights that projected the Israeli flag colours.
“A number of my colleagues were quite threatened actually, as they were approached by a very large and angry crowd.”
He claimed members from the pro-Palestinian side approached him and ripped flags from his hands.
Victoria University academic Dr Arama Rata is calling on the museum to issue a formal apology to the community.
“Auckland Museum is supposed to be a welcoming place for all members of our community,” Rata said.
“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.”
Other videos of the incident on social media showed cars surrounding the museum, many of them honking their horns. Loud shouting can also be heard.
This event follows similar reactions worldwide from those supporting Palestine during the conflict, after feeling left behind by the Western world.
Last Monday in Sydney, thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters gathered on the steps of the Sydney Opera House, illuminated in blue and white to support Israel.
Candles spelling out Free Palestine were laid out, but video from the event showed protesters also burning Israeli flags and setting off flares. Some angrier protesters starting yelling “gas the Jews”.
Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong condemned the rally.
“There is no place in Australia for anti-Semitism or prejudice or hatred of any kind and we should all stand firm against the sort of anti-Semitic language that unfortunately some engaged [in] - just as we should stand firm against all prejudice,” Wong told ABC Radio.
The death toll on Sunday surpassed that of the third war between Israel and Hamas, in the summer of 2014, when 2251 Palestinians, including 1462 civilians, were killed, according to UN figures. That war lasted six weeks, and 74 people were killed on the Israeli side, including six civilians. The current war erupted a week ago when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel in a shocking surprise attack.
Palestinians struggled on Saturday to flee from areas of Gaza targeted by the Israeli military during their counter-attack while grappling with a growing water and medical supply shortage ahead of an expected land offensive a week after Hamas’ bloody, wide-ranging attack into Israel.
Israel renewed calls on social media and in leaflets dropped from the air for Gaza residents to move south, while Hamas urged people to stay in their homes. The UN and aid groups have said such a rapid exodus along with Israel’s siege of the territory would cause untold human suffering.
There has been growing unrest around the world as many countries show their support for Israel and condemn Palestine.
