Kiwis for Balanced Reporting on the Middle East Israel media bias dishonest reporting

Archived Feedback From January 2010

Feedback From January 2009

March 22, 2010

I am married to a Kiwi and spend February in NZ every year. I too have been shocked by the imbalance of reporting and what I believe to be blatant anti-Semitism of NZ reporters, especially the Listener. While I have written numerous letters to their Editor over the years, none of them have been published. What you are doing is essential and good. I am willing to donate money to your cause, please let me know how I can go about this. Do you have a Paypal account or some other on-line method? Absent that, I can send you a check of course, but would need a full address that I can send from overseas. If you ever need help editing an article or advertisement, I am one heck of an editor and would be willing to help. Keep up the great work!

February 28, 2010

I have to wonder,
If the allegations that Israel is continuing to use the identity and passports of other nations as they conduct their ‘foreign affairs’ for the want of a better word. Then is it any wonder that Israel continues to have such a bad reputation? I have an Australian passport, if what is alleged is true, then the actions of the Israeli government have raised the threats I may encounter should I be travelling in the middle east. Am I happy about this? You bet I'm not. How dare my own security be threatened by the unsanctioned actions of another nation.

I don't want to get into a debate about the rights or wrongs of the Israeli/Palenstenian issue. I like to consider myself open minded and prepared to listen to both sides of a story, but after the actions of Mossad in NZ in 2004, and now this latest set of allegations, I am finding my sympathy for the Isareli postion waning very quickly. Such arrogance is likely to have an equal reaction.

I look forward to hearing the ‘truth’ on your site about this sorry episode.
Regards

Response:

Dear __________
KBRM is not an linked to the Israel Embassy or to any Zionist group and its members include both Christians and Jews. Since Israel has not admitted that it was responsible for the death of Hamas terrorist Mahbouh, you are making unverified assumptions of its role and actions.

KBRM has no more information on the matter than is available through the news media. I'm afraid you misunderstand the mission of KBRM. It is not our business to criticise or defend Israel's actions; Israel, like every other nation, does some things right and some things wrong. Our mission is to correct imbalanced reporting and supply missing truths.
Yours sincerely,
_______, KBRM contact

February 3, 2010

Well done on your adverts. NZ needs the truth.
I also agree that John Minto is very antisemitic. He feeds on the acolytes that swam about him. I also find that the Green MP Keith Locke is also an enemy of Israel. We refer to him as the MP for Gaza in our home.
Please keep up the good work.
I support Israeli.

February 3, 2010

I think your little ads in the paper are just what's needed and I would like to contribute ($200 cheque enclosed). A bit of balance is just what's needed ! !

February 2, 2010

Delighted with your website, which was drawn to my notice by a niece.

Anti-Semitism is very deeply rooted. Its basis is in the Catholic Church who wish to supersede Israel as the ‘chosen people’.

Please refer to a book by James Carroll (winner of the National Book Award) who is a Catholic, ‘Constantine's Sword - The Church and the Jews’. Get past the first few philosophical, subjective chapters into the nitty gritty, and the author outlines the ongoing struggle.

There is a greater anti-semitic war coming detailed in Zechariah 14 and Joel 3, in which Jews will be deported from Jerusalem. The newly constituted EU on 1/12/09 announced that they believed Jerusalem ought to be the capital of the new Palestinian state... a few days later, they tried to make amends by mentioning Israel's name.

February 2, 2010

Hi,
I would like to say what a great work you guys do. As most sensible people do not listen to our western media, who are very against Israel, and do not report fairly on what happens. It seems alright for the western media and their propaganda machine to attack Israel and be very pro arab.
Thanks

February 1, 2010

Dear KBRM, Think of the books written and read. Think of: Mila 18, The Haj, Tower of Babel, Exodus,A Bag of Marbles, Smith's Gazelle: to mention but a few. It is clear to me as an elderly goy that to hope to over-ride the seemingly hard-wired human need to have a scape goat by a recital of the facts and an adherence to the truth is probably to hope in vain.

There are people out here who know, for instance, that the people presently called the Palestinians were not driven out of Israel by the Israelis but by the fear created by the lies, propaganda and threats visited on them by their co-religionists spear-headed by the Mufti of Jerusalem. We know that the land they lived on was mostly owned and then sold by absentee Arab landlords and that the new owners, the Israelis encouraged them to stay and work with them to re create the prosperous land that centuries of bad management had destroyed. We know that they were lured by Arab neighbours, who will not allow them citizenship,into their present role of "victims" and cannon fodder.

Some non Jewish people in New Zealand and the rest of the world, know this because after WWII there was a measure of sympathy, conjured by the Holocaust I suppose, which, for a while, levened the dough of centuries of scape goating. I doubt if there was ever a really significant number of these sympathetic people, not significant in terms of winning elections in a ‘democracy’, not significant in terms of over-turning the mindless bigotry of religions and sects built on the easy, though illogical, foundation of hating/blaming Jews (for what?...basically for often being clever and talented in a multitude of ways).

The hate is unreasoning,the greed for oil is over-whelming,the religion is mindless and evil,the numbers are big and do not encourage politicians who need their votes or businessmen and media owners who want their dollars to oppose them or to annoy then by trying to enlighten them. I know, and you must know, that neither politicians or newspapers genuinely lead they are sycophants to the masses.

I applaud your intention, I wonder a little at your faith in the power of reason, but most of all I say to Israel through you: ‘People of Israel you have mostly got it right, never give in to bullies! Don't expect reason from masses and don't trust in the goodwill of those who have invested in your downfall or in the favour of your enemies.’

I have turned away from the New Zealand Labour Party partly because of its anti-Semitism but I don't know who to vote for if anti-Semitism is the issue, certainly not NZ First.

I wish you luck and applaud your intentions but I want to remind you of what John Steinbeck said when talking of Doc Ricketts: ‘Doc still loved the truth but he Knew it was not a general love.’

There's not much I can do to help except to assure you that I personlly think that Israel is the Good Guy.

February 1, 2010

Hi.I saw the ad. in the ODT and cut it out so as not to lose it. Thank goodness for articles like this. I have thought for a while now we are fed a lot of biased propaganda. I am not Jewish or any religion actually, but I support the USA and all of their allies. Keep up the good work.

February 1, 2010

Re your ad. about the Haiti tragedy. Its odd that you use this to try to gain political points for Israel. I have'nt heard of other countries doing this. Many countries did what they could including Israel but they don't seem to broadcast LOOK AT US - WE ARE GREAT. I expect after the Gaza episode the IDF needed to try to repair their image and to prove that they can actually help people as well as killing women and children.

In any case, your statement that israel had the first field hospitals there is incorrect. Cuba has had them there for years before the earthquake helping the people.

Hopefully Israel can further polish its image by stopping expelling Palestinians from their homes, and stop building walls and fences. its strange that these barriers to divide people are being erected. Has nobody told Netanyahu that they were an abject failure in East Germany and Apartheid South Africa, two countries that he no doubt admires.

Its obvious that Palestine will be free (witness Kosovo) so why not right now. Don't class this letter as anti-semitic because it criticises Israel's government. I admire many Israelis who oppose the government at great personal cost.
Yours.

Response:

You are entitled to your views. we are entitled to diagree.
The reason this advertisement was placed was because the print media in New Zealand while reporting on the relief activities in Haiti covered most of the other countries doing good work.
The conspicuous exception in their coverage was Israel's effort. Even some the Arab media covered the high quality of the Israeli field hospital and its rapid response to disaster. Israel is a 16 hours flight away, To get a ‘Rolls Royce’ (CNN's words not ours) standard of field hospital operational within 48 hours of the disaster was by any reckoning a feat worthy of being reported.

KBRM seeks to present facts that are consistently ignored or distorted in the NZ media so the NZ public can make an informed judgement of what is really happening in the Middle East. Presenting facts that do not get heard through the NZ media about the Middle East is not propaganda. If you have any issue with any of the facts presented in any of our advertisements, please feel free to inform us and we will make the necessary corrections. Your claim with regard to Cuban mergency field hospitals will be investigated. But in any event, from my own knowledge of the Cuban health system it is unlikely any of them are as well equipped as the Israeli one was.

You misunderstood the ad. It was not placed, or in any way sanctioned, by Israel or the IDF. It was placed by KBRM because the media here is filled with stories criticising Israel, while this story was pretty much unreported. It's part of what we call the "missing truth". You also misunderstood the reference to Israel's field hospital. We were not referring to long-standing hospitals, we were referring to field hospitals put up specifically to treat earthquake victims.

Finally, it is not at all strange that Israel has erected walls and fences. Many countries have done that for security purposes. What is strange is that only Israel is criticised for it. One thing for sure: if the Palestinians were to stop their attacks on Israelis, the walls would come down.

February 1, 2010

What's new, the Israelis are never mentioned when international disasters strike yet more often than not they are first on the scene and with the latest equipment and the best trained soldiers who usually do better than the other nations, but never mentioned in the news media or given credit for what they have done.
This is disgusting that the news media chose to ignore the good work that they do, and make a big fuss of the other nations. One day all these people will be called to account for what have and have not done. It is all the Lord's hands.

January 31, 2010

Hi there,
I have some jewish ancestors, and have personally had issues when young because of it [racism/violence etc ].
So I support the right of a Jewish state to exist.
What I cannot see, no way can I see, is how ‘settlements’ on Palestinian land, can in any possible interpretation, be fair, legal or even common sense. I speak only of the ‘new’ settlements since Isreal had its borders pretty well delineated. This is the ONE thing that the worlds press put fairly as ‘wrong’ and which I see no justification for. IF there were no ‘new settlements’, the world would look more fairly on Isreal, and Isreal could stand tall and say ‘we did the RIGHT thing’.
You will probably think I am some kind of ‘anti’ type, but that is not the case. Those settlements are the biggest sign that Isreal is just as agressive as any of the parties involved in a sad wasteful and possibly unresolvable conflict.
Regards

Response:

I fully understand your point about the settlements, but it is not KBRM's business to defend or condemn them. We are concerned with truth and balance in reporting. But please remember that the legality of the settlements has been defended, and that there are 1.5 million Arabs living mostly in Arab villages within Israel. The settlements will surely be torn down as needed if and when a peace is achieved and boundaries are drawn. In the meantime they're not hurting anyone, despite all the complaining. Bombs hurt people.

January 31, 2010

Good day,
I would like to receive any information that may be available on up coming publications. Also, anything on the reactions to your articles from other Kiwis would be very interesting.
Keep up the fight against bias and the quest for truth.

January 31, 2010

you disgust me

This three-word letter, written in response to an advert that contained facts and reasoned points, contains no overt anti-Semitism. However the hate and bigotry expressed in those three words is evident.

January 31, 2010

I have just read your paid ad in the Herald on Sunday newspaper (31 Jan 10). I am unsure how, perhaps TV3news, but I was well aware Israel were first on the scene in Haiti. And this was no surprise to me! As a Gentile Israelite (most of my family are unaware we are Israelites), and 5th generation Kiwi I would not expect anything different. The cross of Justice and Righteousness is ingrained in us, along with Gods laws in our blood therefore it would be completely normal for any Israelites to step into immediate action if needed. Shiploads of stubborn, adventurous, righteous, pioneering Israelites immigrated to New Zealand from England, later becoming Kiwis, and don't even know they are Israelites. No-one really does until you read the bible and can understand God completely (unlike most non-Israelite Christians whom I am sure cannot even read, let alone understand the Bible, God and His laws!!!). Anyway keep up your hard work, and keep in mind one day all injustices will be sorted, no matter who is on either side, as God hates unbalanced scales!

January 30, 2010

I find your advertisement regarding Israeli aid to Haiti hypocritical to say the least Do you imagine it will make people forget and forgive the ghastly crimes committed against the people of Gaza last January. Fat chance! Despite being fond guilty of crimes against humanity by an independent judge, no compensation has been paid to the people of Gaza to help them to try and rebuild their lives and homes. Obviously Israeli aid is only done for publicity purposes.

Response:

Thank you for your letter. Your statement that Israel's aid to Haiti was done for publicity purposes reveals more about your own prejudices than anything else.
As for Gaza, Israel was not found guilty of crimes against humanity by an independent judge. Judge Goldstone's report contained only allegations, with a request that both Israel and Hamas investigate them and report by 5 February. Israel is doing so. Hamas has refused, except to issue a blanket denial.
Civilian casualties are hard to avoid when fighting an enemy that operates within civilian areas. Yet the civilian casualty ratio in Gaza (30%) was lower than the Allies achieved in WWII. Despite continuing attacks launched from Gaza, Israel continues to provide humanitarian supplies and medical care to Gazans, and more aid will surely be permitted if Gaza stops attacking Israel.
Yours sincerely,...

January 30, 2010

To whom it may concern,
The paid advertisments coming from kbrm are narrowly focused on positive stories and do not reflect the negative aspects of Israels footprint on the Middlle East.
On nuclear arsenal of Israel; all of Europe is within striking distance and are threatened with mutually assured destruction.
On Israels response to Haiti; a selective humanitarian aid program for publicity purposes that begs the question why the inhumane genocidal siege of Palestine??
Balanced reporting does not mean promoting only positive stories. More accurately kbrm appears to be a Re-balancing effort to counter the truth of Israels negative actions that are frequently appearing in the media.

Response:

Dear...,
You misunderstand the purpose of the group. ‘The negative aspects of Israel's footprint on the Middle East’ (your words not mine) are amply reported, indeed over-reported with every allegation reported with little or no investigation into its accuracy or truth, by the NZ media. The Arab media and local Arab journalists working for the international rely on this to accuse Israel. Groups such as Hamas and Hizbollah do not allow any journalist to be dispassionate and unbiased when they visit areas under their control.
KBRM exists to give the other side of the story, the one the NZ media ignores because it relies on partisan reporting from the likes of Robert Fisk and Gwynne Dyer. If our media were doing its job properly, we would not exist. We aim to fill in the holes so that New Zealanders at least have a chance to make up their own minds.
KBRM seeks to present facts that are consistently ignored or distorted in the NZ media so the NZ public can make an informed judgement of what is really happening in the Middle East. Presenting facts that do not get heard through the NZ media about the Middle East is not propaganda. If you have any issue with any of the facts presented in any of our advertisements, please feel free to inform us and we will make the necessary corrections.
Yours sincerely,...

January 30, 2010

Hi there,
I noticed your ad in the DomPost today explaining how much great work was being done by Israel in Haiti compared to other Arab countries.
In the top right hand corner the word “Advertisement” should be replaced by “Propaganda”!
Rather than wasting money on such folly why don't you put your money where you mouth is and use the money that you have put into advertising towards the relief effort in Haiti. That would be money better spend.
Sincerely,

Response:

Dear...,
KBRM seeks to present facts that are consistently ignored or distorted in the NZ media so the NZ public can make an informed judgement of what is really happening in the Middle East. Presenting facts that do not get heard through the NZ media about the Middle East is not propaganda. If you have any issue with any of the facts presented in any of our advertisements, please feel free to inform us and we will make the necessary corrections.
Yours sincerely,

January 29, 2010

Dear KBRM I find the advert in this morning's NZ Herald distasteful. How can serious, mature people use the human tragedy of Haiti for point scoring on and enemy. I realize that the situation in the middle east is very complicated but this kind of school child response really makes one think how about some compassion for the civilians in Gaza?

Response:

You are entitled to your opinion. However, it was noticeable that while the NZ Herald highlighted the relief efforts of other countries it ignored the efforts of Israel even after they had received considerable publicity on the international media including channels not normally given to praising her. It is hard to believe this was accidental on the part of the NZ Herald.

You mistake the purpose of KBRM. KBRM seeks to present facts that are consistently ignored or distorted in the NZ media so the NZ public can make an informed judgement of what is really happening in the Middle East. Presenting facts that do not get heard through the NZ media about the Middle East is not point scoring.

Furthermore, we are New Zealanders and this country is not at war with Gaza so your reference to 'enemy' is somewhat misplaced and says more about your attitude than ours.

Gazans elected Hamas, a group dedicated to achieving its aims through terror to lead them. The West Bank elected the PA and is thriving. The vast difference between the lives of Gazans and Palestinians in the West Bank is evidence of where the responsibility for the tragedy of Gaza lies.

January 29, 2010

Hi there,
I think the Israeli response to disaster is impressive. Yes, very good. I love to see those sniffer dogs finding bodies under the rubble on TV. Please do not make the mistake that others are not helping because they do not chose to spend money on advertisements telling the story of how great they are.
Saudi Arabia spends 5% of its GNP on Aid, that is a lot more than any other country on earth. I was working in a hospital in Riyard during the war in Yugoslavia and we worked extra duties as so many of our doctors and nurses were being taken away to help there. The Saudis were filling huge transport planes with medical supplies and equipment as fast as they possibly could and sending the planes off as soon as they were full. At the same time I read in one of the English Newspapers that the Saudis were doing nothing.
It is not appropriate in Saudi culture to draw attention to good deeds one is doing. Saudis are the most generous people I have ever met in my life. This is not to knock Jewish people who are generous as well. Just to point out that the Saudis do not draw attention to their giving so it might seem to the ignorant that they do not give at all but I would like you to realise that they GIVE and GIVE.
If your society wants to impress me. What about restoring the sewerage system in Gaza destroyed in the recent fighting there. Children in Gaza swim in the sea and get diseases. That would be a good project for you to get involved in wouldn't it ?
yours sincerely,

Response:

Thank you for your response and for pointing out that Saudis have an impressive aid record. However, the example you gave was of aid to the Muslim population in the former Yugoslavian territories.
Also Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the world. Its generosity to fellow Muslims is well known. The vast majority of its aid goes to Muslim countries, or to support Muslims in countries where they are a minority. Saudi money builds mosques and supports Islamic education and terrorist activity around the world.
You mistake the purpose of KBRM. The group is not a lobby group nor a fund raiser. KBRM seeks to present facts that are consistently ignored or distorted in the NZ media so the NZ public can make an informed judgement of what is really happening in the Middle East.
Its advertisements are paid for by members and by readers donating to help further publication
If Hamas would stop attacking Israel and refusing to accept Israel's right to exist as a Jewish country then it would be easy to fix the sewage system. Indeed Hamas could fix it now if they chose. Instead they choose to buy and build weapons.
Incidentally, you may not be aware that most Israeli General Hospitals have Arab doctors and nurses being trained and doing their internships. Some of the Arab doctors even come from Gaza. Israeli hospitals treat sick and wounded Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank.
Yours sincerely...

January 29, 2010

I am a basic supporter of what you are trying to achieve.
One suggestion is to explain to those anti Israeli people that many hundreds of thousands of Jews were expelled from Arab and Muslim countries during the 1940s and 1950s after Israel was established.
They were told to just go and no compensation. I suppose they should be grateful that they were not physically harmed.
Keep up the good work.

January 29, 2010

This message is in response to your advertisement today in the NZ Herald.
I was so very pleased to see that even your organization exists in NZ.
Having stated the facts that you mentioned in the article about the Israeli response to the emergency in Haiti to many of my friends and colleagues it usually falls on deaf or ambivalent ears.
Who but the Israelis are in a better position to show the world how to respond when you are surrounded by enemies who want to crush you just because of who you are.
Keep up the good work and fight to the end for your cause and rights as citizens of the world. I totally applaud the men and women and the government who sent them in response to the emergency.
You did not look at color, religion, or any other excuse not to help.
God Bless

January 29, 2010

It amazes me that no one seems to care or take note of the differences between the randomly aimed rockets fired over the border into civilian areas in Israel as apposed to the target selection of the Israel's.
REGARDS

January 28, 2010

Hi there,
Just a note of support to you all. Good for you guys making some news available to the average Kiwi newspaper reader.
I also have written to the papers but seldom get printed in the 'Chch Press Letters' column, maybe mine are to obnoxious and/or offensive to them or the Editor.

January 28, 2010

Thank you for your important work. ($100 cheque enclosed.)

January 27, 2010

Congratulations on what you are doing.
I have for many years, because I read a lot of history, been fascinated by how in Europe the stories re the Jewish people keep coming up.

Such that I have read, and continue to read, articles etc from both sides of the ongoing opinions, ie, who is right , who is wrong.

I also read via the Internet, newspapers from Israel.
I completely agree with the theme of what I read in your Feedback letters, we basically are fed, via the media, a very biased view.

I still can't find out though, why so many people hate the Jewish race ??
For what it is worth

January 25, 2010

Many years ago I noticed that the main stream media always took a lopsided approach when reporting on matters in the Mid East. It was so onesided that I became suspicious. In the end I started to search out the truth for myself via the internet. Israel was and still is made out to be the villan. What I found was Israel is surrounded by fanatics, who only know how to hate and play victim. In fact, I'm amazed at Israel's restraint. I cant think of any other nation in the world that has ever displayed such a level of restraint when faced with such violence and terror.

You should be very proud of your nation and people. Thank you for the advertistments in the newspaper.

January 24, 2010

Please, give up your campaign now, or at least find someone with some intelligence to write your propaganda for you. Do you honestly think that informed people rely only on newspapers? The evidence for the illegal actions of Israel and the United States is overwhelming. The policies of the Zionist Israeli government are not sustainable, and there is no possibility that it will be successful in the long term. Kiwis for Balanced Reporting (ha!) seems to think that you have to counter so-called newspaper antil-Israel bias with yet more bias. That might succeed in creating confusion if your content wasn't so pathetic.

You cannot hope to sway the New Zealand people with your nonsense. Israel's actions have ensured that Zionism will forever be despised in this country, and in every other country of the world except for the United States, who will eventually succumb to world opinion as well.

Most people are not yet aware that Zionism is considered a heresy and that no Israeli state will ever be legitimate in the eyes of a great number of Jewish people. It is sad that we can't turn back the clock to the time when Jews, Christians and Muslims lived peacefully in Palestine.

Please give up your futile efforts now and do something worthwhile towards a lasting peace in the Middle East.

Response:

Dear -----------,
KBRM seeks to present facts that are consistently ignored or distorted in the NZ media so the NZ public can make an informed judgement of what is really happening in the Middle East. Presenting facts that do not get heard through the NZ media about the Middle East is not propaganda. If you let us know which of the facts presented in any of our advertisements are inaccurate, please inform us so that we can make the necessary corrections.

January 23, 2010

David's Comment: Israel is Being Disproportionate Again!
Psalm 121:4 He who watches over Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps

Many countries and world leaders as well as the media have accused Israel of responding disproportionately to aggression from Hizbollah in Lebanon and more recently Hamas in Gaza. True in the Lebanon war of 2006, 150 Israelis died and moire than 1500 in Lebanon died. That does seem disproportionate until these facts are considered .....

a third of the Israelis killed were civilians
Hizbollah fired more than 4000 rockets into northern Israel — one rocket killed 9 men in a train repair workshop and another killed 12 soldiers sitting in a filed waiting to be deployed. So lets say each rocket had the potential to kill on average 10 people — thats a potential death toll of 40,000, but the number was only 150. Now thats what I call disproportionate!
Israel was forced to go to war in Gaza due to the fact that 10,000 rockets were fired from Gaza into Southern Israel over 7 years. Again the death and injury count was disproportionately low, as near,y every rocket missed its mark.

What is even enormously more disproportionate is the size and power of the God of Israel, compared to anything or any other being in the Universe. And He who watches over Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. That is why 90% plus of the rockets missed their targets. Sadly much of the secular media seem to be on a personal vendetta against God, Bible believing Christians and Israel.

It is time that the world press and media speak of another disproportionate response from Israel. The terrible disastrous earthquake in Haiti has generated responses from many nations. The US has sent supplies and personnel, Britain sent 64 firemen and 8 volunteers, France sent troops for Search and Rescue. Many large and wealthy nations of the world sent money. It is being reported that the Arab and Moslem world have sent nothing.

In a totally disproportionate effort, Israel, a tiny nation of only 7.5 million people has sent a team of 220 people that include medical personnel who have established the largest field hospital in Haiti, treating up to 5000 people a day.. Nearly 100 Haitian children are currently being cared for at the Israeli facility, most of them in serious condition. One baby has been delivered so far by Israeli midwives. Israel also sent an experienced Search and Rescue team and two jumbo jets full of medical supplies. As in previous earthquake disasters, such as in Gujarat India in 2001 and in Turke , in the bombings in Kenya , Israel has been one of the most generous givers of aid and assistance. (Turkey seems to have forgotten this help as its extreme Moslem Government is cozying up to Iran) Judge Goldstone, where are you now? You should be eating your heart out and hanging your head down in shame. The favorite occupation for the last 43 years in the UN is Israel bashing. More resolutions have been passed condemning Israel than all the so called democratic nations such as Sudan, China , Russia and others for their crimes against their minorities. But when it comes to acknowledging Israel's many positive attributes, the silence is deafening. Where are all of the usually very vocal pro-Muslim anti-Israel protesters now? Obviously they are only interested in venting their anti-Semitic hatred at every opportunity and are not interested in fairness and truth.

I think it is time that the world should know about Israel 's disproportionate response. Please forward this to as many people as you can.

The Lord bless you as you bless Israel by standing in defense of her right to exist on the land given to the Jewish people by the God of Israel. Lets pray that Israel will turn back to their God. Do not be silent, but share this with your fellow Christians, share it with your pastors, and with anyone you have a chance to speak to. Lets also pray for that breakthrough to the Muslims, and please remember to pray for all of the soldiers in the IDF -they are defending and fighting for the Kingdom of God.

Shabbat Shalom

January 21, 2010

I was appalled to see the advertisement that you had to place in the Herald but not surprised. This is par for the course here in NZ where I have found many little doses of anti-Israel sentiment abounding in the press since immigrating in 2000. However I was not aware of the existence of KBRM and would welcome the opportunity to assist your endeavours.

I shall be posting a small donation to your postal address.

The only sensible thing that the NZH has done in the last few years is to dismiss Evans the cartoonist for his blatant anti-semitism. It was long overdue and he also angered many members of the National Party with his depiction of Don Brash before the 2005 election wearing KKK regalia.

I shall be writing to the newspaper (I am a subscriber mainly for the business section) to complain about their obvious bias. It will no doubt not be published. It will not be heeded either until some radical attack on their bias is launched. Not impossible.

What is needed however is a movement that can track subscribers to the newspaper and pursuade them not to renew their subscriptions. Given that most newspaper subscribers are probably in business and generally conservative a 10 or 20% drop in subscriptions would certainly attract the attention of the proprietors and advertising rates could well come under pressure. I often resent having to pay for the garbage spewed by Rudman, Barnett, Misa and the likes of Fisk and Dyer. The problem with the NZH is that they probably have to use the group garbage because it lowers the cost of journalism at the expense of originality. Your site needs to be read more and have more exposure. I will be passing the link to at least 100 people on my address list. We are in troubled times when the likes of the NZH are allowed to trample so freely and arrogantly over a hard-won democracy.

Since composing this email the NZH has now blown the cover of a heroic national serviceman to the extent that any crazy muslim can enter NZ and assassinate his family. An opportunity has arrived to bring the NZH under control so that it reflects the opinions of the average Kiwi rather than a self-appointed eclectic few liberals who are so off course as to be embarrassing to the country. I would hate to see it wasted. How about a ‘dump the Herald ’ campaign. Maybe lots of support out there.

As an ex-South African I was domiciled in the country when a prominent Johannesburg newspaper folded owing to falling circulation because the reading public, even those sympathetic to the ANC cause, found the anti-SA government propaganda (and the many downright lies) that it published too much to accept. Advertising declined and it was closed down. NZ desperately needs a quality newspaper and it could happen if enough will is put to work.

I am not Jewish but owe many a debt to Jewish businessmen who have helped me along the way both socially and commercially. The press and the anti-Israel brigade suffer purely from envy politics and who have little ability to understand that the world does not owe one a living if you stay in bed expecting other people to provide blankets, medical aid and food.

Wake up time, especially here in NZ.

January 21, 2010

Was just browsing through the paper today, and saw a paid for ad mentioning Israel, and thought it was the usual crap for the other side LOL until I actually read through and saw that it was a pro article, with the all the facts I know (I read a LOT of blogs about the situation) but it was nice to see the ad in the world section.

Unfortunately as you know, people only read what reinforces their own preexisting opinions and the left especially deny or ignore logic and facts so at the end if the day you are just screming into the wind — however I just wanted to shoot off an email to say that I appreciate the screaming anyway : )

PS lucky I was not in Auckland when that crazy NZ lefty and his bands of wingnuts were protesting the Israeli tennis chick, I would have so gone down there and given them a serve in return!!!
Cheers

January 20, 2010

Your advert in the Herald gives the lie to the name of your organisation. It is typical black Israeli propaganda which may convince the Americans but is fortunately ignored by many other countries.

Do you really ask us to accept the word of the Israeli Army rather than that of a highly distinguished Judge appointed by the UN?

If you believe in balanced reporting, at least have the grace to accept that the Israeli Army is not blameless and that the blockade causes genuine suffering in Gaza.

Response:

Dear -----------,
Thank you for writing. KBRM does not ask anyone to “accept” anything. We present truths that are missing from most news reports, so Kiwis can have the whole picture and make up their own minds. If you see any inaccuracies in our advertisement, please cite them specifically and they will be corrected. The fact that you take these truths as “propaganda” says more about you than it does about us.

As to the UN report, you have misunderstood its nature. It is not based onthe word of a “highly distinguished judge”. It is based only on accusations, and accusations need to be investigated. We reported the results of Israel's investigation, along with evidence as to Israel's credibility. You can accept this or not, as you choose.

KBRM has never said the Israeli army is blameless. In our advertisement, we reported that six of the accusations in the UN report had a valid basis. Nor have we denied that the blockade, which is aimed primarily at military supplies, causes some suffering. It is our hope, as it is presumably your hope, that Gaza will cease its attacks and its goal of destroying Israel so that the blockade can end.
Sincerely,

January 20, 2010

Dear people at KBRM. Top stuff, good work, stay on it.

The answers are in our face, scales are in front of many eyes, it is frustrating and HUGELY irritating when truth is so obvious yet multitudes walk blindfolded in the grip of a grand delusion, Israel, the apple of Gods eye, is still enduring that which was spoken over it but the almighty, having been patient, having had compassion even on his enemies until the full number of gentiles come in...( no, I don't know that figure..sorry)... then his good and faithful servants, and those who stood up against her enemies and spoke out on Israel's behalf (that's you guys!!) will see Israe! FIRST, be brought yet further to it"s knees to the point of almost utter destruction...BUT at that hour......hang on to your hats!!

History is about to be ......fulfilled.

NEVER AGAIN ..shall my people be dispersed. NEVER AGAIN. I will gather them, as a hen gathers its brood. (that's happening) They shall be my people and I shall be their God

God said that...his people echo it,
Fools ignore it...
What word could describe those who disbelieve, and go so far as to kill to prevent it...
I Dunno.
Firewood maybe
BRING IT ON.
GO ISRAEL.

January 20, 2010

I didn't know about this organisation until yesterday when I saw your article in the Herald. Well done - succinctly put. Hope your Bigotry Box doesn't get you discouraged! There must be a genetic link between antisemitism and bad spelling!

I used to write for a church public questions committee years ago and one of the topics I could never get agreement on was Israel — we had antisemitism in our church. I think you made the right decision to focus only on Israel/Jews. It is the bullseye of ethical situations and I believe the person who blesses Jews by supporting them is in turn blessed by our heavenly Father — it is wisdom. Keep up the good work.
Blessings

January 20, 2010

Hi all, I am now completely and happily nontheist, (at 66 yoa) but as I see it, religion is causing yet more strife and suffering. Islam appears to me to be a political entity — more so than a religion. Sure, it has the obligatory ‘holy ’ book, it has a ‘god ’ and 72 (?) virgins waiting in the ‘after-life ’, but these appear to me to be just sweeteners to aid the poltical process, which is to annihilate Israel. I fear another holocaust is mooted — so who can expect a lack of re-action on Israels part? (Interesting that the meaning of the word ‘Jihad ’ is the same as the meaning of ‘Mein Kamph ’) The WW2 Nazis only had Hitler and his ‘beliefs ’, but the Islamic fundamentalist faction has ‘god ’ and the resulting stuff that that brings!
But Cheers anyway.

January 19, 2010

I agree that mainstream media provides a generally anti-Israeli view of the conflict, often filled with many innaccuracies (as most news articles are). It seems unfortunate to me that ‘kiwis for balanced reporting ’ does the absolute reverse, vilifying Palestine and glorifying Israel. While I can see that you feel that this when combined with mainstream media ‘fills the gaps ’, (which i agree mainstream media has) it leaves your website with a very strong anti Arab feel. No crime by an Israeli ever seems to be mentioned while much time is devoted to Palestinian Arab wrongdoing. It does not seem to me that this in anyway in ‘balanced reporting ’. To me balanced reporting would imply that equal time is spent on the rights and wrongs of both sides. As far as i can tell BOTH Palestine and Israel have far from exemplary records.

By promoting a more even sided website i believe there is far greater potential for exposure of the truth. I agree that much of what you say on your website is true but I can understand how newspapers would not print your articles as with a quick read your website is stunningly one sided. It can quite easily fall into the catagory of ‘just another pro-Israeli website ’.

So what is KBRM? you claim balanced reporting but as I have explained as far as i can tell it is hardly ‘balanced ’. I honestly believe that the best way to try to change the mainstream anti-Israeli view is to present BOTH sides honestly and openly. By only promoting Israel (albeit with good intentions) you shoot yourself in the foot. You open the door to being accused of being biased and racist. I see your view that you are presenting the ‘other side ’ that is often neglected (and therefore balancing it out) but by presenting only this side you look as bad as the mainstream media!

Just one person in search ‘balanced reporting ’

Response:

Dear -----------,
KBRM sees its role is to present facts that are consistently ignored or distorted in the NZ media so that the NZ public can make an informed judgement of what is really happening in the Middle East. Presenting facts that do not get heard through the NZ media about the Middle East is not propaganda. We do our best not to use emotive and inflamatory language and stick to stating facts.

If you have any issue with any of the facts presented in any of our advertisements, please inform us and we will make the necessary corrections if ours are found to be incorrect.

We do not seek to vilify the Palestinians and only report their actions and statements to explain why Israel took the action it did in any specific instance.

The Palestinian side of the story is generally the only side that is dealt with in any depth and detail in the NZ media and any media attempt at balance by giving an Israeli perspective is generally skimpy, perfunctory, omitting key information that gives a proper and balanced understanding .

It is not an accident that the NZ Herald's principal overseas Middle East experts are Robert Fisk and Gwynne Dyer, neither of whom could be called neutral observers of the Middle East and its geopolitics.

Yours sincerely,
__________, KBRM contact

The following letter has been edited:

January 20, 2010

I was pleasantly surprised to read your article/advertisement in the Dominion Post (16/01/10). You should leave no stone unturned to get your message across and into the publics' faces...
I don't have money to support you but will support you in your efforts to promote and defend the truth. I am from an ethnic minority myself and have first hand experience of the negative propaganda facing the Jews internationally and Israel at large. And that over an extended period of time. Relentless!
Israel, essentially, is a minority in the Middle East. Israel is ‘different ’ to the majority in the Middle East. And anything that is not a Muslim is considered to be ‘infidels ’ who should be eliminated. I think they call it a Jihad or wholly war. Which brings the rest of the civilised world into the equation and more in particular the US, the UK and Western Europe.
It's about time you get your ‘propaganda ’ campaign rolling. Lets take them on at their own game. The truth will always prevail.
I am also a devoted Christian and you will be in my prayers in future.

January 19, 2010

Hi there,
I have read your article that you chose to pay to publish in the NZ Herald today.
This directed me to your website and your letters page.
It is sad that Jewish people still feel that anti Semitism is alive and well today.

The actions of the despised Adolf Hitler and the people of Germany and other countries I do not understand.
The reason they did this was unknown to me, apart from blatant racism, jealousy and perhaps peer pressure mind washing? It was hatred that had no warrant, as the Jewish people that were persecuted were peace loving citizens of those countries.

I think any cry in today's world of anti-Semitism is unfounded, be as it may that some people have a cruel and nasty way of expressing themselves in writing. I feel they are purely expressing anger at the war and seeming injustice and atrocities imposed on Palestinians by an apparently cold and controlling Israeli Govenment and military. As most of the bad feedback is not pure unwarranted anti-Semitism as displayed during World War II and before, but in response to Israel's perceived persecution of a race of people that historically have been enemies.

I find it very saddening that Palestine was given to become Israel at all, as this country was not anyone's to give. And in doing so has effectively displaced millions of Palestinians from their homes that they have lived in, some in the same house for 5 generations. Of which I'm sure would feel very distressing being forced to live in crowded camps.
I think the western world at the time did this purely to place two peoples that it did not hold much esteem for as far away as possible, and are quite happy that they are keeping themselves occupied on the other side of the world.

I am sure the greatest power of peace and love in this world will come when the Jewish and Arab Palestinians start respecting each other as human beings, treating each other as such, and bring their intelligence and strength and solidarity back to the world stage that we may all work as one to bring our planet back to a state of love and prosperity and education.
The Jewish people were unjustly persecuted of this there is no denying. But an eye for an eye just makes us all blind.
Blessed be,

Response: NOTE: Full response in pdf format can be downloaded here

January 19, 2010

Dear Kbrm,
I'm an American who spends a few months each year in NZ. I was surprised to see the extreme anti-Israel bias in your monopoly paper, The New Zealand Herald Tribune. I stopped being surprised when I learned it is owned by the UK's notorious anti-Israel paper, the Independent which is even worse than the Guardian. No wonder its Middle East experts are Cockburn, Dyer, and Fisk whose columns could have been written by the Palestinians. It is a wonder that there are still Kiwis left who like Israel.

While the above papers are in a category of their own, I'm afraid they are an extreme case of the media bias all over Europe and on the BBC and CNN. It so happens that I belong to the dwindling band of volunteers who fought for Israel during its War of Independence. And I became so incensed by the demonization of Israel that I decided to write up my experiences interwoven with comments in a book almost finished called THE RELENTLESS QUEST FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL, An American Volunteer in Israel's War of Independence Tells How the Jihad Began in 1948--and how it has continued.

Anyway I salute your efforts to get out the truth about what's happening there and I wish to contribute $100. How do I do that?
Cheers, _________

January 19, 2010

It is fortunate that in a peaceful country such as New Zealand citizens enjoy freedom of speech regardless of the content, providing that it is neither offensive or defamotory.
However after reading your advertisement in the Herald I was reminded of that immortal anonymous quote:

‘The first casualty of war is Truth ’

Your advertisement is not consistent with the Jewish struggle, it is unlike a jew to engage in this sort of spurious propaganda and it is an affront to the intelligensia throughout the world.
I regret to advise that this advertisement is hateful propaganda and is undeserving of the attention of the New Zealand public.

Responsse:

Advertisements such as this would not be necessary if the NZ media was doing its job properly. The advertisement dealt in facts not propaganda and it is a pity, if you consider yourself among the intelligentsia, that you seem unable to distinguish between the two.

If you have any issue with any of the facts presented in any of our advertisements, please inform us and we will make the necessary corrections where they are found to be inaccurate.

Yours sincerely, __________

January 19, 2010

Your advertisements and website are both completely anonymous.

Are you embarrassed to put your name to the advertisement or website?

I'd be interested to hear what you have to say about the photo from the NY Times showing an attack by a Jewish settlor in Hebron.

Mother of four.

Response:

Dear ‘Mother of Four ’,
We find it ironic that you accuse us of being embarrassed to put our name to our advertisements when you hide behind the pseudonym of ‘Mother of Four ’. No organisation lists its membership when it advertises. However, unlike you, I am happy sign this response with my name.

Attacks by individual Israelis on Palestinians get wide airing in the NZ media as I am sure the one in your picture would have done, sadly the reverse is not true. For example when a mosque in the West Bank was burned by a jewish settler this was widely reported. The fact that the very next day rabbis and other Israelis brought money, Korans and equipment to help rebuild and re-equip it received scant coverage.

Yours sincerely, ________

January 19, 2010

I read your article in the nz herald and was very happy to see something logical in the newspaper supporting israel. i hold the same view and was shocked to see that most of the western world were against Isreal.
Therefore, I am delighted to support you in your ongoing quest.
thanks

January 19, 2010

Before starting accusing me of anti-Semitism, let me tell you that during WW 2 and in fear of our own lifes, we saved many Jewish families from the Nazi deathcamps, by hiding and providing safe haven for them in our homes.
Also if you care to read my blogsport Contraviews (Post 5) you will see that I couldn't possibly be anti-Semitic, because Jews and Palesinian Arabs are ethnically of the same race; they are both Semites.
I am against Zionism as it is practised to-day, which is quite different from being anti-Jewish or anti-Semitic.
I am against Zionism because it brings back personal memories of occupation and resistance. We were the ‘terrorists ’ in those days.
So if you wish to call me something, it would be more appropriate call me anti-Zionist.

You have taken it on you to ‘inform ’ the public of the truth, well let's call it ‘your truth ’ of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. However taking note of your unsubstantiated arguments and the rather aggressive ways you are conducting your crusade of bringing your ‘truth ’, (by placing expensive advertisemens) it is not too difficult for the discerning reader to discover what your real intentions are.

I for one have also taken it on me to find the truth and in the pursuit to do so I have read numerous books on the history of the ‘creation ’ (!) of Israel: literature writen by renowned and reputable historians, many of them even Jewish. Although historians sometimes differ in their findins on particular details, the general picture that emerges is neverthless by and large fairly concensual and in fact in complete variance of the picture that your are trying to sell to an unsuspecting public. The truth is that you are in the business of of selling the public a Zionist and historically completely distorted version of events as they have happened over the last sixty ears and over. You are making propaganda for a cause, which means you cannot be taken seriously.

So if one has to make a choice whose version of history we should believe than of course that choie is not very difficult to make. You must come up with some very convincing arguments why we should ignore the research findings of renowned and reputable historians. I shall not mention any names, because I know from personal experience that the answer is alway the same: anti-Semitic, biased, controversial, outdated, refuted (by whom the KBRM?) and so on, even when they have never read any of the books mentioned themselves.
You are in complete denial of historical facts . By denying the NABKA you are doing exactly the same as the ones you are accusing of denying the holocaust. Not a very honest standpoint to adopt.

Hence to the intelligent student of history desirous to know how the creation of Israel came about, I suggest to make a serious effort to do some research yourself.. Go to the city libraries and read, read and still read more. Not one book not two, but scores of them. You can also persuse and verify in the ‘Chronicle of the 20th Century ’ ( brief exerpts of newspaper reports).
Once you have done all that, than you can judge for yourself who is making propaganda or who is telling the truth.
Unfortunately most people choose the lazy way out and do not bother to make that effort. They rely on the very scant, biased reports, comments and articles of the western newsmedia so amenable to the Zionist point of view and in which you have a strong ally in disseminating propaganda and half truths. (see Introduction bottom line of Contraviews) preying and targeting the ignorant and uninformed.

Response:

Thank you for your letter.

KBRM has not accused you, or anyone else, of anti-Semitism, and you are certainly entitled to be anti-Zionist if you want. (By the way, although Arabs and Jews are both Semites, the dictionary definition of anti-Semitism is ‘discrimination against or prejudice or hostility toward Jews’)

You say you know what our ‘real intentions’ are, but in fact our mission — our only mission — is to present facts about Israel that are missing from most media reports and that are important to a proper understanding. (See ‘About Us’ on our website.) If you choose to see these facts as ‘propaganda’, that says more about you than it does about us.

Yes, we are aware that the creation of Israel was seen as a ‘nakba’ (not NABKA) or catastrophe by many Arabs. We do not deny this; in fact it is the root cause of the conflict.

We are also aware of the great good done by the Dutch people during WWII.

If you see any specific errors or falsehoods in our advert, please let us know and we will correct them if, on investigation, you prove to be right.
Sincerely,

January 18, 2010

Finally it is good to see some reports and comments that are not courtesy of New Zealand's left wing, Palestine supporting media.

As a person of mixed decent ( i am of Jewish/Anglican decent) I find it frustrating to see reports, of how Israel, are both mad to look like the aggressor and also a, pardon the use of the word but, holocaust practicing state.
I read the article that you posted in the Press today and not surprisingly agree with most if not all comments made, especially about how Palestine creates media releases to suit their own mudslinging propaganda purposes.
I am disappointed that after sending the report to the major press agencies that you were required to pay to get the other and more truthful side of this disgusting conflict into the public domain where the ‘rubbish ’ that is spread by the Hamas is used to sell and up the circulation of the same newspapers and the other news media in this country.
Please, please never give up trying to get the honest word out to the supporters of Israel and also to educate those who refuse to understand the truth behind the conflict.
Sadly there are those in our country who choose to protest an innocent person representing her country at a sporting event rather then using that energy to protest a real cause such as japanese whaling or the cruelty and warmongering from those of Hamas. I look forward to reading more of what you publish.
Thank you,

Response:

Thank you for your letter. You say there is not a modicum of truth in our advertisement, yet you do not cite one example of a falsehood. KBRM is very concerned with truth. If you will cite specific examples, we will see that any falsehoods are corrected.

As to your solution that ‘Israel must learn to live with its neighbours ’, there is nothing that Israel wants more, if only its neighbours would allow it to. The ideas that Israel plays ‘the holocaust factor to curry sympathy ’ and is looking for excuses to ‘slaughter the innocent ’ are quite bizarre and shows that, despite your experience, you have no knowledge of Israel.

January 17, 2010

Appalled by the missing truth in your advert in the Weekend Dominion Post. As an ex member of military intelligence who has also lived in the Middle East I hope (but do not expect based on previous experience) that you will credit me with knowing what I am talking about.
Only a blind, deaf and stupid person would not understand why the Dominion Post did not accept your highly coloured account of events in Gaza as a ‘news ’ article. In fact I am suprised they even agreed to publish it as a paid advertisement, because it must breach all sorts of advertising codes in which at least a modicom of truth is required.
Lets look at the whole story/real facts rather tham outrageous Israeli propoganda intended to justify unimaginable acts of violence and brutality against largely innocent civilians in Gaza (and previously Lebannon). Its true Southern Israel has been subject to a large number of rocket attacks from inside Gaza over recent years. However, these rockets were home made and despite a number of tragic casulties, overall largely ineffectual. Contrast this with the hundreds of modern combat aircraft and sophisticated air to ground weapons used by Israel in response and the thousands of casualties. Where is the balance. The bible may say an eye for an eye (only in the old testament — ie the Jewish bit), but nowhere it does not say 1000 gentile eyes for each Jewish one.
Even Israel's most staunchest supporters condemmed Israel for over reacting to this situation. Not that they should have been suprised becuase Israel has been getting away with this sort of behavious for years.
When will the world wake up to the fact that Israel is a rougue state that is the cause of its own problems. It's constitution is based on apartied principles and it continues to follow policies that fly in the face of world opinion and UN mandates dating back to 1948. The only reason there is a 'refugee problem' in Gaza and Southern Lebannon is becuase the Palestians have been robbed of their heritage and inheritance inside what is currently Israel.
Further, during the 1980's Israel was the only state to breach the UN embargo against South Africa supplying it with an extensive range of miltary hardward and even nuclear (bomb) technology. Thank God South Africa eventually came to its senses.
Israel must learn to live with its neighbours and stop playing the holcaust factor to curry sympathy with the western world. Its problems (and even so called miltant Islam) are largely a consequence of its own actions and until this 'fact' is recognised and addressed I doubt whether there will be peace. I hope and pray for no more bloodshed but wait in dread for the next excuse to slaughter the innocent.
Would glady support a movement by Kiwis for Balanced reporting in the Mideast but not one that is simply a mouthpiece for Israel propoganda.

Response:

January 18, 2010

Hello Kiwis for Balanced Reporting,
I wholly support your telling the truth and I do support Israel in its ongoing battle against not only Islam but also against the wicked western liberals who support the destruction of the west (and Israel).
However I will limit my support to moral support only. I do think you have enough cash and enough strength and common purpose to win this battle on your own.
Best wishes and good luck.
Regards,

January 18, 2010

It would help your organisation greatly if you could include some historical context in your latest newspaper campaign. Surely you are aware of the broader history of the Israel/Palestine conflict and therefore surely you do not deny the historical fact that Israel illegally expanded its territory all those years ago, against the UN mandate, a move which has long been recognised as an illegal act of aggression. To quote from your own article; ‘The Gaza war that ended on January 18, 2009, was Israel's response to a five-year rocket barrage that had killed 19 citizens and wounded hundreds more ’. Even those who are only slightly educated on the history of this conflict could see the obvious irony in this statement (it baffles me to think that your organisation cannot) - The simple notion that these rocket attacks on Israel are of course also a response (far from an act of aggression), a response to the last 50 years of aggression and oppression on the part of the Israeli government towards the Palestinain people. A response to a far greater number of civilians tragically and needlessly lost to illegal acts of war. If only you had one member of your organisation who was willing to attend just one course at university level on this conflict (even just one day), then perhaps you could achieve your goal of ‘balanced reporting on the Middle East ’. There is a very good (and obvious) reason why your article was never)published by the newspapers, the simple fact that it is at the extreme end of biased, uninformed and inaccurate. Your goal of (balance reporting' is bordering on rediculous given your article and if in fact that is your goal you are failing miserably to the point where you should be ashamed. I wish you all the best in your attempt, however it seems very unachieveable given your organisations lack of knowledge in the subject area. Best regards, ...

January 18, 2010

Hi guys
Well done on your latest advert (Press monday 18th Jan). Great to see you seeking to present the truth and supporting Israel. I fear the PR battle will only worsen over time as extremists in NZ and overseas seek to portray Israel in a bad light to justify their own confused causes.

Keep up the good work!!!

January 17, 2010

I have noticed your advertisment in newspapers for a little while and thought that I should drop you an email to add my support to your group.
I am fully aware of the worldwide bias against Israel that seems to have become a lot stronger over last 30+ years. I don't understand if it is just a general lack of apathy on part of society or an actual increase in anti-semitism. I do know that the general public in New Zealand does seem to have a very superficial knowledge of Israel or the middle east. NZ opinions seem to be based on the biggest newspaper headline or lead stories on Television.
So please keep me on your mailing list and let me know if there is anything an ordinary kiwi can do to help.

January 16, 2010
The following (edited) letter was received by post with no return address:
Thank goodness someone is at last speaking the truth. I refer to your article in the Dominion Post (‘Gaza: One year on, truths still missing’). Television and newspaper reporting in this country is, in my opinion, biased. I have a close family member who has lived in Israel for the past 19 years - a New Zealand born gentile who now has residency status in Israel.
I have heard what it is really like to live there and have been told some facts about the war with Lebanon that were never reported in this country. I believe that journalists only report what they are told to report and that Hamas and Hezbollah lie and cover up the truth.
Some people in Israel say, ‘If the Palestinians put down their weapons, there will be peace, but if the Israelis put down their weapons there will be no more Israel.’ I am also reminded of a quote from former PM Golda Meir, ‘Peace will only come when the Palestinians love their children more than they hate us.’
Israel has the right to defend their nation just as any other nation in the world - yet, why is there so much criticism from the rest of the world?
I was disgusted by the recent protest at the tennis tournament by John Minto and his supporters. I felt like asking him if he had ever lived in Israel? Did he really know what was going on there, or was he just listening to the propaganda?
It's shameful that you had to pay to have your article published in the interest of fair and balanced reporting. What is fair about that?
I have not included my address or personal details, but please know that there are people in NZ who do know what is going on in Israel. Keep up the good work.
(signed) Grateful to hear the truth

January 16, 2010

Good morning,
Thank-you for going to the effort of publishing this. The only way to make any progress in the Middle East is through objectivity and education about the conflict's past and present state.

January 16, 2010

I find your advert that was posted in the Dominion Post 16/01/10 typical Israeli propaganda, the same sort of Zionist propaganda that the Israeli government releases at press conferences every time it defies another United Nations decree. Fortunately there are enough people in this country who are well enough educated and who have travelled extensively throughout the middle east to form their own opinions and have come to accept that the Israeli governments are in a class of their own when it comes to manipulating the worlds media. Israel is a state that promotes and practices apartheid, terrorism and is profoundly racist to its core, your money in taking out advertisements would be better spent on preventing the stealing of Palestinian land and resources for the expansion of the Jewish state.

January 14, 2010

Kia Ora
name is ___________. I have an interest in the geopolitical issues of the Middle East, how Israel is viewed by and views it's neighbouring states.
I have been looking at the KBRM site and would like to ask a few questions:

Israel used white phosphorous during the last war in 2008-09, and heavy artillery in densely built up areas. I recognise that there are worse things that could have been used, but how many other countries have used phosphorous devices since World War 2?
And to what obvious military gain when considering the civilian casualties?
Israel has built nuclear weapons. Although Israel has not admitted it, Israel is widely suspected of having done so and if you believe Mordechai Vanunu, has a stockpile of more than 100 warheads. Will you report on these devices when so much attention - rightfully - is being paid to Iran's suspect programme (which I believe is a weapons programme)?
I have been keen to find out more information about the HAMAS and Hezbollah Charters and whether or not they still have provision for the destruction of Israel - can you tell me what a more recent version of their charters says (not older than 8-10 years)?

Thank you. I look forward to any response you can provide,

The following response (edited)) was sent: NOTE: Full response in pdf format can be downloaded here

Question one: Israel said it used white phosphorus only against military targets as camouflage, and there is no evidence to the contrary. This is in accordance with the UN Convention's legitimate use policy. The problem in Gaza was that Hamas mixed civilians, including children, within the military targets so they were unfortunately affected, but they should not have been there. Armies that seek to protect its citizens do not place them in harm's way.

The following nations have used WP since and including WWI are:- USA in 2004 Iraq war; Afghanistan 2009 used by NATO troops; Korea and Vietnam by USA; Russia in Chechyna in 1994. (Google ‘white phosphorus ’, wikipedia.)

Question Two: We are aware that Israel has nuclear weapons (see Letters of the Month at January 3, 2010). We are also aware that Israel has made it clear it will never use them offensively, but only in self-defence and only if absolutely necessary. This cannot be said about Iran. However when you ask if we will report them, you misunderstand the purpose of KBRM. We are for balanced reporting, but we ourselves are not in the reporting business. We monitor the media, and when we see news about Israel that is unbalanced or biased or false, we try to correct that imbalance by supplying what we call ‘the missing truth ’.

Question Three: English translations of the 1988 Hamas charter can be found at these websites:
www.thejerusalemfund.org & www.camera.org

It has not been updated since. The possibility of a new Hamas Charter was discussed in the Jerusalem Post in 2006: www.jpost.com/.

January 5, 2010

This letter sent to our PO Box didn't need any words to get its anti-Semitic message across. The envelope was addressed to ‘New Zealand Jews for Balanced Reporting. ’ Inside was a news clipping with a photo of two rabbis and others being arrested in New York. The caption read, ‘SWEEP: Several rabbis accused of money-laundering were among 44 people arrested by the FBI yesterday in a wide-ranging corruption investigation. ’ The back of the clipping was smeared with a brown substance that appeared to be faeces.

The following two-sentence letter from a frequent anti-Israel writer was sent to the KBRM chairman. Responses are shown in red.

January 3, 2010

could you tell us truthfully if israel has nukes?
Yes, but Israel has clearly demonstrated over the years that they are for defensive purposes and would be used only if absolutely necessary.
or what differentiates the idf from hamas?
The goal of the IDF is to defend Israel. The goal of Hamas is to destroy Israel. There are other differences, but that's the big one.

The following letter is from a non-Jewish member of KBRM:

January 2, 2010

I hope that this New Year is full of all the best for you and yours. I appreciate your erudite and courageous writing and all the hard work you put in for the balance of truth about Israel. I feel especially honoured to a part of a group of Jewish and non-Jewish people who, despite the tide of world opinion, are willing to speak out. As it is said, ‘evil triumphs because good people do nothing ’. Bless you and may Hashem be with you.

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