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World Jewish News
Jews in New Zealand Condemn Nazi Symbols Sale
24.02.2009
New Zealand Jewish leader condemned the Internet auction for the sale of Nazi symbols, but did not call for its closure, JTA reports.
"Zillion" website, which has been administered by New Zealanders since 2005, offers for sale many items under the heading «Nazi», including badges, emblems, wrist bands and medals, as well as two officer caps with eagle and swastika. Sale of Nazi symbols in New Zealand and Australia is permitted, but it is forbidden in some European countries. "Zillion's" competitor, a New Zealand portal "Sell me," banned the sale of Nazi symbols back in 2005.
New Zealand Jewish Council President Stephen Goodman said that the sale of items related to the history of the Third Reich "is a shame." "Of course, there is a balance between freedom of choice and censorship, but it is disgusting to receive profits from the sale of these items," he said to the Press newspaper. "From different points of view, we would like to prohibit this, but it is believed to bring public attention and only spur certain elements."
Press Secretary of 'Zillion' made a stand for the rights of an individual to sell any items, but stressed that the auction site does not support the Nazi regime. "We do not think that 'Zillion' should play the role of a moral censor," the press secretary said.
Meanwhile, Australian Jewish community leaders this week called on the owner of the store in Canberra to stop the sale of Nazi symbols. "They must not be sold. In our community there are people who, like myself, have survived the Holocaust," said Anita Shrut, President of the Jewish community of the capital. The owner of the shop Doug Mullah said in an interview to ABC Radio, that although he understood the feelings associated with these symbols, there is a demand for them on the market.
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