Human Rights Commission Ends Antisemitism Advisor Contract With John Minto
“Misunderstandings” over blood-harvesting claims cited as part of a broader re-evaluation
WELLINGTON, NZ —The New Zealand Human Rights Commission (HRC) today announced the termination of its contract with activist John Minto, who had been controversially hired by former Chief Commissioner Paul Hunt to provide expert advice on combating antisemitism. The decision, according to sources, comes after “a series of missteps and minor misunderstandings,” culminating in an incident involving a supporter’s claims about Jews harvesting Palestinian blood for festivals.
The supporter, who made the comments on John Minto’s Facebook page, was reportedly unchallenged by Minto. When pressed on the issue, the longtime activist said that he considered it a religious, and possibly even a culinary matter. “I know how to boil rice and that’s about it. I have no clue what’s in their big cracker things (matzah) or how they are made, so I why would I comment?”.
Former Chief Commissioner Hunt has defended the original appointment, calling the backlash “a sad reflection of the times we live in.” In a statement, he said, “I learned quickly in the role that you can’t bark at every passing car. You need to choose your battles, as I did when ignoring Labour’s Duncan Webb being a member of a truly horrendous antisemitic Facebook page to focus on former National leader Todd Muller owning a souvenir MAGA hat. I imagine John was simply exercising the same prudence.”
As for Minto, he remains unfazed by the controversy, telling reporters his commitment to combatting antisemitism is still strong, “If there was no Jewish state, no safe haven for Jews, that would be a bloody good start. Clearly Jews being in charge of their destiny is a wind-up for many, so I’ll continue to push for Israel’s destruction. The world needs to show the Jews some tough love right now”.