Sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the dead. A true tragedy in every sense of the word.

CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES WHO LOST HEIR LOVED ONES. WE ARE WITH YOU IN SPIRIT. BLESS NEW ZEALAND

Thoughts and prayers to all the people of Christchurch. To the people who lost loved ones my deepest sympathy... i have many friends there, i hope all will be ok

The NZ government has not asked 4 help because they still in shock. time is running out for ppl. Its a long flight THEY NEED HELP, sadly I know my own country (SA) will offer no help like in so many other disasters.

My condolences to the people of New Zealand. I hope the death toll will be lower than feared. Such a tragedy. I've always wanted to go to NZ...

Rabbi Ovadiah will most probably say its because New Zealand banned Kosher slaughtering of animals. They would not allow kosher meat in New Zealand

Sincerest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones as a result of the earthquake. Hoping that those yet to be rescued will be found alive and well.

I am in Christchurch, I was going to buy supplies in one of the few shops still open. I saw young Israeli's speaking Hebrew. I have lived in Israel and understand a little bit of Hebrew. I wanted to ask them if they needed a place to sleep but I could not, most of the time they are suspicious strangers. Last time I tried to speak to someone in Hebrew, I was questioned at length as if I was about to board EL AL. Now knowing that they are sleeping in the open, I must go back and try. I was well treated in Israel and I love Israel!

I think you meant to say: ''most of the time they ( Israeli tourists) are suspicious OF strangers'' Your post was a bit ambiguous, hope this helps.

"Israel offers aid The Foreign Ministry has offered New Zealand to support its rescue efforts, drug and food supply as well as provide means to handle natural disasters. New Zealand's government thanked Israel and said it will consider the offer. Meanwhile Prime Minister Benjamin has ordered the relevant parties to see how they can help local authorities in rescue missions and help Israelis." Whether New Zealand wants our help is another story. Regrettably the signs in pubs in that country that "Jews and not welcome" are a fact and shows the anti-Israel sentiments of the people of New Zealand no who swallow the hate propaganda spewed out by Muslims in that country. It appears that there are many sheep in New Zealand many of them the human kind. Indeed, our sympathies but the ball is in their court. We have the abilities but anti-Israelism rules in many countries.

Our sincere condolences to the bereaved families and our wish for a speedy recovery to those injured. God bless you all

Considering that 70% of lamb imports into the UK are from New Zealand and the slaughter is Halal, they wouldn't dare ban it. They would never upset the Muslims rather kick the Jews out! That's the New Zealand way. Anti-Israelism, banning kosher killing and telling Jews they are no welcome in pubs is just New Zealand's way of practicing anti-Semitism. Nice country, hmm!

My parents told me,you don t have to listen to Rabbis,but never attack them.

Yes I was meant to say that they (Israel tourists) are suspicious of strangers, sorry for the mistake. Just remember have been shaken by the quake!!

Take care of yourself! I I've been thinking all day about this horrible event.

the NZers, and those who lost their lives may they RIP.

just be more respectful to the dead this is no time for your idiot remarks on religious matters.

B"H - Evidently, there is an immediate moral to this earthquake story. One, "Christchurch" is not a good name for a town, in G-d's eyes. Two, it's even worst for Jews to "backpack" there. Let's not forget that the Torah allows us to leave the Land only for three reasons: parnassa, Torah study and siduh. Ordinary tourism is not one of these three.

Don't worry David, despite the reports Kiwis are not as anti semitic as you think, even if we are stupid enough to vote with other sheep to support the PALs. As a Kiwi born Jew most people I meet are not against Israel or against Jews. The PM wasnt afraid to say the Israeli PM had phoned to offer help. Thanks to all who extend their sympathies to our brothers and sisters in Christchurch.

David, please be careful what you read into things. Many countries and organisations have offered assistance and it may not be practical or necessary to accept aid from everybody. NZ is not a third world country and the disaster is not enormous like Haiti. The country has its own experienced workers and in addition search teams etc have come from Australia which is NZ's first port of call when we need help. Many Japanese students are missing and Japan is sending search teams, Singaporean troops already training in NZ are at work. America and the UK have sent teams. But other countries / organisations who have offered help include: Taiwan, Israel, Canada, the United Nations and European Union. Next to Australia and the UK , Canada is one of NZ's closest ''friends'' but their help has not been accepted yet as far as I know. It is not a snub aimed at anybody Thankyou to all the kind words here from Israelis. Kiwis appreciate it and also the offer of aid.