Friends of Palestine Tasmania Inc is a not-for-profit community organisation working to engage Tasmanians in promoting a just peace for the Palestinian people based on international law and UN resolutions. We live and work on unceded Aboriginal land.
Coming events
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What will the New “Hate Speech” Laws Mean for Supporting Palestine?
Australian Friends of Palestine Association have issued the following statement.
AFOPA members and supporters are rightly asking what the new “Hate Speech” laws will mean for supporting Palestine.
The laws were rushed through Parliament last night as a result of political game playing, each side trying to outscore each other. This means we have ended up with a mess. What is clear, however, is that these laws are designed to make it much harder for us to protest against Israel and its genocidal apartheid regime.
AFOPA is seeking legal advice to interpret the new laws so that we can let you know how they will impact on your activism and support for Palestine.
In the meantime, we continue as usual, with our next activity, a rally (date to be announced) protesting the visit of Israeli President, Isaac Herzog.
As a member organisation of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN), we endorse their press release of today:
New Hate Speech Laws Pose a Grave Threat to Protest Rights and Palestinian Advocacy
Friends of Palestine Tasmania Inc.
AGM Saturday 21 February 3pm
Members and supporters are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of Friends of Palestine Tasmania Inc.
Saturday 21 February, 3pm
14 Weld Street, South Hobart
Agenda:
- President’s Report, on behalf of the committee.
- Treasurer’s Report.
- Election of Office Bearers and Committee.
Discussion of future activities.
Speaker: Molly Coburn from APAN on BDS
Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions
Nominations are invited for Office Bearers and members of the Management Committee. All current members retire and are eligible for re-election. The positions to be filled are: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and up to two members.
Ann Hughes
Secretary/Public Officer
Friends of Palestine Tasmania Inc.
STATEMENT FROM FRIENDS OF PALESTINE TASMANIA ON THE BONDI ATTACK ON THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
Friends of Palestine Tasmania extends its sympathy to the Jewish community in Australia, and especially Tasmania, after the devastating events at the weekend in Bondi which took the lives of many innocent people.
Friends of Palestine Tasmania strongly condemns this violence towards the Jewish people and stands against all violence. The Jewish community, as with all groups in society, should be able to gather, and practice their traditions and culture in safety.
Antisemitism has no place in our movement that supports enduring justice for the Palestinian people. Violence will only continue to divide our communities, making peace even more difficult to achieve.
We condemn those politicians, including the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu (facing an active warrant for his arrest as a war criminal) who seek to allocate blame to Australia for recognising the State of Palestine.
We reject the assertion of the Antisemitism Envoy, that peaceful activity in defense of international law and human rights, in any way contributed to this tragedy.
Such claims divide our community and ignore the ongoing efforts that must be made internationally and in Australia to reject division and violence and to foster a world grounded in dignity, safety, justice and care for one another, whatever our race, religion or nationality.
Ann Hughes
Secretary/Public Officer
Friends of Palestine Tasmania Inc.
We Endorse this Statement from APAN
Like so many across the country, we are grieving and shaken by the violent antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach. Our hearts are with the Jewish community, with the victims and survivors, and with everyone affected by this act of hate.
At moments like this, it is important to be clear about who we are and what we stand for.
We reject antisemitism and all forms of racism. We reject violence, hate, and attempts to divide our communities. We stand for dignity, safety, and care for all people, and for a world where everyone can live free from fear, without exception.
Our movement represents the best of our community: First Nations leaders, Jewish allies, Palestinian siblings, the wider Arab community, and people from all walks of life who are committed to justice and shared humanity. We have always insisted on a world free from racism and hate, and we will continue to do so.
We are inspired by the courage shown by Ahmed al Ahmed, whose brave actions saved lives. His courage reminds us that even in the darkest moments, humanity, solidarity, and care can prevail. We too must continue to be brave and stand together against those who seek to use this moment to divide us.
At this time, we urge care in how grief and fear are channeled. We reject attempts to exploit this tragedy to fuel division or vilify communities, including Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities. Violence and racism - wherever they appear - must be named and rejected together.
Everyone, from Palestine to Bondi, must be able to live free from harm, oppression, and terror, and must be supported in safety, dignity, and care.
Thank you for being part of a movement grounded in justice, compassion, and dignity for all.
In solidarity,
Nasser Mashni
President
Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN)
Katie Shammas
Executive Officer
Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN)
Watch these videos here
Part 1:
VIDEO SUMMARY - Part 1: 10mins
- establishment of UN Commission of Inquiry
- legal perspective on genocide
- human rights law reporting pre Oct 2023
- unlawful Israeli occupation & settlements
- Israeli & Hamas violations / war crimes
Part 2:
VIDEO SUMMARY - Part 2: 9mins
- examination of fact finding, war crimes and genocide in Gaza
- legal definition on genocide
- the finding of genocidal intent in Gaza
- Actions by the International Criminal Court
Part 3:
VIDEO SUMMARY - Part 3: 9mins
- responsibility to act to prevent genocide
- state obligation to respect genocide conventions
- current steps taken by Australia
- the need to find accountability
Part 4:
VIDEO SUMMARY - Part 4: 13mins
- A 20 point plan: what Australia should be doing or should stop doing
- Australia’s obligations under International law
- Australia’s current relationship with the state of
Israel (trade / officials / embassies)
Requiem for Gaza
Chris Hedges recently gave the Edward Said memorial lecture to a sold out audience at the University of South Australia in Adelaide. Here's a recording of the lecture.