AFOPA EVENTS CALENDAR

Events in Adelaide and

A Tapestry of Cultures: Celebrating Palestinian Heritage & Multicultural Unity
Dec
8

A Tapestry of Cultures: Celebrating Palestinian Heritage & Multicultural Unity

Event by Muslim Women’s Association of South Australia

A Tapestry of Cultures: Celebrating Palestinian Heritage

& Multicultural Unity

Join us on December 8th for an unforgettable cultural experience! This vibrant event brings together the rich heritage of Palestine and the beauty of multiculturalism, showcasing a fusion of traditions, music, dance, food, and family-friendly fun!

FREE ENTRY

What to Expect:
* Live Performances celebrating a variety of cultures
* Traditional Dabke dance performances
* Stage Entertainment for all ages
* Market Stalls offering unique crafts, clothing, and souvenirs
* A delicious array of multicultural cuisine to delight your taste buds
* Fun activities and entertainment for the entire family!

Come and immerse yourself in a celebration of culture, community, and connection. This is an event you won’t want to miss!

Bring your family, bring your friends – everyone is welcome!

Let’s celebrate together, embracing diversity and the vibrant tapestry of our world.

Free entry – See you there!

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Islamophobia: What's the Problem? - Writers' Week 2025
Mar
2

Islamophobia: What's the Problem? - Writers' Week 2025

Event by Adelaide Writers’ Week 2025

Adelaide Writers' Week 2025

Islamophobia: What's the Problem?

Waleed Aly and Susan Carland

In these fractured times when polarisation and rugged individualism prevail, what does social cohesion mean? Waleed Aly and Susan Carland consider whether we are indeed a racist nation.

Book Here

WHEN: Sun 02 Mar, 3:30pm

WHERE: Adelaide Town Hall, 128 King William Street, Adelaide

TICKETS:

Adult

A Res $49, B Res $39

Friends

A Res $42, B Res $32

Concession (Pensioner, Health Care Card* holder, MEAA/Actors’ Equity member)

A Res $39, B Res $29

Under 30 (ID Required)

A Res $30, B Res $25

Full-time student (ID required)

A Res $25, B Res $20

Transaction fees apply. *Please note: The Commonwealth Senior Health and Seniors Cards are ineligible for concession-priced tickets.

DURATION

1hr 30mins

Book Here

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Online Event: Two Peoples, One Struggle - Genocide Repeating
Dec
2

Online Event: Two Peoples, One Struggle - Genocide Repeating

Event by Muslim Votes Matter

Online Event

Two Peoples, One Struggle - Genocide Repeating

8-9pm South Australlian time (ACDT)

8:30-9:30pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT)

Is what’s happening in Palestine now any different to what happened in Australia over the last 200 years?

As Muslims, should we care about indigenous rights here in Australia?

What is the difference between immigration and colonisation?

Join us as we explore the above and much more with our two esteemed guests:

Uncle Andrew Gardiner: A proud descendant of the Wurundjeri clans of the Woi-wurrung people and a Muslim revert. Uncle Andrew has been a part of numerous Boards and Committees working in the service of Aboriginal communities.

Dr Umber Rind: A GP with a passion for social justice and community health advocate with a proud Cameleer and Yamatji Badimaya ancestry.

REGISTER HERE

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Next AFOPA/Students4Palestine/ACarf Rally
Dec
1

Next AFOPA/Students4Palestine/ACarf Rally

Next AFOPA/Students4Palestine/ACarf Rally - 2pm Sunday, 1 December 2024

Join us again as Adelaide’s Health Care Workers and Amnesty International respond to a nationwide call for action.

South Australia’s Health Care Workers will line the steps of Parliament House in their scrubs from 1:30 on Sunday 1 December.

They aim to attract public and media attention to normalise talking about the genocide in Gaza and show solidarity with Palestinians.

Their slogan is #NotATarget to highlight Israel’s war crimes relating to health care.

They invite all Health Care Workers and allies to help them as participants by wearing scrubs and kneeling/standing together in solidarity with our colleagues in Gaza.

Please meet us at 1:15pm on Sunday 1st December at the Parliament Steps.

Join this rally and let’s repeat the demands until our government hears them!

In the words of AFOPA’s Patron and Founding Member, Paul Heywood-Smith, writing this week about the ruling of the International Criminal Court on 19 July 2024 and the UN General Assembly, of 18 September 2024:

“What might Australia do?

  • First, recognise the state of Palestine;

  • Second, recall our ambassador from Tel Aviv;

  • Third, expel Israel’s ambassador from Australia;

  • Fourth, sanction all trade and cultural, sporting and other ties between the two countries. 

    The second to fourth acts would be on the basis that such actions would end when Israel complies with the orders of the ICJ and the General Assembly of the UN.”

The second to fourth acts would be on the basis that such actions would end when Israel complies with the orders of the ICJ and the General Assembly of the UN.”

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International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People - 29 November 2024
Nov
29

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People - 29 November 2024

Friday 29 November

is the

United Nations

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

on this day We are gathering for a silent vigil


Meet at the Mall’s Balls


Rundle Mall, Adelaide at 6pm

Bring your corflutes, banners, flags and keffiyehs


We need you to be there to demonstrate our solidarity with the Palestinian People


Meet at Mall’s Balls
starting at 6pm and finishing at 7pm


In 1977, the General Assembly called for the annual observance of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (resolution 32/40 B). On that day, in 1947, the Assembly adopted the resolution on the partition of Palestine (resolution 181 (II))

In resolution 60/37 of 1 December 2005, the Assembly requested the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and the Division for Palestinian Rights, as part of the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on 29 November, to continue to organize an annual exhibit on Palestinian rights or a cultural event in cooperation with the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN.

The resolution on the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People also encourages Member States to continue to give the widest support and publicity to the observance of the Day of Solidarity.

(From UN website)

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SA Vigil for Scholasticide in Palestine
Nov
28

SA Vigil for Scholasticide in Palestine

On Thursday 28 November, on the eve of International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, South Australian educators, teachers, academics, university staff, researchers, school staff, students, education affiliates, and the broader community including families will gather to attend the Vigil for Scholasticide in Palestine.

The vigil is held in honour and in remembrance of all fallen students and school and university staff in Palestine. The vigil is held in acknowledgment of the devastation and destruction caused by Israel’s genocidal and illegal settler colonial project, and particularly the deliberate targeting of all civic infrastructure, including the Palestinian education system. In the past 13 months, Israel has systematically targeted students, teachers and academics in Palestine and destroyed schools, universities, libraries, museums, archives and other places of research, teaching, and learning.

The event in South Australia is inspired by our colleagues in Victoria who have called for vigils to be held across Australia and, organised by a group of people who represent the diverse education sector in South Australia, including members from Teachers and School Staff for Palestine SA, Academics for Palestine SA, Women in Black Adelaide, Unionists for Palestine SA and Students for Palestine Adelaide.

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Next Big Ride for Palestine Adelaide Ride - 24 November 2024
Nov
24

Next Big Ride for Palestine Adelaide Ride - 24 November 2024

You are invited to our last Big Ride for 2024.

In the lead up to the Tour Down Under we wish to offer a slightly longer ride to enhance our fitness.

There will be options for riders. You can ride to Pt Adelaide for coffee and then return with a marshal escort to the city.

If you feel like a longer ride, you can ride onto Outer Harbour and then return to the city with a marshal escort.

Please wear your Big Ride Jersey or Palestinian colours.

There will be coffee stops…..naturally.

If the weather reports are unfavourable we will use FaceBook to advise you.

See you there on Sunday 24th at the Torrens Weir.

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Protest the M.A.S.T. Conference!
Nov
18

Protest the M.A.S.T. Conference!

Event by Students for Palestine Adelaide

Protest the M.A.S.T. conference!

Marriot Hotel Adelaide

Here a 4 essential reasons to protest the M.A.S.T conference if you weren't already planning on going. PUT THE TIME ASIDE TO PROTEST THIS REPREHENSIBLE GATHERING OF GENOCIDE PROFITEERS, 6:30pm, Nov 18, outside the Marriot Hotel, Adelaide!

M.A.S.T. stands for “Maritime/Air/Space Technologies. The M.A.S.T. conference is to be held in Adelaide from 19-21 November 2024. The University of Adelaide is a sponsor and exhibitor at this conference.

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Next AFOPA/Students4Palestine/ACarf Rally 17 November 2024
Nov
17

Next AFOPA/Students4Palestine/ACarf Rally 17 November 2024

Next AFOPA/Students4Palestine/ACarf* Rally

Adelaide, 17 November 2024 2pm

In the words of the late great Edward Said: “Remember the solidarity shown towards Palestine … in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia, and remember also that there is a real cause to which many people have committed themselves … Why? Because it is a just cause, a noble ideal, a moral quest for equality and human rights.”

Now, with Trump having been elected as President of the United States and Israel moving to annex the West Bank even before Trump is inaugurated, we have plenty to continue to turn up and protest about. Be one of many people around the world supporting this ‘just cause and moral quest’: join our fortnightly rallies in support of Palestine on the steps of Parliament in Adelaide.

See you there this Sunday, 2pm.

* AFOPA, Students for Palestine Adelaide and Adelaide Campaign Against Racism and Fascism organise fortnightly rallies in Adelaide

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Boycott Caltex National Day of Action
Nov
16

Boycott Caltex National Day of Action

  • For Adelaide (check times in graphic below for other states) (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

National Day of Action 16 November 2024

Check the graphic below for the time and location for the action scheduled in your city

On Saturday November 16th we’re protesting at Caltex service stations across Australia!

Caltex is owned by the US corporation Chevron, which operates in and partially owns the largest Israeli-claimed natural gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea. This is where about 70% of Israel’s power comes from. With its extraction and offshore pipelines, Chevron funnels millions of dollars into Israel making it a partner in Israel’s energy apartheid, military blockade of Gaza and the illegal exploitation of Palestinian land and natural resources.

As apart of the blockade on Gaza, Israel has destroyed energy infrastructure, repeatedly bombing power plants and depriving Palestinians of adequate fuel supply. For years the supply of electricity in Gaza has been used as leverage against the population, where it has been reduced or shut off multiple times in violation of International law.

Apartheid is expensive to maintain and we have to collectively hit it where it hurts - the pocket! South Africa’s BDS campaign against apartheid proved that boycotting works! You can play your part by refusing to buy Caltex fuels.

Follow @boycottcaltex or email boycottcaltex@gmail.com for updates.

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Online Book Launch - “Understanding Hamas And Why It Matters”
Nov
16

Online Book Launch - “Understanding Hamas And Why It Matters”

This event will host a conversation with Helena Cobban and Rami Khouri to discuss their initiative, their findings and to provide a much-needed insight on Hamas.

Early 2024, Just World Educational decided as a matter of urgency to launch a broad campaign to educate the global Anglophone public about the history, political development, and goals of the Hamas movement. The decision was made due to the broad, dishonest, and often virulent campaign of demonization that Israel and Western powers had long maintained against Hamas constituted a serious obstacle in the path of the attainment of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the ending - after 57 years - of Israel's belligerent military occupation of Gaza and the West Bank.

In May 2024 Just World Ed's president Helena Cobban and board member Rami Khouri presented a series of five weekly online briefings, in which they explored and evaluated the history, record, and goals of the movement with a carefully chosen group of subject matter experts. These included Dr. Paola CaridiKhaled HroubJeroen GunningDr. Azzam Tamimi, and Mouin Rabbani.

Helena and Rami then co-authored a book based on the (very lightly edited) transcripts of those online conversations and also containing some valuable documentation on the history of Hamas. This project has culminated in the production and publication of "Understanding Hamas, and why it matters" book.

This event will host a conversation with Helena Cobban and Rami Khouri to discuss their initiative, their findings and to provide a much-needed insight on Hamas.

Join us in this highly educational conversation with Helena and Rami on Saturday the 16th of November at 12PM (Midday)

BOOK HERE

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Fundraiser for Gaza / Doctors Without Borders - Your Belly Can Dance Class!
Nov
15

Fundraiser for Gaza / Doctors Without Borders - Your Belly Can Dance Class!

Event by Belly Dance Hilde

Your Belly Can Dance

Help raise money for Gaza/ Doctors Without Borders

1 total class — 3 hours @ A$30.00

We have all seen the horrendous pictures from Gaza. The suffering is immense. And while we can not do much to make these horrors end, we CAN send money to an organisation that makes a difference. Doctors Without Borders is doing an amazing job in Gaza, and they need all the funding they can get. So come along, open your heart, and even more importantly; your wallet, and have a great night with bellydance performances, raffle tickets and an open dance floor to the best and most danceable Arabic hits!

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Adelaide Community Banquet for Palestine
Nov
9

Adelaide Community Banquet for Palestine

Event by Health Care Workers 4 Palestine Adelaide

Banquet at Pavilion in the Park for Palestine

Join us for an evening of charity and reflection as we gather at Pavilion on the Park in Veale Gardens to raise funds to support the work of PANZMA (Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association).

All profits of this 3 course Gala Dinner will go towards PANZMA's work in providing medical relief to those in need, facilitating medical missions from Australia and New Zealand, or supporting education and training programs that foster the future of Palestinian healthcare needs.

There will also be an opportunity to donate further at check out or on the night through our silent auction. The

Program on the night includes talks by Farah Babaa a local Palestinian optometrist & Drs Mohammed Mustafa and Bushra Othman who will share their recent humanitarian work in Gaza.

This event is an initiative by Healthcare Workers 4 Palestine proudly supported by Al Salaam Foundation, AIMA (Australian Islamic Medical Association) and Adelaide Sisters Association.

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Webinar: This Is Palestine: Resistance, Truth-Telling And Survival In A Time of Genocide
Nov
6

Webinar: This Is Palestine: Resistance, Truth-Telling And Survival In A Time of Genocide

WEBINAR VIA ZOOM

This Is Palestine: Resistance, Truth-Telling And Survival In A Time of Genocide

Revised Time! 8pm South Australian Time (ACST) 8:30pm Australian Eastern Summer Time

Over a year into the genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people in Gaza, the state of Israel is showing no sign of reining in its atrocious onslaught. With a complete impunity and unconditional military and political support from the US, UK, Australia, Germany and other western imperialist powers, Israel's genocidal campaign is now expanding into Lebanon and has the potential of triggering an all-out regional war with Iran.

With the inability of International Law to hold Israel to account and achieve cease fire, now more than ever, the Palestinian struggle for liberation is at a critical juncture and the risk of Israel achieving a complete victory and reshaping the entire region may result in devastating consequences and redefine the lives of millions in the Arab world:

  • Can the International Court of Justice halt or, at least, hold Israel accountable for the Gaza genocide?

  • Will Israel and its allies succeed in normalising the “greater Israel” regime of apartheid from the river to the sea.

  • Does the Palestinian Authority still represent the Palestinians, or has it become an accomplice in their oppression?

  • What are the impacts of the current genocide in Gaza on Palestinians citizens of Israel?

  • In a time of extermination, displacement, sexual violence and industrial-scale torture, what is the future of the Palestinians' struggle for liberation?

To address all these questions and more, this online discussion will host Diana Buttu.

Diana is is a Palestinian-Canadian lawyer, analyst and former legal advisor to the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO). Her podcast series, This is Palestine, is produced by the Institute of Middle East Understanding and includes interviews with Palestinian student activists, human shields and torture camp survivors.

Join us in this highly educational conversation with Diana on Wednesday the 6th of November.

BOOK HERE

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Next Adelaide Palestine Solidarity Rally
Nov
3

Next Adelaide Palestine Solidarity Rally

Rally again in solidarity with the Palestinian people!

Hear from Palestinian-AustraliaN Writer, Samah Sabawi, whose family is deeply rooted in Gaza, and from Psychologist, Malcolm Hugo who has recently returned from an humanitarian tour in Gaza with Medicines San Frontiers

As Israel, with impunity, takes the Middle-East to the brink and continues with its extermination of the Palestinian people, come again to the steps of Parliament House and make your voice heard.

Australia MUST, by international law (given the finding of the International Court of Justice of 19 July 2024) not give assistance to the Israeli occupation of Palestine. It MUST enact sanctions on Israel and cease trade and diplomatic relations with this rogue state. Australia MUST put pressure on Israel to end the genocide. CEASEFIRE NOW!

Go to our web page to see what you can do to make your voice heard.

TAKE URGENT ACTION: Call out Australia’s double standards!

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2024 Edward Said Memorial Lecture
Nov
2

2024 Edward Said Memorial Lecture

  • Allan Scott Auditorium, Hawke Building UniSA (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

2024 Edward Said Memorial Lecture

AFOPA proudly presents

The Australian 2024 Edward Said Memorial Lecture

to be delivered live on stage in Adelaide on 2 November by Dr Samah Sabawi.

(Live streaming available)

"The Ethnocentric State and Our Fragile Australian Democracy: How Support for Israel Erodes Democratic Values and Practices in Australia and the West”.

In this Edward Said Memorial Lecture, Dr Sabawi will critique Israel's self-portrayal as a democracy, arguing that this narrative serves to justify Western powers' allegiance to its regime, at the expense of the erosion of western democratic principles around the world. It posits that Israel functions as an ethnocratic apartheid state, privileging Jewish citizens over others. Israel’s policies, territorial expansion, and control are driven by an ethnonational agenda, one that contradicts the basic democratic and multicultural principles of modern Western states. The consequences of supportng this ethnocratic regime is eroding global democratic values, especially in countries like Australia where political discourse has similarly demonized Palestinians and targetted Palestinian solidarity groups, leading to censorship and repression of fundamental democratic rights like free speech and protest.

_____

Dr Samah Sabawi is an author, playwright and poet and a recipient of multiple national and international awards.

Her theatre credits include the critically acclaimed and award-winning plays, Tales of a City by the Sea and THEM. In 2020 Samah received the prestigious Green Room Award for Best Writing in the independent theatre category, and was shortlisted for both the NSW and Victorian Premiers' Literary Awards.

Samah co-edited along with Stephen Orlov the anthology, Double Exposure: Plays of the Jewish and Palestinian Diasporas, which won the 2017 Patrick O’Neill Award. She co-authored I Remember My Name: Poetry by Samah Sabawi, Ramzy Baroud and Jehan Bseiso, edited by Vacy Vlazna, which won the 2016 Palestine Book Award.

Samah is the host of the webinar/podcast series The Book Room.

She received a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Victoria University for her thesis entitled Inheriting Exile, transgenerational trauma and the Palestinian Australian Identity.

Samah's debut novel  Cactus Pear for my Beloved, has just been released.

Samah is the founder of Hakawatieh Productions, whose first animation film is How We Fall in Love which is set to be released in 2025 .

BOOK HERE FOR IN PERSON ATTENDANCE

BOOK HERE FOR LIVESTREAM

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CALTEX Action!
Nov
1

CALTEX Action!

Non AFOPA event

Join in and help tell passing motorists on this busy corner about the CALTEX role in the Israeli genocide of the Palestinians!

Just turn up and hold a banner and celebrate to hundreds of honks of support you will get in standing for Palestine!

Corner ANZAC Highway and Marion Road, Plympton

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Adelaide Film Festival: No Other Land
Oct
31

Adelaide Film Festival: No Other Land

No Other Land at the Adelaide Film Festival

Palestinian activist Basel Adra picks up a camera to document Israel’s mass expulsion of his community in the occupied West Bank. Israeli investigative journalist Yuval Abraham joins him to support his efforts. The unlikely friendship fosters optimism in resistance, while the divide and inequality between their homelands sparks honest late-night conversations.

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Webinar: Colonisation and Resistance: Gaza, Palestine, and the struggle for justice and liberation
Oct
29

Webinar: Colonisation and Resistance: Gaza, Palestine, and the struggle for justice and liberation

This event is hosted by Palestine Justice Movement Sydney and the new Palestinian podcast "Red Inverted Triangle". 

WEBINAR VIA ZOOM

Webinar: Colonisation and Resistance: Gaza, Palestine, and the struggle for justice and liberation

Operation “Al Aqsa Flood” has taken the Zionist regime by surprise. On October the 7th, hundreds of Palestinian resistance fighters, led by Al Qassam brigades – the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) have breached the 220 million US dollars fortified fence around the Gaza Strip and entered areas of Israeli control, breaking the then 16-year-old siege.

The operation triggered the most lethal military operation against Gaza – a genocidal campaign - resulting in tens, if not hundreds, of thousands Palestinian killed and injured and a complete annihilation of the basic infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, a small strip of land – 360 square kilometres with a population of about 2.3 million, which was declared uninhabitable by the UN in 2020.

This online panel discussion will thoroughly analyse the October 7th operation from multiple perspectives. The webinar features Noura Erekat and Tareq Baconi.

Noura Erekat is a human rights attorney and an Associate Professor at Rutgers University, New Brunswick in the Department of Africana Studies and the Program in Criminal Justice. Her research interests include human rights law, humanitarian law, national security law, refugee law, social justice, and critical race theory. Noura is also a Co-Founding Editor of Jadaliyya, an electronic magazine on the Middle East that combines scholarly expertise and local knowledge. She is the author of Justice for Some: Law and in the Question of Palestine (Stanford University Press, 2019).

Tareq Baconi is the president of the board of Al-Shabaka. He is the former senior analyst for Israel/Palestine and Economics of Conflict at the International Crisis Group that is based in Ramallah, and the author of Hamas Contained: The Rise and Pacification of Palestinian Resistance (Stanford University Press, 2018).

The discussion will examine the historical context of Palestinian subjugation, particularly in Gaza, as well as the rise and rule of Hamas. It will also examine the limitations and potential of International Law in explaining this current juncture as well as the role it can play in exiting it.

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Fundraising Dinner for Lebanon and Gaza
Oct
26

Fundraising Dinner for Lebanon and Gaza

Fundraising Dinner for Lebanon and Gaza

Join us in solidarity, hold out your hand and help lift the people of Lebanon and Gaza out of suffering, right here on Kaurna Yerta.

Under ever-increasing bombardment, over a million people have been forcibly displaced across Lebanon while the continuing Genocide in Gaza only worsens with each passing day!

Now more than ever we need to put our hands together as the situation becomes increasingly desperate.

With offices and volunteers across Lebanon and Gaza, you can trust that Human Appeal Australia is working tirelessly to provide emergency aid, shelter, water, medical supplies and food to those who need it most.

You are essential to our capacity to deliver vital humanitarian essentials! While they count upon us, we count on your support. Together we can!

Date: Saturday 26th October
Time: 6pm
Location: Krystal Function Centre - 7 Church St Port Adelaide
Cost: $75pp - Contact Lena on 0416 494 461 to reserve a table of 10 and receive a saving of over $100.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Event Highlights:
Delicious food & refreshments including traditional homemade dessert
Insightful information from the ground
Spiritual Reminders
Live and Silent Auctions

Your presence will make a difference. Let’s come together to support those in need.

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Vigil for Lebanon
Oct
25

Vigil for Lebanon

One Lebanon!

Candlelight Vigil and prayer for the peace of the Middle East for all
And for there to be peace in our entire world

**Assembly will be on the Northern section of Victoria Square with flags of Lebanon And Palestine**

Assemble at norther section of Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga at 6.30pm and for candles or mobile phones to be switched on at sunset (approx 7.30pm) to send a peaceful message in solidarity

From all Australian Lebanese / Palestinian families and our Australian friends to our friends and relatives in Lebanon and Palestine:

Your pain is felt by us all. We want an immediate ceasefire and a consensual dialogue to initiate an agreeable settlement and

The resettlement of families to their rightful homes to raise their families in peace and harmony regardless of race, creed or color.

We hope and wish for peace between all nations.

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Webinar: A Conversation with Rev Stephen Sizer Zionism: Origins, goals and influence
Oct
24

Webinar: A Conversation with Rev Stephen Sizer Zionism: Origins, goals and influence

Zionism: Origins, goals and influence

The ideology that aims to redefine history and borders

It is well understood that inciting hate against, and criticism of, Judaism as a religion as well as the Jewish people solely for being Jewish is a form of blatant acts of racism and anti-Semitism and is to be unequivocally rejected and combated.

But when it comes to criticising and questioning Zionism and the state of Israel, similar treatment is being enforced.

Moreover, discussions seem to become misleading when there are intentional efforts to conflate Zionism with Judaism. 

This could be because a large proportion of advocates of Zionism are Jewish. Or due to the fact that the state of Israel proclaims itself to be a Jewish state.

And so, when it comes to supporting the Palestinian struggle for justice and standing up against the Israeli aggression and genocide, it may seem difficult to direct that criticism to the right place because much of the Zionist rhetoric is claimed to be embedded in biblical narratives. How accurate is that claim?

Some argue religion is being misused to promote the Zionist ideology.

It is, therefore becoming increasingly challenging to advocate for the Palestinian cause in the face of being constantly accused of anti-Semitism. 

Many questions come to mind when addressing the discourse on Palestine/Israel, including:

  • What is “Zionism”? Where did the term originate from? How does it relate to Judaism?

  • What is Christian Zionism? How much influence does it have on the proliferation of the Zionist ideology?

  • Is there a clear rational connection between the Zionist ideology and biblical narratives?

  • Why did Zionism gain so much support in its early stages? What are the main drivers of the Zionist ideology right now?

  • Is criticism of Israel, as a Jewish state, anti-Semitic given the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism?

  • How did Palestinians factor in the Zionist rhetoric?

  • Is Zionism compatible with any proposed resolution to the current struggle for justice and liberation in Palestine?

To answer these questions and more, this event hosts Rev. Dr. Stephen Sizer, a retired Christ Church Vicar and a member of Jewish Network for Palestine.

Stephen is the Bishop’s Chaplain to the Right Reverend Riah Abu El Assal, the retired Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem. He was ordained in 1983 and served as a curate in “St Leonard’s on Sea”, Sussex till1986. He was appointed Curate-in-Charge, then Rector of “St John’s, Stoke”, Guildford in Surrey (1986-1997) and vicar of “Virginia Water” from 1997 where he served for 20 years until his early retirement in 2017. Stephen is the founder and director of “Peacemaker Trust”, the chair of “Convivencia Alliance”, a cross-faith, international initiative for a just peace in the Middle East, in particular in Palestine. Stephen is also the chair of “ICAHD” UK, which is an Israeli peace and human rights organization originally established to oppose Israeli demolition of Palestinian houses in the Occupied Territory.

Stephen's PhD thesis examined the historical roots, theological basis and political consequences of Christian Zionism in Britain and the USA from 1820.

In 2004, he co-authored the statement Challenging Christian Zionism endorsed at the 5th International Sabeel Conference in Jerusalem.

He is the author of three books, “In the Footsteps of Jesus and the Apostles” in 2004; “Christian Zionism: Roadmap to Armageddon” also in 2004; and “Zion’s Christian Soldiers: The Bible, Israel and the Church” in 2007. His books have been translated into Arabic, Farsi, Korean and Spanish. He also writes occasionally for various journals and magazines.

Join us in this exciting discussion to explore how to navigate solidarity for Palestine while equipped with the right understanding of Zionism, its history, goals and influence. 

This event is hosted by Palestine Justice Movement Sydney and Free Palestine Melbourne, in collaboration with Australian Friends of Palestine Association, Friends of Palestine Western Australia, Palestine Action Group Canberra, Tasmanian Palestine Advocacy Network, Justice for Palestine Magan-djin, Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa, Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network, Friends of Sabeel Australia, and Perth Mums for Palestine.

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Global Kite Flight! Honour Palestinian Children!
Oct
20

Global Kite Flight! Honour Palestinian Children!

Global Kite Flight!

On October 20, communities across the globe will fly kites together to remember and honour Palestinian children killed by Israel

On October 20, communities across the globe will fly kites together to remember and honour Palestinian children killed by Israel.

In 2011, the children of Gaza broke the world record for the largest number of kites flown simultaneously. On the coast of Gaza, 15,000 children filled the Gazan blue skies with over 12,000 kites, symbols of Palestinian freedom and resilience.

“We hope that we can be free and can enjoy the same freedom these kites enjoy in the air,” Marwan, 11yo.

Since October 2023, it is estimated that 16,000 children have been killed in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Palestine, with thousands more injured and displaced. As this violence spreads to Lebanon, it is more important than ever that we stand in solidarity with all people in Palestine and Lebanon, and call for an immediate ceasefire, arms embargo, and sanctions against Israel.

Bring your kites to Henley Beach as we remember and honour the martyred kids of Palestine and call for an immediate end to Israel’s genocide. Kites will be available on the day in limited numbers, as well as ice blocks, watermelon and facepainting.

This event will be held on unceded Kaurna land. Always was, always will be.

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SA Labor Convention: Let's Tell Labor to Stand up for Gaza
Oct
19

SA Labor Convention: Let's Tell Labor to Stand up for Gaza

  • Adelaide Convention Centre Plaza - Top of Escalators from North Terrace (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join unionists, community groups and ALP members 8-10 AM at the SA Labor Convention on 19 October to demand Labor leaders end their support for Israel's genocide, and stand up for a free Palestine and an end to the occupation.

We will meet at the top of the escalators from North Terrace to the Adelaide Convention Centre plaza.

This event is organised by Unionists for Palestine SA and endorsed by:
• AFOPA
• Active Left
• Adelaide Sisters Association
• Lil-Aqsa
• Healthcare Workers for Palestine Adelaide

We acknowledge this event takes place on unceded Kaurna land.

Facebook RSVP HERE. Please share and invite your friends and contacts.

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Film Fundraiser: Palestine Under Siege
Oct
15

Film Fundraiser: Palestine Under Siege

AFOPA’s Mike Khizam to speak after the screening

Fundraiser screening of the documentary PALESTINE UNDER SIEGE with all proceeds going to the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network.

Dare to Struggle Films to bring you Palestine Under Siege, an Australian produced documentary film.
Palestine Under Siege takes you into the heart of the struggle for Palestinian self-determination. Survivors of Al Nakba along with Palestinian and Jewish activists, share their experiences and insights of living under Israeli apartheid. Three Australians, Dr Peter Slezak, Rand Darwish and Former Senator Lee Rhiannon, travelled to Palestine to conduct interviews and investigate Israel’s accelerating colonisation of Palestinian land.

Proceeds of raffle to AFOPA!

Book your tickets here!

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Run, Ride or Walk for Palestine - Adelaide 13 October 2024
Oct
13

Run, Ride or Walk for Palestine - Adelaide 13 October 2024

Run, Ride or Walk for Palestine

Join AFOPA and The Big Ride for Palestine SA for a great family fundraising day

The RUN, RIDE & WALK FOR PALESTINE will be bigger than ever with a new RUN/WALK route and the addition of the RIDE element

This community activity combines a love of running, walking or cycling with awareness and fundraising in support of the Palestinian people

While you can simply register to run, walk or ride, you can take up the optional fund raising challenge to raise as much as you can as an individual or a team by getting your friends, family members and work mates to sponsor you

Go to our fund raising site to register and check out all the details of this great event!

You can also fund raise as an individual, team member or as part of your own organisation!

This is a fun family day where you can walk or run the route, enjoy Palestinian food and watch the Palestinian Dabke (dance) group perform.

Funds raised at this event will support AFOPA's humanitarian and advocacy program as well as projects run by Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA in Palestine.

DATE: Sunday 13 October 2024

TIMES: 9am at Victoria Square Adelaide (bikes); 10:00am at Wigley Reserve Glenelg (run/walk)
- Bike Ride from Victoria Square, Adelaide 9:00am for a 9:30 flag off
- Run/Walk at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg - registration from 10:00am; flag off at 11:00am

NOTE: Runners and walkers only can register on the day at Wigley Square from 10:00am

Cyclists must register online
Click here to register as a runner or walker

(Online registrations are appreciated as this helps us plan the day more smoothly)

GREAT PRIZES FOR
1st female runner and first male runner
1st female walker and 1st male walker
3 child runners/walkers under 12

*Cyclists will be traveling in a group - so no winners!

REGISTER HERE!

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ADELAIDE RALLY: Stop the Invasion of Lebanon! End the Genocide in Gaza!
Oct
12

ADELAIDE RALLY: Stop the Invasion of Lebanon! End the Genocide in Gaza!

There are no AFOPA rallies or events on the weekend of 5-7 October 2024

RALLY: Stop the Invasion of Lebanon! End the Genocide in Gaza! Demand action and accountability from our leaders both federal and state!

Israel is expanding its war on Gaza and has invaded Lebanon. 1 million Lebanese have been displaced by Israel’s illegal and relentless bombing of that country.

Our leaders are more supportive than ever of Israel’s warmongering! We must oppose Israel’s behaviour that has the entire Middle-East on the brink and which poses a danger to the entire world. We must tell our leaders that it is illegal and immoral to support Israel and what it is doing.

Rally on Saturday 12 October at 2pm at Adelaide’s Parliament House to demand that our Prime Minister and our Foreign Minister take action to pressure Israel to obey international law and cease its genocidal behaviour! Words are not enough!

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Special Film Screening: Where Olive Trees Weep
Oct
11

Special Film Screening: Where Olive Trees Weep

  • Australian Workers Union (free parking available on site) (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Event by Australian Workers Union SA

Special Film Screening: Where Olive Trees Weep

Join us for a night to learn about the Palestinian struggle and fight for justice, and find out what we can do as unionists to support our Palestinian brothers and sisters.

This event is organised by UWU SA staff, endorsed by the Australian Friends of Palestine Association (AFOPA), and is open to UWU members and fellow Unionists for Palestine comrades.

UWU is a member of Australian Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN)

The event will feature special guest speakers followed by a screening of 'Where Olive Trees Weep'. Watch the trailer here.  

Where Olive Trees Weep

'The film offers a searing window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. It explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice. We follow, among others, Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, and Israeli journalist Amira Hass. We witness Dr. Gabor Maté offering trauma-healing work for a group of women who have been tortured in Israeli prisons. Ancient landscapes bear deep scars, having witnessed the brutal reality of ancestral land confiscation, expulsions, imprisonment, home demolitions, water deprivation, and denial of basic human rights. Yet, through the veil of oppression, we catch a glimpse of resilience—deep roots that have carried the Palestinian people through decades of darkness and shattered lives.' 

Guest Speakers:

  • Noura Mansour - General Manager, Community Organising and Advocacy Lead, APAN

  • Farah Babaa - South Australian Palestinian Activist

  • UWU 4 Palestine Members

RSVP HERE by Thursday 10 October 2024

🍕: Halal pizza & non-alcoholic drinks provided

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Protest CALTEX - National Day of Action
Oct
5

Protest CALTEX - National Day of Action

  • ABOVE TIME FOR SA, SEE TIME TABLE BELOW FOR INTERSTATE ACTIONS (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

National Day of Action Against CALTEX

5 October 2024

See the timetable below for protests in your state!

National Day of Action at your local

Caltex Servo!

 On Saturday October 5th we’re protesting at Caltex service stations across Australia! 

Caltex is owned by the US corporation Chevron, which operates in and partially owns the largest Israeli-claimed natural gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea. This is where about 70% of Israel’s power comes from. With its extraction and offshore pipelines, Chevron funnels millions of dollars into Israel making it a partner in Israel’s energy apartheid, military blockade of Gaza and the illegal exploitation of Palestinian land and natural resources.

 As apart of the blockade on Gaza, Israel has destroyed energy infrastructure, repeatedly bombing power plants and depriving Palestinians of adequate fuel supply. For a year the supply of electricity in Gaza has been used as leverage against the population, where it has been reduced or shut off multiple times in violation of International law. 

Apartheid is expensive to maintain and we have to collectively hit it where it hurts - the pocket!

Boycotts can be a tool for liberation. Targeting companies like Chevron creates substantial pressure for corporate accountability and draws a huge amount of media attention which can amplifying the impact of the BDS movement.

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