Australia's Israel Lobby launches attack on 2023 Edward Said Memorial Lecturer

Reminiscent of the unsuccessful campaign against the Palestinian writers at this year’s Adelaide Writers’ Week, the Israel Lobby, via the Australian Jewish News (AJN) on 28 September, fired the first salvo in an anticipated campaign against the 2023 Edward Said Memorial Lecturer, Ms Francesca Albanese, the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967.

Ms Albanese will deliver the Edward Said Memorial Lecture in Adelaide on 11 November. On 14 November she will address the National Press Club. Panicked that Ms Albanese should be invited to address Australian journalists at such a prestigious event, the AJN describes Ms Albanese as “having a history” of using and promoting “ugly tropes about Jews and extreme, virulent views about Israel”. The article falls short of calling Ms Albanese antisemitic but signals that this is what should be focused on by those at the Press Club.

Ms Albanese is no stranger to being vilified due to her factual reporting on the situation facing the Palestinians. In response to the AJN article, AFOPA’s Chairperson, Ms Christa Christaki has released the following statement, which is supported by two letters, one from Israeli-British historian, Emeritus Professor of Oxford University, Avi Shlaim and the other signed by 65 scholars of antisemitism, Holocaust, Jewish Studies and related fields:

"We find these baseless allegations unsurprising, as they appear designed to disseminate disinformation and tarnish the reputation of Mrs. Albanese and her mandate. Such tactics have long been employed by certain of Israel's support groups to shield Israeli apartheid policies towards Palestinians from scrutiny, and, as a former Special Rapporteur aptly noted, to deflect attention from the harsh realities on the ground.

However, let it be clear that Mrs. Albanese's track record in upholding human rights is beyond reproach. Her life exemplifies an unwavering commitment to human rights and justice. Her lifelong efforts for human rights and justice have further been endorsed by numerous members of the global Jewish community, both overseas and in Israel.

As Emeritus Professor of Oxford University, Avi Shlaim has remarked: "The three main pillars of Judaism are truth, justice, and peace. Ms Albanese personifies these values to a remarkably high degree. And there will be many Jews worldwide, disturbed by Israel’s  departure from these core Jewish values, who may have reason to thank her for upholding them." Many other prominent Jewish scholars have vehemently defended the Special Rapporteur against these unfounded accusations.

Knowing Mrs. Albanese, we trust that she will be willing to engage with Australian Jewish News, along with other Jewish organizations in the country, and with anyone genuinely interested in fostering a peaceful and equitable future for both Palestinians and Israelis, as she has always been doing since the beginning of her mandate. As she says: "Human rights, without exception, are universal: they are either for all or for no one. The situation in the oPt is extremely complex scenario involving two people, millions of lives, who find themselves ensnared, albeit with varying degrees of responsibility and suffering - it is not about siding with one or the other, it is about recognising the value of human life, dignity, human rights and need for freedom of all."

Humanitarian Projects by AFOPA Members 2022-23

Dr Francis Nathan and Ms Merlin Nathan, traveled to Palestine in November 2022 and January 2023

Assistance in Palestine by Dr Francis Nathan, Ophthalmic Advisor to PCRF (Palestine Children’s Relief Fund), and support for a Gazan junior eye doctor

Francis, a long term AFOPA member and provider of volunteer surgical services for Palestinians, undertook trips to Palestine in November 2022 and January 2023. He conducted eye surgery and assessed the needs of five ophthalmic centres, including a visit to Gaza, his first since 2004.

Francis has also recruited a new Adelaide eye surgeon, Dr Jagjit (Jolly) Gilhotra, who attended during the November 2022 trip, conducting vitreo-retinal surgery at the Hugo Chavez Eye Hospital in Turmus Aya in the West Bank. Dr Gilhotra will be returning for a surgical trip in December 2023.

In addition to AFOPA’s financial assistance for travel to provide services in Palestine, with AFOPA and APPEH (Australian -Palestinian Partnerships in Education and Health) support, ophthalmic equipment was donated to Rafidia Hospital, Nablus, comprising: 

• Portable slit lamp microscope for examining the front portion of the eye

• Indirect ophthalmoscope for examining the internal eye

• Portable tonometer to measure eye pressures.

Significant sponsorship by an AFOPA member is also supporting a junior eye doctor, Dr Mohammed AlManassra from Gaza, to complete a surgical training fellowship in oculoplastics in India. He is currently at the LV Prasad Eye Centre in Hyderabad, India and will finish in October 2024. Francis met Dr AlManassra in January 2023 when Francis and his partner, Occupational Therapist and long term AFOPA member, Merlin Nathan visited Gaza (see below report). Dr AlManassra approached Francis for help regarding the approval of the Gaza Ophthalmic Hospital to sponsor his post-graduate training in oculoplastic surgery. This essential specialty covers eyelid, orbital (eye socket), and lacrimal (tear drainage system) surgery, including tumours of the eyelids and orbits. There is currently no resident oculoplastic surgeon in Gaza. Dr AlManassra will be training for 15 months and has committed to return to Gaza to help his people.

Dr Mohammed AlManassra outside the LV Prasad Eye Centre in Hyderabad, India

Assistance in Palestine by Merlin Nathan, Occupational Therapist and Allied Health Advisor to PCRF 

The focus of Merlin’s visit in her role as Occupational Therapist in visits along with Francis to Palestine in November 2022 and January 2023 was a survey of needs of allied health, primarily occupational therapy and physiotherapy, though in some venues the Medical Director indicated nursing staff requirements needed to be assessed.

The centres and hospitals in Hebron and Gaza had received several sets of state-of-the-art equipment which required training regarding their function and use. Staff were keen to have more specific training with a focus on a variety of diagnoses and treatment programs. Staff were also open to several ideas that would improve their services in terms of better use of their environment and resources.

RECENT AFOPA EVENTS: Quiz Night and Antony Loewenstein

What a Quiz Night!

Over 200 Friends of AFOPA attended Young AFOPA’s Quiz Night on 2 June 2023, a Quiz Night like never before. Hailed as a huge success, the evening combined healthy competition with lots of fun. There was even spontaneous Dabke! Given the large number of young people who participated enthusiastically, it is evident that young people care about Palestine and want to make a difference.

Young AFOPA leader Elena Christaki-Hedrick said, “We are very proud to present Young AFOPA’s first event and to support the Palestinian people’s struggle for justice.”

The Young AFOPA team (and their helpers) did a brilliant job in organising this sell-out event. Thank you to everyone who attended and to the donors of impressive raffle prizes. A special thank you to John Ross Savvas for donating his services as Quiz Master extraordinaire.

Photo by Aussie Kanck

Photo by Aussie Kanck

Photo by Aussie Kanck

Antony Loewenstein in Conversation with AFOPA’s Mike Khizam

This “in conversation” was a special event held at the recently beautifully renovated Piccadilly Cinema in North Adelaide. AFOPA invited bestselling author and journalist Antony Loewenstein to Adelaide to launch his latest book, The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World. Over 70 people were in attendance, a good number of those new to the issue of Palestine.

AFOPA Executive Committee Member, Mike Khizam provided incisive commentary and asked a stimulating set of questions as he and Antony discussed the book. This landmark work uncovers the widespread commercialisation and brutal deployment globally of Israel’s occupation-enforcing technologies. Antony’s wide research has revealed how, as ethno-nationalism grows in the 21st century, Israel has built the ultimate tools for despots and democracies.

A Q&A session was conducted after the conversation and Antony was able to sign books for the many audience members who purchased them. We only have a few left in stock at the Palestine Centre for Peace, so get in quick if you want one!.

Mike Khizam and Antony Loewenstein in conversation

Antony and the cover of his book

New AFOPA Executive Committee

At this year’s AGM, two new members of the Executive Committee were endorsed. Cameron Green and Paul Chambers joined the Committee, and hit the ground running at the subsequent Executive Meeting the following week.

That meeting, in accordance with the Constitution, selected the office bearers for the Association. The Constitution allows for 12 members of the Committee; we are carrying two vacancies.

The Committee and wider association is deeply appreciative of the leadership of our immediate past Chairperson, Edie Bransbury. Edie served as Chair for 2 years and worked incredibly hard behind the scenes as well as out front advocating for Palestine as well as for AFOPA. Thank you for your leadership, energy and devotion, Edie. But you haven’t gone far - here is AFOPA’s Executive Committee for 2023-24:

Christa Christaki, Chairperson

Christa joined AFOPA’s Executive Committee in 2020 after 33 years as an Executive and Senior Manager in the SA public service. She particularly enjoyed opportunities throughout her career to build strong organisational cultures based on shared values with both staff and stakeholders. Throughout her career Christa worked in positions that aligned with her core values of social justice, human rights and equity. This included multicultural affairs, Aboriginal policy and programs, employment policy and programs and an early career in social work in the Greek community. Christa’s commitment to justice for Palestine was cemented after a stay in East Jerusalem and the occupied Palestinian territories in 2019. Christa is of Cypriot background, the daughter of immigrants who came to Australia in the 1940s. She is also passionate about justice for Cyprus which has been occupied in the northern part of the country since 1974. 

Jeanie Lucas, Secretary and Public Officer

Jeanie is a retired Social Worker. She has been an activist for most of her adult life, first in the Women’s Movement, then in the Anti-War movement and now for Palestine. She has been involved with AFOPA since 2006 and has previously served as Secretary. Jeanie is interested in “operations room” work behind the scenes. Her responsibilities on the Executive include the newsletter and coordinating social media messaging.

Dr Sam Shahin, Treasurer

Sam has been involved with AFOPA since its inception and has been an Executive member for many years, having previously served as AFOPA Chairperson. Sam is a passionate advocate for his homeland and a great spokesperson for AFOPA. He is the Managing Director of The Bend Motorsport Park and as such is a pretty busy person. He has been AFOPA’s Treasurer for the past two years.

Edie Bransbury

Edie is our immediate past Chairperson. She is stepping back from this leadership role but wants to continue active involvement on the Committee. Edie retired in 2011 from working in the SA justice system, where she held Senior Management and Executive positions across various jurisdictions. Edie’s involvement with AFOPA goes back to its inception in 2004. Three visits to Palestine in the last 10 years - witnessing daily the humiliating treatment of the Palestinian people, the lack of any foreseeable just future for their young and the relentless destruction and theft of their property - motivates her to continue her support of Palestinian aspirations for peace and a just existence. 

Mike Khizam

Mike is a long time peace activist and campaigner for Palestinian rights. He was active in the Anti-War movement during the 1990s and early 2000s. He is an experienced public speaker who frequently addresses AFOPA rallies and provides lectures and presentations on Palestine for AFOPA. Mike has worked as a personal assistant in the South Australian Parliament. He is a former Commonwealth Public Servant and has also worked extensively in book retailing in Melbourne and Adelaide.   

Margaret Cassar

Margaret first became interested in Palestine while studying for her teaching degree in the 1970s but did not become politically active, due to family and teaching commitments, until 20 years ago when she started writing letters to the editor regarding the Iraq War, Palestine and Indigenous issues. Shortly after joining the Executive of AFOPA 14 years ago she became convenor of its BDS (Boycott Divestment Sanctions) Activist Group. As Convenor of BDS activities she has organised nearly 640 street actions in Adelaide. Margaret has also published articles about AFOPA’s BDS group in the international magazines Intifada Palestine, Palestine Chronicle, Mondoweiss and Europalestine. She remains passionately committed to educating as many people as possible about the situation in Palestine and how everyone can effect change through activism and adopting BDS.

Imad Mahmoud

Imad is 46 years old and of Palestinian origin. He has a BE in Mechanical Engineering and is currently working as a project manager with a real estate company. Imad has been active since he arrived in Australia in 2018. He, along with his beautiful wife, volunteered at Marion Community Centre, then as a school soccer coach. He has completed several courses at University and TAFE. Imad is active within the Palestinian cultural community group, Glimmer of Hope often working jointly with AFOPA through Glimmer before he joined the AFOPA Executive Committee in 2022. Imad is also interested in religion and hopes that progressive religious ideas might help push forward an end to the Palestinian conflict.

Oceah Davis

Oceah is a recent University of Adelaide graduate. She became increasingly aware of the Palestinian cause while studying. In early 2022 she completed an internship at AFOPA and later that year at the AGM she joined the Executive. Oceah is adept at social media and manages our Instagram account and helps produce graphics for the promotion of the Palestine Centre for Peace. She is also active in the new group, Young AFOPA.

Cameron Green

Cameron has just finished his double degree in International Relations and Arts. He is hoping to use his degree to develop a career in policy development to assist Australia in creating better relationships with other countries. During his final year at the University of Adelaide he participated in an internship with AFOPA, which widened his view of the Israel-Palestine conflict. He is looking forward to working with members of AFOPA over the coming years.

Paul Chambers

Paul is a retired scientist. He previously worked as a researcher focusing on molecular biology and microbial genetics, and lectured in the biological sciences. Paul has an interest in politics and social justice, hence his involvement with AFOPA.