AFOPA wishes you a very Happy New Year for 2017! This 3 Things: UN Security Council Resolution; Kerry's speech; Help get Anne's film on the screen!
UN Security Council condemns Israeli settlements
On 23 December the United Nations Security Council passed resolution 2334. The resolution was passed 14-0 and condemns Israeli building of settlements on occupied Palestinian territory. Unusually, the United States did not exercise its veto on this resolution and instead abstained, allowing the resolution put by New Zealand, Malaysia, Venezuela and Senegal to go through.
On 28 December, US Secretary of State, John Kerry delivered a speech strongly criticising Israel's expansionism and defended his country's abstention in the Security Council. He set out a set of principles for a future final status agreement for a two-State solution.
Both the resolution and the speech have been praised and condemned. Israel's government has hysterically protested both. Those who support Palestine have provided analyses that express cautious support or downright disdain.
AFOPA has loaded a selection of articles from various sources and writers about Resolution 2334 and Kerry's speech. You won't find much in the Australian media, and certainly we can't find much comment by Australian politicians, but you'll find plenty of interest at our Facebook page.
Netanyahu is coming to town - will you join the protests?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who leads the most right wing Israeli Government in history, is due to visit Australia in February 2017.
Will you come to Canberra to protest his Government’s crushing policies towards the Palestinians?
Australia’s Foreign Minister continues to state that Israel and Australia have similar values. But Israel’s blatant disregard for International law, its obstinate refusal to engage in any progress towards ending the Occupation, its territorial expansion and its military’s mistreatment of Palestinians including minors is offensive to core human values. These are not values Australians support or embrace.
Netanyahu is also known for his racist slurs against the Palestinian population both inside Israel and in Palestine, and has recently suggested that moving settlers out of the West Bank amounts to ethnic cleansing. He has overseen two devastating wars on Gaza, and ruled out the establishment of a Palestinian State.
The timing and schedule of Netanyahu’s visit is not yet known, however, it is expected that his itinerary will include a visit to Canberra and an invitation to speak to the parliament.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN), of which AFOPA is a member, is working with the Canberra based group, Australians for Justice and Peace in Palestine, AJPP, to plan a protest on the lawns of Parliament House, to which you and all parliamentarians are invited to attend.
APAN is keeping an eye on any further details regarding the trip, but in the meantime – please plan for a trip to Canberra in February! (APAN will let people know, in due course, of any other protest events planned).
And if you can, please donate to this campaign. It would be great to organise striking visuals and hire some buses to get people to Canberra – your donation could help raise our voice against oppression and abuse of human rights!
Help get AFOPA member, Anne Tsoulis' film on screen!
Directed by AFOPA member, Anne Tsoulis, FROM UNDER THE RUBBLE is a high impact feature length documentary that prompts us to examine the personal, emotional and psychological toll of armed conflict on defenseless civilian populations, in particular, women and children. The story of what happened to the Samouni family during the Israeli invasion of Gaza in 2009 challenges the audience to stand in the shoes of the survivors of what has become known as the Samouni massacre.
FROM UNDER THE RUBBLE is a 90min documentary that has been financed with the assistance of Film Victoria, Screen Australia and the South Australian Film Corporation. As Anne says, "just getting this backing demonstrates the support the Palestinian people have in Australia".
Anne needs just a bit more money to get this film into cinemas. Can you help with the final count down? Go to the film's GoFundMe website for further details about the film and for information about how to make a donation.
RE-OPENS ON 9 JANUARY 2017
Australia's largest range of books on Palestine. Unique ceramics, embroideries, olive oil and foodstuffs, Dead Sea skin care range, keffiyehs and more. 60 Frome St, Adelaide SA Ph: 8232 5273
Opening hours: Mon-Fri. 9:30am-5:00pm | Sat. 9:30am-1:00pm
or Shop online > bit.ly/pcfp-au
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