Do you want to learn more about Palestine, to inform your advocacy or solidarity actions? The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) has gathered many useful materials to get you started.
Videos
Israeli Palestinian conflict explained, Jewish Voice for Peace (USA, 2012)
A short animated video which is easy to understand and historically accurate, endorsed by Palestinian, Israeli and American scholars and peace activists. This mini-primer from Jewish Voice for Peace explains why Israelis and Palestinians are fighting, why the US-backed peace process has been an impediment to peace, and what you can do to make a difference. This conflict is essentially about land and human rights, not religion and culture.
Jewish Voice for Peace is a diverse and democratic community of activists inspired by Jewish tradition to work together for peace, social justice, and human rights. We support the aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians for security and self-determination.
Palestine 101 with Jafar Ramini (Australia, 2021)
This series of short videos provides a great introduction to the main issues for Palestinians. Produced by Jafar Ramini, a Palestinian based in Australia who has made it his life’s work to educate people around the world about Palestine. Topics include:
- The formation of the state of Israel
- Zionism
- 1948 The Nakba (Catastrophe) & Ethnic Cleansing
- Illegal Israeli Settlements
- Gaza: Concentration Camp
- Israel: Apartheid State
See other videos on the APAN website including The Book Room, a series of monthly interviews by award winning Palestinian playwright and poet Samah Sabawi, highlighting Palestinian and Australian Indigenous authors.
Factsheets
Israel is not a state of all its citizens. According to the basic nationality law we passed, Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people – and only it. – Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister
Palestine 101
A brief overview including a timeline from 1948 to 2022.
Gaza
“Gaza is a tiny coastal enclave, home to nearly 2 million Palestinians. Over 70% of Gazans are registered refugees, having been displaced in 1948 or since; and 50% are under 18. Gazans endure appalling conditions as a result of 50 years of Israeli military rule and more recently a cruel blockade. Israel occupies Gaza by maintaining control over virtually all entry and exit from Gaza as well as its coastline and airspace. Gaza is geographically disconnected from the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with Palestinians unable to travel to or from Gaza without the permission of the Israeli military.”
1948 Nakba
Details the displacement and massacres of the ‘Catastrophe’ as well as how ethnic cleansing continues today. You can also view a short video about the Nakba (part of Jafar Ramini’s series).
View further factsheets on the APAN site.
Books
APAN volunteers have written reviews of a number of books including:
- Boycott Theory and the Struggle for Palestine
- Still lives: A memoir of Gaza
- The Hundred Year’s War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonial Conquest and Resistance
- Wall of tears: The human face of the Israel-Palestine conflict
- Palestine: A Four Thousand Year History
More ways to learn
The price tag of Israel’s right to defend itself cannot be the destruction of Palestine. Israel’s right to defend its civilians cannot equate to the annihilation of Palestinian civilians. I hereby call for an immediate ceasefire to come into effect, alongside many world leaders and experts. – Senator Fatima Payman, 17 November 2023
Australian public opinion on Palestine and Israel 2022 poll
The results from a national YouGov poll found a majority of people believe Palestine should be recognised as an independent state, and oppose the current approach the Australian Government has towards the Occupied Palestinian Territories in relation to the continuation of the occupation, the siege on Gaza, and support for the International Criminal Court.
Palestine in Australian politics
APAN has been documenting references to Palestine and Israel in the Australian parliament since 2011. Speeches are listed chronologically, and can be searched by parliamentarian, party, date, or format.
News, statistics, infographics and analysis
APAN has collated a number of trusted sources for information about Palestine.
Podcasts
A range of podcasts about Palestine including history, news, solidarity and cooking.
About APAN
Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) was formed in May 2011 to provide a national voice for the many thousands of Australians who are concerned about Israel’s continuing human rights abuses against Palestinians, and the continuing effects of dispossession and displacement.
APAN members are diverse and include grassroots human rights groups; Jewish and Palestinian groups; aid and development agencies; and unions. Individual members have many different backgrounds including religious leaders; academics; lawyers; former politicians, diplomats and public servants; and many others. APAN is involved in a range of activities and campaigns that seek to influence Australia’s public policy in regard to Palestine and Israel, in line with UN resolutions, human rights and international law.
Find out more, join a local group, attend events around Australia, and donate to support ongoing advocacy.
Explore Further
- Israel’s Occupation: 50 Years of Dispossession, Amnesty International
- 3 Key Insights for Building a Powerful and Loving Movement against Oppression in Palestine-Israel, Beautiful Trouble
- Teach for Palestine Resource Kit, ESTE Inc
- Palestine will be free! Graphic care-package #3, Justseeds Collaboration
- Art Action Toolkits, Posters and Social Media Graphics, Artists Against Apartheid
- Writing a Solidarity Statement: Considerations and Process Questions, Building Movement Project
- Where is the Australian climate movement’s solidarity with Palestine? Alex Kelly in Overland
- The silence from non-profits on Palestine is thunderous, Neha Madhok on LinkedIn
- Calls to Action for Palestine: “Australian” Toolkit
- New to Activism, Organising and Campaigning? Start Here!