| Open letter to the Prime Minister expressing concerns respectfully and constructively about international law and human rights principles... |
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Statement from AFIC Re: Open Letter to the Prime Minister of Australia
24/12/2025(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils has issued an open letter to the Prime Minister of Australia concerning the Australian Government’s invitation to the President of Israel to undertake an official visit.
AFIC has taken this step in light of the ongoing and devastating humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine, the scale of civilian harm and displacement, and the significant findings and proceedings currently underway in international legal forums. The open letter raises concerns grounded in international law, human rights principles, and the broader implications for community trust within Australia.
In issuing this letter, AFIC has been mindful of the profound trauma experienced by the Jewish community in Australia following recent acts of violence, including the attack at Bondi. The letter explicitly acknowledges this trauma and reaffirms AFIC’s unequivocal rejection of antisemitism and all forms of racism and hate. These commitments are not in tension with, but integral to, a principled concern for Palestinian lives, dignity, and rights.
The open letter is intended to express these concerns respectfully and constructively, and to urge careful reconsideration of the timing and implications of such an invitation while the situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories remains unresolved and catastrophic.
AFIC invites individuals and organisations who wish to do so to read the open letter in full and, if they support its message, to register their endorsement.
The full text of the open letter is attached to this statement and is also available at the following link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bexKapojCro3lzleACbHtBZV1D7stDc-JIlxITG90H0/edit?tab=t.0
Endorsements can be registered via the following form:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5o0pCgiOiHymbwbEtVcait32mLPftgdW-jJVtcM6RY7UUnw/viewform
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AFIC, established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organisation in Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim community.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid, President
Read the full release online |
