AFIC commends the protestors for their courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges posed by a range of obstacles from inclement weather to heated opposition, the encampment has remained steadfast in its mission to raise awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people.
‘As an organisation that stands for the principles of social justice, AFIC believes it is imperative to support movements that align with these values. The Sydney University protests are a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for what is right.’ Dr. Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC said.
AFIC calls on all Australians to understand the importance of these protests and to support the cause to protect lives. Where universities are places of academic freedom and diversity of opinions are encouraged and needed for our nation's health, these voices must be listened to.
AFIC rejects the characterization that supporting Palestinians or denouncing Israel's actions is inherently antisemitic or anti-Jewish. It is important to have valid debate and criticism of any authority or state.
AFIC also calls upon the University of Sydney to ensure engagement with the protestors is constructive. The university has a responsibility to foster an environment where open dialogue and the exchange of ideas are encouraged, and where students feel safe to express their views, which the University itself acknowledged in a statement on 24 April and the 1 May 2024.
In closing, the AFIC reiterates its support for the protestors and their peaceful efforts to bring about positive change.
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.
AFIC MEMBERS
Islamic Council of ACT Islamic Council Christmas Island
The United Muslim Council of NSW
Islamic Council of NT
Islamic Council of Queensland
Islamic Council of SA
Tasmanian Muslim Association
Islamic Council of Victoria
Islamic Council of WA
Arab-Australian Friendship Society
Bosnian United Society of ACT Inc.
Young Muslims Association Inc.
Australian Turkish Friendship Association
ABH Islamic Society GHB Penshurst
Central Coast Islamic Society
Western Sydney Islamic Society
Elminia Islamic Youth Centre
Bebnine Akar District Charity Association
Parramatta Islamic Cultural Assn
Sydney Islamic Community Welfare
Australian Beirut Charitable Association
Bayt Zakat Charity Inc.
IAAL Charitable Association
Syria Relief Incorporated
The Islamic Friendship Association of Australia
Al Minia Charitable Association
Canterbury Islamic Society
The Australian Islamic House in Liverpool
Lebanese Unity Association
Tripoli Fayhaa Muslim Association Inc
El Dunnieh Sons Charity Association
Assalah Islamic Association
Alebdaa Islamic Association
Islamic Peace Association
Jordanian Hub
Al Salaam Islamic Society of NSW Inc
Islah Zat Al Bayn for Reconciliation Inc the
United Arab Moslem Association
Islamic Society of Alice Spring
Islamic Society of Darwin
Islamic Society of Palmerston Bosniak
Islamic Centre of Qld Islamic Society of Algester
Islamic Society of Central Queensland
Islamic Society of Darra Islamic Society of Gold Coast
Islamic Society of Holland Park
Islamic Society of Mareeba
Islamic Society of Westend
Islamic Society of Toowoomba
Islamic Society of Mackay
Islamic Society of Ipswich
Islamic Society of Logan City
Islamic Society of Durack
Darul Uloom Academy
Sisters with Helping Hands Inc
Townsville Islamic Society
Islamic Society of Gladstone
Bosniak’s Association of South Australia
Murray Bridge Islamic Cultural Education Society
Islamic Association of Virginia
The Eritrean Islamic Society of Adelaide Inc
Sudanese Cultural and Social Society of SA
The Islamic Outreach Assn of South Australia
Somali Communities Council Inc
Muslim Youth of SA
Eritrean Muslim Community in SA
The Islamic Cultural Development Centre of Australia
The African Muslim Association of South Australia
Islamic Community Australia Inc
Adelaide Malay Association Inc
Somali Juba and Gedo Community Association Inc
Somali United Community Association of South Australia Inc
Eritrean and Ethiopian Youth of Adelaide Inc
Al-Furqan Cultural Association of South Australia Inc
Adelaide United Families Inc
Tasmanian Muslim Association
Albanian Australian Islamic Society
Ararat Islamic Welfare Association
United Muslim Migrant Association
Werribee Islamic Centre Limited
Islamic Association of Monash Mosque
United Imams & Duaat
United Sri Lankan Muslim Association of Australia
Gippsland Australian Muslim Community Inc
Light of Hidayah Inc
Australian Middle Eastern Council Inc.
Alnajat Association of Australia
Akkar Association of Australia
Al Amin Islamic Association Victoria Inc
Integrity Islamic Society of Australia
Islamic Womens Council of Australia Inc.
Mazraat Balde Australia Inc
Australian Women Rights Association
Australian Human Rights Association Inc
Victorian Kuredish Associaiton Inc
Muslim Youth Centre Victoria Inc
Australian Future Women's Movement Inc
Alsalaam Islamic Associaiton of Victoria Inc
The Arabic Community Association of Victoria Inc
Muslim Women Welfare of Victoria Inc
Islamic Association of Katanning
Noorul Islam Society
Muslim Charity Community of WA Inc
Kalgoorlie Islamic Centre
Persutuan Isam Pulu Cocos
Muslims WA Inc
Madrash Shiarul Islam Inc
The Arabic Community Association of WA
United Australian Islamic Association Inc.
Muslim Women Welfare & Advocacy WA Inc
Smile of Hope Muslim Youth Support Centre
International Humanitarian Aid Inc
Muslim Defence League Inc
Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamaah Inc
Furqan Islamic Association of WA
Muslim Public A airs Council
Al Salam Islamic Society of WA
Peace Univeral Society
Freemantle District Islamic Association Inc
Lebanese Australian Association Inc.
Muslim Prison Welfare and Advocacy of Western Australia Inc
Australian Muslim Civil Rights Advocacy Network INC.
United Muslims Of Western Australia INC.
Perth United Soccer Club