History of AFOPA

Frustrated by the lack of public outrage over events in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, as well as the blatant media bias in Australia towards the Israeli position, five concerned Adelaidians met late in 2003 over a cup of coffee to start a new association that could argue the Palestinian cause. Those in attendance were Abby Hamdan, Gus Shahin, Heather Mack, Paul Heywood-Smith and Bassam Dally.

With the help of eminent South Australian QC and former Supreme Court Judge, Elliot Johnson, who became the Association’s patron, the co-founders were encouraged and inspired by the level of support they received from their peers and general public. The name The Australian Friends of Palestine Association was adopted. And so, begun a movement that has gained strength not only from the supports of its members, but due to the worldwide outcry over what is happening to innocent human beings in the Occupied Territories of Palestine, namely the West Bank, and Gaza Strip. 

The Association was officially launched on 19 February 2004. Over 100 people attended including members of the Jewish community and representatives of the Women for Palestine organisation from Melbourne.  The first public function following the launch was titled “Eyewitness Palestine” and was held at the Trades Hall in Adelaide, featuring a talk by Saif Abu Keshak, a young Palestinian activist from the International Solidarity Movement (ISM).

Since then, AFOPA’s size, scope of activities, and impact on our community has grown considerably. AFOPA has provided Australians with an avenue to voice their support for the just cause of the Palestinian people.