The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) strongly condemns the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) for its disgraceful censorship of Palestinian flags in an art exhibition, as reported by The Guardian.
This is not just an attack on an artwork—it is an attack on Palestinian identity itself. The deliberate erasure of the Palestinian flag is a direct endorsement of the ongoing Zionist campaign to suppress, dehumanise, and erase the Palestinian people from history. It is cowardice. It is complicity. And it is utterly unacceptable.
Censorship is a Political Act
The absurd notion that the Palestinian flag—or any visual representation of Palestinian culture—is now being deemed “controversial” or “divisive” is part of a wider, deeply disturbing trend.
Dr Rateb Jneid, AFIC President, stated “Palestinians are not an abstract concept. They exist. Their history exists. Their struggle exists.”
Yet, time and again, public institutions in Australia bow to external pressure and participate in the dehumanisation of an entire people.
The message this censorship sends is clear: Palestinians are not allowed to represent themselves. Their culture is to be erased. Their supporters are to be silenced.
AFIC Demands Immediate Action
We demand the following, without compromise:
- The NGA must immediately restore the censored artwork in its original form. Art institutions exist to challenge and inspire, not to police and erase.
- The Australian Government must issue clear directives to all public institutions that this suppression of Palestinian identity must stop. The erasure of Palestinian symbols, voices, and culture is an attack on free expression and an endorsement of apartheid policies.
- An unequivocal acknowledgment of the right of Palestinians to be represented in all fields—including art, academia, and public discourse—without harassment, censorship, or intimidation.
- Protection for all supporters of Palestinian self-determination, who are being increasingly targeted, threatened, and silenced for simply advocating for justice and human rights.
Palestinian Identity Is Not Up for Negotiation
Dr Jneid, further stated, “This is not just about one art gallery. It is about the broader and relentless effort to strip Palestinians of their dignity, identity, and right to self-expression. The Palestinian flag is not a threat. The keffiyeh is not a threat. Palestinian voices are not a threat. The real threat is complicity in genocide, apartheid, and suppression of human rights.”
We will not be silent. We will not allow this censorship to go unchallenged.
AFIC stands in unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, their artists, and their supporters. We urge all people of conscience to demand the restoration of the artwork and an end to this disgraceful campaign of suppression.
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