Quakers Voice Concerns Over Recent Events in Israel and Palestine

Public Statement by Quakers in Australia on Recent Violence in Israel and Palestine

- October 2023 -

Quakers have a long-standing testimony to Peace. We seek to "take away the occasion for war" and deny that warlike activities can have any long-term benefit. We continue to support all those who seek peace and social justice in the Israeli and Palestine region.
As such we deeply regret the attack of Hamas on Israeli civilians and the consequent attack by the Israeli military on Palestinian civilians both of which caused massive death, destruction and injury.

It is important to acknowledge the humanitarian disaster in Palestine caused by the ongoing Israeli occupation of the West Bank, the continual expansion of illegal settlements, eviction of Palestinians and the blockade of Gaza. We believe that peace is unlikely in the region while these injustices continue.

We acknowledge the imbalance of power between Israel and Palestine and ask that both sides use United Nations processes to establish justice and work towards a lasting peace in the region.

Bruce Henry
Presiding Clerk
The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Australia

To download a PDF of the Statement, click HERE.