One year ago, on October 7, we were horrified by the shocking attacks carried out by Hamas against Israeli civilians, including at the Nova music festival, where people gathered in the spirit of peace and love. What followed in Australia was also eye-opening - suddenly, a longstanding conflict that many had barely discussed became a subject of intense debate.
We acknowledge that last October, we were unprepared to issue an immediate statement, we were caught off guard by events unfolding on the other side of the world, with layers of complexity often considered to be unsolvable. We were unprepared to respond in a way which could actually help those affected, both overseas and in Australia. With tensions running high and a deep sense of hurt, people from all sides of the conflict were adding to the confusion, and some were even attempting to misdirect us. We took our time because we always strive to make meaningful statements, rather than simply joining a chorus of condemnations and “calls for action” that are predictably ignored.
Now, a year later, tragically the situation remains largely unchanged except that it appears that the Lebanese people are also being dragged into the conflict. Israel is also engaged in a vengeance campaign, just as Hamas was driven by revenge. The cycle of violence continues with no clear end in sight, and, crucially, no one has any actual plan for the future. Both sides are trapped in an endless conflict, with little thought given to what comes next, and this lack of vision only leads to more suffering.
At the time, we had grave concerns about a looming invasion of Gaza, and tragically, those fears came true. The counterattack/retribution has overwhelmingly harmed mostly women and children, who are presumably not militants, leaving Gaza in devastation, with destruction continuing at an endless pace. Hamas continues to hold hostages, and Israel is killing civilians on a massive scale, not to mention suffering which doesn't involve actually dying such as detaining civilians on flimsy charges, each in deplorable conditions.
Many have claimed genocide, but we argue this is worse than genocide – the suffering is prolonged, as the conflict drags on with no end in sight, and is not fast enough to ever complete the invasion of Gaza. Israelis and Palestinians live in constant fear and mental anguish, wondering if they will be the next to be killed. Meanwhile, young people are sent into battle, losing their lives or limbs, and if they survive, they return broken. All the while, the older generation who sent them to fight are laying back in comfort.
The Far-Right Ultranationalists are the number one impediment to peace. Netanyahu should already be in jail for a long list of crimes. For years, they have driven Israel down a dark path, antagonizing Palestinians and throwing away peace prospects from the Oslo Accords. Their actions have only deepened divisions and further radicalised the region. Despite his promises of security, Netanyahu has failed, sacrificing civil liberties in the name of a little safety. Netanyahu has a vested interest to prolong the conflict in order to to delay elections, maintaining his precarious political career. Netanyahu leadership ensures the indefinite suffering for Palestinians and their supporters, far beyond the immediate response to October 7. Peace cannot progress under Likud nor Hamas, both of whom thrive on bloodshed, guarantees that any ceasefire is only temporary, and everyone will continue to suffer.
We want to ensure that any statement we make genuinely reflects the views and feelings of all our members - Jewish, Muslim, secular and beyond. It is clear that the violence and hatred fuelling the conflict do not represent the kind of world we want to live in. Such brutality has no place in the future we envision.
The Fusion Party believes that this cycle of violence, fuelled by trauma, resentment, and fear on all sides, must end. We need a tangible plan for peace - one that prioritises reconciliation, healing, and a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in dignity, free from fear. This means stopping the violence, rebuilding Gaza, addressing the trauma, and focusing on solutions that bring people together rather than tear them apart.
Here are some practical steps that Australia could take to contribute to a peaceful future:
- Accept that violence doesn’t work: We call out those, including Australians, who support violence. It is impossible to wipe out ideologies through violence, and each act makes you lose a piece of your soul, letting the enemy win by stripping away your humanity. Violence only deepens suffering and prolongs the conflict.
- Immediate Rebuilding: Australia can help solve the immediate humanitarian crises, exporting prefabricated buildings, and aid with essential services like clean water, food, electricity, and mental health support. Australian Jews and Muslims should participate in these efforts, especially when it comes to mental health support or community outreach because they share cultural and linguistic connections which make that possible. We be part of peacekeeping as part of an international effort agreeable to both sides to ensure safety, especially when it comes to community engagement. Additionally, a democratic overhaul is needed in both countries. Democratic countries tend to be less violent, and currently, neither state functions as a true democracy, with both suffering from major democratic deficits.
- Diplomacy at Home: In addition to international efforts through the UN, ICJ, and other bodies, we can also encourage dialogue between Jewish and Arab communities in Australia. Not just the leaders but also people-to-people. We need to talk to each other, and the grief both sides suffer can serve as a bridge toward mutual understanding. Building relationships here sets an example of coexistence and peace. The peace building is not just to get understanding and unity between people, but works towards the larger peace effort where the needs and aspirations of everyone is respected.
- Trauma Healing: Australia can offer psychological support for everyone affected by the conflict, both at home and abroad. This includes mental health programs and innovative treatments (for example, Psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD is approved in Australia and shows great promise). These treatments must be accessible to all, regardless of their position on the conflict. By sharing our research and treatment methods with Israel and Palestine, we can help develop a comprehensive, nationwide healing programme to address the deep psychological trauma of all those affected.
- Advocate Non-Violent Cooperation: Australian Jews and Muslims have lived side by side for many decades as friends, colleagues, and members of the community. We are proud to be a culturally vibrant society. In places like Melbourne, we share a love for things like AFL and falafel, and the actions of those in the Middle East should not stand in the way of us coming together as Australians. If we can live and work together as Australians, then they can live and work together as Middle Easterners. This is not about sweeping issues under the rug, this is explicitly to promote an understanding of what Jews and Muslims require of one another, in order for peace to be possible, and to advocate back to the Middle East. We should reconnect here and set an example for our friends overseas, showing how living together in harmony is done right.
By focusing on these tangible steps, we believe Australians can lead by example and help shape a future where both Israelis and Palestinians live in safety and peace. We understand that many feel exhausted by this ongoing conflict, and some believe Australia shouldn’t be involved, but as a responsible global citizen, and for Australians who are affected by it, we have a duty to help.
Other pressing genocide concerns, such as in West Papua, Sudan (Darfur), Burma (Rohingya), and Ukraine (Mariupol), also need attention. We will address these in our next Fair Foreign Policy update. Additionally, we remain deeply committed to Aboriginal reconciliation, working to heal the impacts of genocide and striving for a more peaceful, harmonious world for future generations.
