Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand
The pro-Palestine movement began – and must remain – a movement for
But lately, that purpose has been lost. In New Zealand, as in many other countries, parts of the movement have been hijacked and used not to help Palestinians, but to advance political agendas and media profiles.
These moments reveal a worrying trend: the spotlight has moved from
Palestinians to politicians. From human rights to headlines.
Another issue is how Palestinians are repeatedly portrayed only as victims. Yes, the people of Gaza suffer deeply under Israeli occupation and Hamas’s control, but they are not helpless. They are teachers, doctors, engineers, and artists. They are people of resilience, not just pain. When politicians and activists reduce them to victims, they invite pity instead of partnership. And pity, when politicized, becomes a tool, one that turns genuine solidarity into political drama.
Real solidarity is calm, disciplined, and focused on people, not politics. It does
not rely on vandalism, threats, or drama. It focuses on action that makes a real
difference. If you truly want to stand with Palestine, there are clear, constructive actions that matter:
1. Donate wisely: Support trusted humanitarian agencies that send food,
medicine, and aid directly to Gaza. Every dollar can help rebuild lives.
2. Lobby respectfully: Write to MPs urging support for humanitarian efforts
like backing ceasefire resolutions, expanding emergency visas for displaced families, expanding aid, and upholding international law. Change comes through persistence, not provocation.
itself.
Palestinians do not need saviours; they need partners.
Here in New Zealand, we have an opportunity to show what mature, meaningful solidarity looks like. We can reject the politics of spectacle and rebuild a movement grounded in unity, freedom, peace, cooperation, and truth. We can turn slogans into consistent support, and anger into collaborative action.
to the people who live, struggle, teach, and hope under unimaginable pressure, to the Palestinians.
Sam Alfa
Governor
Palestine Forum of New Zealand