National Gallery of Australia Criticized for Removing Palestinian Flags from Exhibition

The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) is facing criticism from the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) for censoring two Palestinian flags in an exhibition.

AFIC denounced the act as a direct assault on Palestinian identity and a concerning precedent for cultural expression. Reports suggest that the artists conceded to the decision under pressure.

Censorship Sparks Condemnation

AFIC labeled the act as “cowardice” and an endorsement of attempts to erase Palestinian culture. The flags were part of the Te Paepae Aora’i—Where the Gods Cannot be Fooled exhibition, which delves into themes of justice and Indigenous identity.

“The deliberate removal of the Palestinian flag is a clear validation of the ongoing Zionist campaign to suppress, dehumanize, and obliterate the Palestinian people from history,” stated AFIC.

Artwork Aimed at Reflecting Calls for Social Justice

The artwork, featuring Palestinian flags alongside symbols such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and the West Papua flag, represents calls for social justice by various Indigenous and Pacific peoples.

Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC, described the act as part of a troubling pattern where Palestinian symbols and culture are deemed “controversial” or “divisive.”

“Palestinians are not theoretical. They exist. Their history exists. Their struggle exists,” Jneid asserted.

He emphasized that public institutions across Australia were yielding to external pressures resulting in the erasure of Palestinian identity.

“This act of censorship sends a strong message. Palestinians are being denied the right to self-representation. Their culture is being erased. Those who support them are being silenced,” he added.

AFIC Calls for Immediate Action

In response to the censorship, AFIC has demanded that the NGA promptly reinstate the artwork to its original state, emphasizing that art institutions should encourage and provoke rather than suppress expression.

The federation has also urged the Australian government to issue directives to all public institutions to ensure that Palestinian identity is not suppressed any longer.

The group has additionally called for the safeguarding of advocates for Palestinian self-determination, who are increasingly facing backlash for their stance on justice and human rights.

“We demand a clear acknowledgment of the right of Palestinians to be represented in all areas, including art, academia, and public discourse, without being harassed, censored, or intimidated,” AFIC stated.

Muslim Groups Criticise Double Standards and Selective Outrage

This incident comes after a surge of discontent within the Muslim community.

A coalition of Muslim organizations and leaders penned an open letter on Feb. 18, condemning what they perceive as “selective outrage” over an incident involving two Sydney nurses.

The nurses had bragged about mistreating Jewish patients, leading to immediate public condemnation.

However, the Muslim groups argue that politicians and the media are overlooking Israeli actions in Gaza, which they see as a display of double standards.

“We condemn the hypocrisy surrounding the nurses’ controversy,” stated the letter.

“As representatives of the Muslim community in Australia, we assert that all forms of discrimination based on race and religion are unacceptable, and that healthcare should be equitably provided to all.

“However, this statement addresses the selective outrage and political agendas surrounding the recent controversy.”

The letter also clarified that the frustration directed towards Israel is a response to its policies, not a manifestation of hatred towards Jewish individuals.