The media and broader societal depiction of Gazans in 2026 make it nearly impossible, despite the best intentions, for individuals, governments, and organisations to provide support without bringing misconceptions and political agendas with them. Palestinians are too often depicted through the lens of conflict and plastered with political labels, while their everyday humanity, families, dreams, grief, resilience, and lived realities are largely missing or ignored.
As the war in Gaza continues, we all have a part to play in supporting and preserving the Gazan people and culture, even from the other side of the world. When doing that, we cannot rely on tokenistic support. We need real, consequential action that encourages one another to better understand Gazans and how they can contribute to our culture and economy.
Moving beyond tokenism
For those who truly want to understand and support refugees, it’s important to put political point-scoring and personal agendas aside and focus on the outcome. Some may try to “steal the show” or gain attention; however, we should not doubt the sincerity of the majority who follow. Their support comes from the heart, grounded in real suffering, and deserves to be heard.
In saying that, tokenistic actions and protests often distract from the real, long-standing issues facing Gaza and Palestine. The suffering of Gaza has been ongoing for decades, yet attention only spikes when it’s back in mainstream news headlines. As we say, “those who do not invest in the capital cost do not care about the loss.”
Humanitarian support or aid cannot be treated as a once-off effort, or a timely ‘trend’ that can be later forgotten. Importantly, if you don’t know Gaza, don’t act for Gaza alone. Effective support depends on listening, partnering, and empowering those who truly understand Gaza and its people. Gaza is unique, and effective support requires deep knowledge, trust, and connection with the local community.
Australians should focus on supporting trusted, community-led initiatives that prioritise dignity, long-term recovery, and the voices of Gazans themselves. Philanthropists, donors, and NFPs should work in genuine partnership with people who have lived experience of Gaza, funding locally informed solutions rather than imposing external agendas.
Skills-based settlement
It might come as a surprise to many that, prior to the 2023 war, Gaza had one of the highest literacy rates in the world at 97%. With education highly valued, there was a 90% enrolment rate for secondary school and strong university participation. Gazans’ hunger for education continued despite the 16-year blockade by Israel. Yet, misguided stereotypes and the politicisation of Gazan lives leave out these details. By doing so, we lose the humanity of Gazans and their potential to contribute deeply to not just our culture, but our economy too. Despite immense pressure and loss, Palestinians have developed a deep resilience and hunger for life. They thrive wherever they go, integrate with dignity, and remain tough, kind, and rich in culture.
As Australians, we have the opportunity to move beyond tokenistic support towards genuine advocacy for the lives of Palestinians both abroad and in our own country. And not just a life of survival, a life where they can use their education, skills, and unique experiences to find purpose and contribute to their communities.
Read also: Women are the future of Australia’s philanthropy
Trending
Popular
