Jerusalem
(Al Quds)
Peace Prize

21 February, 2025

Our event has concluded. We hope to see you again in 2026.

As Israel commits genocide in Gaza and increases its violent attacks across the region, it has never been more important to recognise the vital work of Australian supporters for Palestinian freedom, peace and justice.

About

Honouring those who work for peace and justice

The Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize recognises the inspirational and extraordinary contributions and devoted efforts of people seeking to aid Palestinians in their call for justice.

By sharing the amazing efforts and tireless dedication of our recipients, we will remind the supporters of justice for Palestine of their noble ambitions and further shine a light on our hope for a just peace, and also inspire the next generation of advocates seeking justice for the Palestinians.

The Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize is an initiative of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network.

Winner of the 2025 Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize

Wendy Turner

The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network is honoured to announce the winner of the 2025 Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize as Wendy Turner, trade unionist, lifelong social justice activist and steadfast advocate for Palestinian rights.

The Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize is awarded in recognition of the extraordinary contribution of people supporting the Palestinian call for justice. Wendy’s work across trade unions, political forums and grassroots movements have exemplified an unwavering commitment to truth, justice and collective liberation.

From co-founding the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) and serving as its inaugural secretary and board member for nine years, to championing Palestinian self-determination within the political sphere and broader union movement, Wendy has played a critical role in elevating Palestinian voices in Australia.

Through her leadership, she has worked to ensure that Australians hear the stories of Palestine, stories long ignored or silenced.

Her advocacy has extended beyond political circles, embracing the power of art, literature and public engagement as crucial tools of resistance. Wendy has worked tirelessly to strengthen rank-and-file participation in the National Friends of Palestine movement, to support solidarity delegations to Palestine and to push for meaningful political action.

In awarding the 2025 Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize, the jury recognised Wendy’s courage, persistence, and unyielding commitment to justice, even in the face of personal loss and adversity.

Her dedication reflects the very principles at the heart of Palestinian resistance – solidarity, resilience, and an uncompromising pursuit of justice.

The Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize award ceremony was held on Friday 21 February at the Melbourne Town Hall.

Nomination Selection Committee

 

Nasser Mashni
Sonja Karkar
Professor Emeritus Stuart Rees AM

Nominations and Selection Committee

Nomination Process

Nominations for the 2025 Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize have closed! Nominations will open for the 2026 Prize in November 2025.

Nominate a recipient for the Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize
The Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize is awarded to an inspirational and extraordinary individual for their life-long work spreading the message of justice for Palestine and the Palestinians.

The winner inspires us to do more as we seek a just solution for Palestine.

Who have you been admiring from afar?
Nominate them for the Prize!

How is a recipient selected?
The Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize is awarded to an Australian individual.

Our Selection Committee considers the nominations of highly respected members of the Australian community and assesses the merits of the nominees’ efforts to promote peace with justice for the Palestinians.

How can I nominate?
The Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize accepts nominations online, via email, or in writing. Nominations should be accompanied by an explanation as to merit of the nomination against the criteria for selection (approximately 200 words), together with relevant supporting material.

Nomination Criteria
  1. Longstanding engagement in the Palestinian cause
  2. Demonstrated deep commitment of time, energy or resources to Palestinian advocacy
  3. Contributions inspire other people in Australia to act in support of Palestinian justice
  4. Highly respected member of the Australian community

Mother’s Embrace by Nabil Anani

2025 Ceremony

21 February, 2025

Our 2025 ceremony has concluded.

 

Jerusalem Peace Prize 2025 ceremony overview

Past Events

 

Laureate Wendy Turner
Winner of the 2025 Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize

Laureate Dr Helen McCue AM
Winner of the 2024 Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize

Laureate Hon. Melissa Parke
2022 Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize

Laureate Dr. Gary Foley
2021 Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize

Laureate Antony Loewenstein
2019 Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize

Laureate Stuart Rees
2018 Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize

Past winners of the Jerusalem Peace Prize

 

All Aboriginal people in Australia, like all Palestinian people, are impacted by the ongoing occupation of our homelands. The ongoing attempts to assimilate us, the ongoing and never-ending implications of settler colonialism that are not diminishing but getting stronger, impacts all people. When I see what is going on in occupied Palestine, it hurts me.

Dr. Gary Foley

2021 Jerusalem Peace Prize recipient