Agree truth is not hate, but...

October 2, 2025

Lama Qasem tells a powerful story and provides an insight into the most important perspective to look at when considering the experiences of Palestinian children.

There is no question that treating people, and children particularly, in the horrible ways described will only perpetuate the cycle of hatred and violence that has cursed Palestine and Israel for 80 years.

However I’ve read the prime minister’s speech to the UN and I don’t see anywhere that he says children are taught to hate. The word “hate” doesn’t appear anywhere. It’s a shame if the article’s important message that “truth is not hate” loses some impact by pointing a finger at the wrong person.

Editor’s note: Albanese clearly used the word “hate” in this speech:

“Working together, we can build a future where instead of children in Gaza dying in pain, living in fear, or being taught to hate - they can go to school, build a “life in larger freedom”, aspire to raise children of their own.”