News

This past Shabbat marked an important day: November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

It is an annual day of activism, founded and designated by the United Nations. Calling for an end to violence against women and girls around the world, it also marks the beginning of the period known as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

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This year we celebrate Chanukah, the festival of light, in the shadow of the dark massacre of 7 October. This brings to mind the questions – can we celebrate and should we celebrate while we are still processing the trauma of the atrocities; while hostages are still being held and many families are grieving for the lives lost; while others float between hope and despair for the faith of their dear ones?

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After four years, my term as President of ARZA Australia is drawing to a close, as is my term as Vice-President of the Union for Progressive Judaism. It has been a pleasure and a fantastic experience to hold these positions.

The role of President, with the support of the ARZA team gave me the opportunity to help guide the Australian Progressive Movement’s Zionist responsibilities in support of Israel and Progressive Judaism. This was complemented by being elected to the role of Vice-President for the UPJ. I believe these dual roles had many benefits. It meant that with the co-operation of the Moetzah, now the Assembly of Rabbis and Cantors, Progressive Judaism in Australia has been able to speak with ONE VOICE. In this regard our three Progressive organisations, ARZA, the UPJ and the ARC often combined publicly to express our views on issues in unison, through statements, press releases and occasional opinion pieces.

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