About ARZA Australia

ARZA Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that represents and promotes the views and values of Progressive/Reform Jewish Zionists who want to help ensure that Israel lives in peace and security and that it is the democratic and egalitarian society described in its Declaration of Independence.

Extract from the State of Israel’s Declaration of Independence
[…] The State of Israel will be open for Jewish immigration and for the Ingathering of the Exiles; it will foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; it will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture; it will safeguard the Holy Places of all religions; and it will be faithful to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.[…]

How does ARZA help Israel in its endeavors to become a secure Jewish State living in peace with its neighbor and to be the democratic and egalitarian society described in its Declaration of Independence?

• By sending elected delegates to the represent ARZA Australia members to the World Zionist Congress in Israel to advocate and vote on key issues.
• Educating the wider community about the fundamental principles embedded in the Declaration of Independence and support actions taken to fulfill its ideals, specifically with regard to ensuring complete equality of social and political rights to all of Israel’s inhabitants irrespective of religion, race, gender or sexual orientation.
• Act as an information portal on social and political issues relating to Progressive/Reform Jewish Zionist values, as they arise in Israel and throughout the world.
• Encourage Zionist commitment among Progressive Jews through their adherence to the Jerusalem Program.
• Assist Progressive Jews to make Aliyah (migration to Israel) as a Progressive Jewish option.
• Funds World Netzer’s Jewish identity seminar for the year-long Shnat program for future leaders.

In Australia, ARZA :

• Participates in Australian Zionist Federation meetings to ensure that Progressive views are heard.
• Represent Progressive/Reform Jews views within the Jewish community of Australia at federal and state levels.
• Funds special programs run by Netzer Australia.
• Supports people attending Leadership Development Projects
• Strengthens the Progressive Movement in Israel by supporting the fundraising efforts of the United Israel Appeal Progressive Trust.

ARZA is affiliated with the following organisations:

• ARZENU – International Federation of Reform/Progressive Religious Zionist – roof body of ARZA Australia.
• ZFA – Zionist Federation of Australia  – roof body of Australian Zionism
• UPJ – Union for Progressive Judaism  – roof body of Progressive Judaism in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

ARZA partners with

• WUPJ- World Union for Progressive Judaism – roof body of World Progressive Judaism
• IMPJ  – Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism – roof body Progressive Judaism Israel
• Netzer Olami – International Reform/Progressive Youth Movement with its year-long leadership program and special seminars
• Netzer Australia – Australian Progressive Youth movement offering education and leadership development.
• UPJ – Union for Progressive Judaism Congregations – Congregation that come under the umbrella of the UPJ in Australia, New Zealand  and Asia
• Moetzah – The Progressive Rabbinic Council of Australia
• Progressive Jewish Day Schools – the King David School (Melbourne) and Emanuel School (Sydney).