| This article is based on a recent conversation with Lesley Sachs, incoming Chair of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism. (IMPJ)
What happens in Israel doesn’t stay in Israel…
…it influences global Jewish policy, funding and leadership.
In recent years, Israel has found itself at a crossroads. The country’s democratic foundations, once considered unshakable, are now under increasing strain. For many Australians, especially those who care deeply about Jewish values, this may feel distant. But what’s happening in Israel today has profound implications for the future of Judaism, both there and here.
The Reform movement in Israel, a beacon of liberal, egalitarian Judaism, is facing unprecedented challenges:
- Legal battles over land rights for synagogues and schools
- Online harassment of young girls celebrating their Bat Mitzvahs
- Physical attacks on congregations and community spaces
These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader campaign to marginalise a movement that stands for inclusion, equality, and democracy. At the same time, the Israeli government has resumed efforts to weaken judicial oversight:
- Bypassing Supreme Court rulings
- Delaying key judicial appointments
- Undermining the institutions that protect civil rights and religious freedom
The Reform movement has been one of the few religious voices consistently standing up for democracy, organising protests, submitting legal opinions, and advocating for justice in the Knesset. But this isn’t just about politics. It’s about people.
Reform rabbis and congregants across Israel continue to serve with resilience and compassion:
- Many are still displaced from their homes in the north and south, yet remain deeply committed to their communities
- Weekly Havdalah services are held in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, calling for the return of hostages still in captivity
- Victims of racism receive legal support through the movement’s Racism Crisis Center
- Shared society initiatives bring together Jews and Arabs in acts of solidarity and cooperation
These are not just programs, they are expressions of Jewish values in action.
Looking ahead, the Reform movement has a bold and inclusive five-year vision: to broaden its influence by developing lay, rabbinical, and young leadership; to strengthen congregations; and to serve as a spiritual and educational anchor for Israeli society. This vision is not just for Israel, it’s a partnership with Jews around the world, including here in Australia.
That’s why the upcoming elections for the World Zionist Congress matter so much:
- They determine who controls the leadership and budgets of major Zionist institutions
- The outcome will shape how millions in funding are allocated with a significant impact on Jewish progressive life in Australia across education and shlichim.
- A growing campaign is working to reverse the progress made by liberal Jewish movements
- These efforts challenge:
- Gender equality
- Inclusive education
- Access to essential services
- If successful, they could divert critical funding away from communities that promote a pluralistic and democratic vision for Israel
Progressive Judaism Needs YOU to VOTE.
If we want to see a Jewish future that reflects our values, pluralism, equality, and compassion, we must act. Every progressive Jew in Australia over the age of 18 can vote. Every synagogue member, every parent in a progressive Jewish school, every person who believes in a Judaism that welcomes all – your voice matters.
This is not just about Israel. It’s about the soul of Judaism. And it’s about standing together, across oceans, to ensure that our shared values endure.
TO REGISTER & VOTE BETWEEN 1-27 JULY 2025, VISIT: https://arza.org.au/wzc-elections/ |
