Joint UPJ – ARZA Australia Announcement
Under a joint agreement, UPJ and ARZA – have agreed to offer a free membership of ARZA -Association of Reform/Progressive Zionists of Australia.
This is in recognition of the financial pressures currently being faced by members of our congregations and also in recognition of the importance of the Progressive Movement of Australia being strongly represented at the World Zionist Congress, when it is held in Israel, either in person or remotely. We are also working closely with our Coalition Masorti partners in this endeavour.
We believe this is a very exciting decision, and one which we hope all our congregational members will strongly support. It means that your voice will be heard by the world Progressive Zionist Movement and help shape Israeli political and economic policies and the challenges facing the Jewish people.
Our Progressive Zionist views support religious equality for all streams of Judaism, a pluralist society, peace, social justice and Tikun Olam in our Jewish Homeland.
With your support, we can continue to add to our magnificent achievements in Israel and ensure the voice of Progressive Judaism continues to be heard in Israel and around the world.
WE URGENTLY NEED YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT FOR PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM AND PROGRESSIVE ZIONISM
Helen Shardey
ARZA Australia President
UPJ Vice President
David Knoll AM
UPJ Co-President
Brian Samuel OAM
UPJ Co-President
News and Events
Israel Electoral Reform
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin speaks during consultations with party representatives on who might form the next coalition government, at the President's residence in Jerusalem, Monday, April 5, 2021. (Amir Cohen/Pool Photo via AP) Tonight an amazing Progressive religious service took place at the egalitarian section of the Kotel for Rabbi Gilad Kariv, to farewell him as President of the IMPJ. The event took place just prior to him being sworn in as a Member [...]
Mexican Standoff – Israel Style
Party leaders in Israel's March 23, 2021 elections. Top row left to right: Itamar Ben Gvir (Otzma Yehudit, part of the Religious Zionism party); Bezalel Smotrich (Religious Zionism); Naftali Bennett (Yamina); Aryeh Deri (Shas); Moshe Gafni (United Torah Judaism). Middle row left to right: Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beytenu); Gideon Sa'ar (New Hope); Benjamin Netanyahu (Likud); Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid); Merav Michaeli (Labor). Bottom row left to right: Benny Gantz (Blue and White); Nitzan Horowitz [...]
Pesach celebration video clip to enjoy. Chag Sameach!
ARZA President, Helen Shardey
Is the Electoral System in Israel broken?
With the 4th Israeli election since April 2019 fast approaching there is now, sadly, talk of the need for a 5th election in August. One would have to question why and wonder if the electoral system in Israel is broken? Here in Australia we have been spoilt with expert political commentators and speakers from Israel and the United States. In particular, the Australian Progressive Movement brought us Amir Tibon from Ha’aretz as part of [...]
International Women’s Day with Merav Michaeli MK!
For International Women's Day, ARZA and the UPJ introduce a special interview being brought to Australia by the ZFA on Sunday March 7, at 7 pm. MERAV MICHAELI MK is Head of the Israeli Labor Party for the coming Israeli elections. She is a champion for women's rights through decades of activism.While ARZA and the UPJ are non-partisan Zionist Jewish organisations, we do encourage you to view this event, knowing that Progressive Rabbi [...]
ARZA and UPJ support ARC Statement
ARZA Australia joins with the Union for Progressive Judaism in supporting the following statement by the Australian Assembly of Rabbis and Cantors. The statement by the ARC came, in light of the Times of Israel report that Orthodox MK's vow to shun Knesset Progressive candidate Rabbi Gilad Kariv as a partner for coalition or a minyan. The Orthodox MK's said that they would boycott Progressive Rabbi Gilad Kariv if, as appears likely, [...]