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 at 75
As part of celebrating Israel's 75th birthday, TBI with the support of ARZA Australia is facilitating a panel discussion with luminaries and activists who will present a holistic vision of contemporary Israel, in all its complexities. This free event will start at 7:30 pm on Tuesday 30 May. Register to attend in person Click below to watch on the TBI YouTube channel Helen Shardey OAMARZA Australia PresidentUPJ Vice President
Pictures from Israel
Helen and Rabbi Julia Gris at the Kotel I am in Israel the day after Israel bombed the head quarters of the extreme Jihad in Gaza following rocket attacks on Israel over the last weeks. The photos are of my visit to the Kotel with Rabbi Julia Gris from the Ukraine. She and her daughter Izolda escaped Ukraine together and with their two cats. They are living in Germany from where she is [...]
Memories of Lost People and Celebration of a Homeland
Protesters gather at Tel Aviv Habima Square ahead of a march toward Kaplan Street, for a rally against the judicial overhaul, March 25, 2023. (DH/Times of Israel) Based on a report from Ayal Merek, an Israeli-Australian and a board member of ARZA Australia, in Israel with his family. Thank you to Ayal. As we, the Jewish people remember the Shoah with great sadness we now celebrate the creation of the Jewish homeland, Eretz Yisrael [...]
Collapse Of Israel’s Far Right Government From Within
Israelis protest in Tel Aviv against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to undermine Israel's judicial system Credit: Ohad Zwigenberg /AP It has been reported that a wave of nationwide protests broke out after the firing of Defence Minister Yoav Gallant who called on the Prime Minister to stop the judicial overhaul legislative process. Gallant is a member of Netanyahu’s own party Likud, and it is stated that several other Likud lawmakers and [...]
The Diaspora Joins Israeli Brothers And Sisters To Protest With One Voice
Protesters hold Israeli flags and signs Saturday evening in Tel Aviv. (Eyal Warshavsky via Getty Images) I received an email from a friend in which he said that he viewed with shame the failure of our leadership to speak out against the current policies of the Government of Israel and its determination to destroy the democratic Jewish State. I was able to respond to him that our leadership and the Jewish leadership globally, [...]
The Four Camps of Israel’s Judicial Overhaul
Demonstrators against the judicial overhaul outside the Knesset in Jerusalem, Feb. 13, 2023 (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg) The article below is written by Rabbi Josh Weinberg, Vice President, Israel and Reform Zionism and Executive Director ARZA USA.In the past I have rarely quoted or sent articles from the Reform Movement of the U.S. However, I thought this article by Josh, who I know and discussed this topic with, clarifies a great deal in relation to [...]