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
UIA Progressive Appeal 2024
The Union for Progressive Judaism (UPJ) is proud to partner with the UIA in responding to the crisis in Israel. We hope you will take the opportunity to meet and be inspired by Rabbi Yael Vurgan, and to support her work and the many other projects supported by the UIA Progressive Appeal. […]
Why Does UNRWA Still Exist?
The UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) was founded in 1949 as a temporary organisation to settle Arab refugees after Arab countries declared war on Israel in 1948. Another temporary organisation that was formed soon after was UNKRA (United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency) with the mandate to settle refugees from the Korean conflict. The reasons for these two temporary organisations was that [...]
Beit-Haam Swords of Iron War
Dear friends, We are happy to share with you the booklet Iron Swords, carefully prepared by the Department of Diaspora Affairs in the World Zionist Council. Using videos, items from the press and websites, this booklet helps to broaden the scope of relevant topics and raise basic and relevant questions. We invite you to choose the sections that interest you the most, and devote time and thought to them. We also encourage you to [...]
UPJ Israel Solidarity Trip 3-10 May 2024 Announcement
Dear Friends, We are very excited to launch our first ever UPJ Solidarity Mission to Israel (See flyer). October 7 changed the lives of every Israeli, and it also changed us in the Diaspora. One outcome from this experience has been the re-connection of Israeli’s and Diaspora Jewry. Our shared destiny and the importance of supporting each other in these challenging times has not been more apparent than it is [...]
The Future Rests On Our Shoulders
Dear community members I believe that today the need for unity of the Jewish people and the Israeli society is greater than ever before. The article below reflects the requirement for all of us to rise above petty politics and build bridges of dialogue and collaboration among the sections of the Jewish people. May 2024 bring us together in peace and solidarity. Ayal Marek To my fellow Zionist youth… [...]
Reflections on Tu Bi Shvat
Dear friends,As we celebrate Tu Bi Shvat, The New Year of the Trees, we are reminded that ecological awareness has always been part of Jewish tradition. This awareness began with Biblical Talmudic & Mishna guides to agricultural practices, to ensure sustainability of the land and fruit-bearing trees (Shnat Shmita), limitations on age and years of yield before consumption of crops, and more. […]