ARZA Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that works to represent the views and values of Progressive Jewish Zionists. We work to ensure that Israel lives in peace and security as promised in its Declaration of Independence. We work to strengthen the Progressive Movement in Israel, Australia and worldwide.
Why Join ARZA Australia?
YOU SHOULD JOIN ARZA BECAUSE:
- ARZA (Australian Reform Zionist Association) represents the views of the Australian Reform (Progressive) movement relating to social policies in Israel
- These include trying to break the monopoly of the orthodox rabbinate on matters like civil marriage and divorce, equality for women, access to the Kotel, and state salaries for Progressive rabbis
- ARZA does this by sending delegates to participate in the meetings of the World Zionist Congress, which represents the diaspora in Israel and has considerable influence with members of the Knesset
- ARZA has strength in Israeli forums because of its weight of numbers. Our voting power is directly related to the number of members we have.
- If we can build our membership numbers, we will increase our influence
- ARZA also gives financial support to Australian youth through grants to Netzer and young people undertaking leadership studies and training
- ARZA does not get involved in internal Israeli politics or its foreign affairs.
- Membership fee is only $18 per person a year. This is less than a cup of coffee a month.
- ARZA membership is strongly supported by the Moetza, the association of Australian Progressive rabbis, and by your own synagogue Board
Please add $18 for each person over 18 years of age in your family to your synagogue membership invoice and help us to keep the Progressive voice strong in Israel.
News and Events
Days Of Awe – Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Warm regards from the ARZA Australia Board Helen Shardey OAM President Ayal Marek Vice-president Ben James Vice-president Cassandra Barrett Secretary Tony Leverton Treasurer Steve Denenberg Immediate Past President Avishai Conyer Netzer Federal Mazkir Naama Yeruham Shlicha Melbourne Hada Lev Tzori Shlicha Sydney Rabbi Fred Morgan AM Rabbinic Advisor
WUPJ Rosh Hashana message
Dear Friends The WUPJ mishpachah sends our prayers and good wishes for a happy and sweet new year to you and your loved ones throughout Australia, Asia, and New Zealand. Hopefully, most of you will be safely re-entering your synagogues during this significant time in our Jewish calendar; while some will choose to ‘attend’ online services streamed here and around the world. Either way, we hope you feel that you are part of our strong, [...]
Women Under Threat In Israel From Extreme Government
The girls sitting at the back of the Nateev Express bus, after being told to 'cover up' on Sunday. Credit: Haaretz Gender segregation in Israel is being promoted and forced on women by an extreme government which is completely out of touch with Israeli citizens and most of the community who are getting sick and tired of an unacceptable level of discrimination, particularly against women. Women are being openly discriminated against on public [...]
A Tolerant Jewish Voice For Israel
Last Saturday IRAC's executive director, Orly Erez-Likhovski had the privilege of speaking at the Jerusalem rally in front of thousands of protesters. (Facebook/IRAC) Last week I received an email from Orly Erez-Likhovski, Director of the Israel Religious Action Centre (IRAC). Orly had been invited to speak at the Jerusalem protest rally in front of thousands of protesters. It was a very powerful experience for her, which is why she wanted to share some [...]
Joint Statement by the Jewish Progressive Movement of Australia
Joint Statement by the Jewish Progressive Movement of Australia supporting the ZFA and ECAJ in criticising the new position of the Australian Government in relation to Israel. The Union for Progressive Judaism, the Australian Reform Zionist Association and the Assembly of Rabbis and Cantors today announced their support for the joint statement by the Zionist Federation of Australia and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry in condemning the [...]
Jewish community strongly criticises new position of Australian Government
8 August 2023 The Executive Council of Australian Jewry and the Zionist Federation of Australia are deeply concerned by the Government’s statement and change in language about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The ECAJ and ZFA are representative peak bodies of the Australian Jewish community. ECAJ President Jillian Segal and ZFA President Jeremy Leibler jointly stated: “The change in language is inaccurate, ahistorical and counterproductive.” “Describing East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza as ‘occupied [...]