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
Israel’s retaliatory attack on Iran
The Mask is Off Israel's retaliatory attack on Iran on 26 October 2024 is an unprecedented act representing the beginning of a new phase in the Middle East. Iran and Israel have been fighting a shadow war for many years. Iran both established and has been supporting a circle of fire around Israel for decades, by arming and financing terrorist groups in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Gaza, Yemen and Iraq, as well as the in the West [...]
ARZA AGM 2024
ARZA AGM 2024 Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the provisions of the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (VIC), the Annual General Meeting of the Australian Reform Zionist Association (ARZA) will be held on: Date: Wednesday 6 November 2024 Time: 8:00pm (AEDT) The AGM will be held online via Zoom. Click here to join. Click on the following links to view the: Notice of meeting and agenda Executive Committee and Ordinary Member Nomination Form [...]
The Wider Threat To Israeli Democracy
File: A general view of the Givat Ronen outpost in the West Bank on October 25, 2006 (Olivier Fitoussi / Flash 90) This past month we have witnessed several worrying incidents of extremists on the far right in Israeli society. On August 9th, two Israeli Bedouin women were driving with a two year-old toddler to the Palestinian city of Nablus when they mistakenly entered Givat Ronen. Settlers threatened them [...]
Our Responsibility Not To Be Silent
Dear friends,While we are still very concerned about developments in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon, a small development in rhetoric by Hamas indicates a narrow window for progress of negotiations for release of the hostages and a ceasefire agreement.Although we cannot get our hopes too high, as this is just a small step in the right direction and the negotiation roadmap seems to be still long, with potential for escalation in any [...]
A Pathway For Peace
The remains of a Mulberry Harbour (artificial port) at Arromanches-les-Bains in Normandy © Bertl123 / Shutterstock Chag Shavuot Sameach! Last week we commemorated 2 significant days in history. One is D-Day, June 6, 1944 that symbolises the turning point of the Second World War when the Western allies counter attacked Nazi Germany and the Axis forces leading to Germany’s surrender within less than a year. The other is Jerusalem [...]
How Do We Stop The Hate And Protect Our Community?
Dear friends,Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan and Opposition Leader John Pesutto were keynote speakers to a reception this week marking the 76th anniversary of the State of Israel. The two party leaders were joined at the function by numerous state and federal politicians, representatives of other nations, VIPs from all walks of Victorian life and various senior faith and community leaders. […]