You will have heard of two decisions by the government of Israel: first, to hand conversions over entirely to the Chief Rabbinate (which will threaten our converts, especially in relation to making aliyah under the Law of Return) and second, to renege on the commitment made previously to allow all Jews to pray at the Kotel.
These political decisions will have a major impact on all of us and must be fought.
Our institutions – our roof body, the World Union for Progressive Judaism, our brother body in Israel, the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism, and ARZA – are focussed on promoting religious pluralism in Israel.
At this stage, they need all the support they can get. There is little we can do directly from here. The fight must be in Israel.
A positive step you can take is to donate to the UIA Progressive Appeal. Even if you have given this year, you can give more. If you haven’t given this year, then we urge you to do so.
Monies must be donated in the regular way to UIA, but be marked for the Progressive Appeal. There is a provision for this via the UPJ Victoria website: https://www.uiavic.org/contribute/donate/ and select “General Division Progressive” or for donations elsewhere in Australia, visit the Progressive Trust page on the UPJ website (http://upj.org.au/index.php/progressive-trust/donate), download the PDF pledge form and return to one of the following UIA offices:
UIANSW: PO Box 294, King Cross, NSW, 1340
UIA WA: 61 Woodrow Avenue, Yoking, WA, 6059
Donations are tax deductible.
Your donation will help our institutions in Israel to fund their programmes … and they need all the help they can get.
For more information, please contact the UPJ office: 0416 700 613.
B’shalom,
Roger Mendelson, President
Rabbi Fred Morgan, Movement Rabbi
Jocelyn Robuck, Executive Officer
For more information: 0416 700 613 or upj@upj.org.au
