Artem (name changed for privacy) and his family are trying to flee Kyiv to Israel. Artem, a Reform cantor, converted to Judaism with his wife and daughter. The Russian invasion of Ukraine began before their Aliyah requests were fully processed. Under normal circumstances they would have been unable to make Aliyah or possibly even receive entry visas to Israel. The Progressive Movements Legal Aid Centre (LACO) helped Artem’s family acquire entrance visas.
We still don’t know whether the family will be able to take advantage of the decision as Artem is not allowed to leave the country because he is in the age group of compulsory draft and his wife does not want to leave him. We are waiting to see how we can assist them further to fulfill their dream.
Sarah Livschitz, a member of Temple Sinai in Wellington who is currently studying in the rabbinic program at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Jerusalem, wrote about her experience joining with Ukrainian refugees in Poland to celebrate Passover. Click on READ MORE to read Sarah's article.
Sefi Shalam, Progressive community and Netzer Shaliach VIC, co-produced and spoke last week on a Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut edition of The Israel Connexion on J-Air Radio. Orit Elkayam-Cohen (Jewish Agency Representative to Australia) and Motti Goodman (Bnei Akiva Shaliach) joined Sefi to share their personal reflections, as well as insights on the recent anti-Semitic resolution by the Melbourne Uni Student Union. CLICK HERE to listen to the recording.
Rabbi Dr Orna Triguboff will lead a Kabbalah Tour of Israel on 16-25 October 2022. In conjunction with Keshet Educational Journeys and accompanied by guest teachers and musicians, such as Netanel David Goldberg (kabbalah kieran), Avraham Leader (Kabbalah text study), Diane Bloomfield (Torah Yoga), Gad Levy (kabbalah tai chi), Cantor Lisa Levine (song and chant) and David Friedman (kabbalah art). Expressions of interest: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and CLICK HERE to view the tour brochure.
ARZA and the UPJ condemn unequivocally the student union of Melbourne University for outrageously supporting the anti-Jewish and anti-israel BDS movement and for demanding an academic boycott. The Zionist voice of Progressive Judaism (ARZA) and the Union for Progressive Judaism representing Progressive congregations and schools, Australasia wide, condemn unequivocally the student union of Melbourne University for outrageously supporting the anti-Jewish and anti-Israel BDS movement and for demanding an academic boycott.