Israel Trip 2025 Updates

Israel Solidarity Mission Day 1

October 26th | Jerusalem

Danny Hochberg – Co-President UPJ and Group Leader

Shecheyanu at the egalitarian section of the Kotel marked the official start of the UPJ Israel Solidarity Mission. We were honoured to be led by World Union of Progressive Judaism President Rabbi Sergio Bergman along with our touring Rabbi Allison Conyer. We also heard from the Chairperson of the WUPJ, Phyllis Dorey.

The next stop was a tour of Israel’s Supreme Court with the Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Centre (IRAC), Orly Erez Likhovsky. We had the opportunity to sit in one of the Chambers and see three judges presiding over a case. Orly spoke about the incredible work that IRAC does in defending the rights of minorities, women and LGBTQI, as well as their fight for pluralism in Israel.

We walked from the Supreme Court to the newly built Israel National Library. Built in the shape of a book and located in the shadow of the Knesset, it is a reciprocal for over eight and a half million books. Cutting edge automation brings books to recipients. The library recieved major donations from the Lowy and Magid families which allowed a moment of Australian pride for our participants.

Our days are packed and there was more to come. Our guide to East Jerusalem and the challenges of a Palestinian caught in the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, Ameer, was both challenging and eye opening. Ameer was a great advocate for peaceful coexistence. His narrative challenged us, but allowed us a glimpse of alternative realities and, possibilities.

In the evening we enjoyed a fresh meal at Offaime Cafe, a farm to table establishment. Our guest speaker was my fellow Shnat participant Mark Regev. Mark is an Australian who made Aliyah and prospered in the diplomatic service. Many years as Netanyahu’s spokesperson and a stint as Ambassador in London makes him an insider. We received an insightful analysis of the Gaza war and the many issues surrounding it. We operated on Chatham House rules, so much of what was revealed has to remain at the table. Having said that, there were some revealing antidotes including the revelation of a meeting between the foreign ministers of Qatar and the UAE where the UAE accused Qatar of complicity in October 7 and its repercussions.

As Danny Beran said in offering thanks on behalf of the group, Mark has been beamed in our lounge rooms for nearly a decade, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude for his advocacy. What a day! Our heads were spinning. I don’t know if any of us, despite our exhaustion, will sleep tonight as we digest the overwhelming amount of information we received today.
No matter, it’s a 6.30 start tomorrow….

WUPJ Connections 2025 – Global Leadership Conference

October 22nd – 25th | Jerusalem

Danny Hochberg – Co-President UPJ

The World Union of Progressive Judaism’s biennial conference-Connections- concluded with a joyous Havdallah Ceremony. It was an inspiring four days of spiritual and intellectual stimulation. Connections was driven by a strong democratic ethos. Participants chose from a plethora of different options, from “Discovering your personal leadership style” to “Israel’s reality post October 7” to “Leading through Progressive value” to “Leveraging technology to enhance your leadership “.

And then there were workshops on communities from Belarus to South Africa. We heard from our youth in Netzer and Tamar, and we heard from our leadership in the WUPJ and the IMPJ. Most workshops were lead by participants, adding to the diversity of thought and continuing the Democratic theme.
The keynote speech by the WUPJ President, Rabbi Sergio Bergman, used the parasha on the story of Noah to exhort us to action, just as God called for Noah to act to save humanity.

We met representatives from so many countries: some struggling such as the brave Ukrainians; all struggling with antisemitism; all committed to Progressive Judaism.

Shabbat allowed participants to transition to the spiritual. Together we prayed and sang. The services were beautiful, and featured wonderful musical arrangements. Sometimes meditative other terms raucous as we burst into dance. Often with the Jaffa Gate and Old City Walls as the backdrop thanks to Beit Shmuel, the Progressive World’s HQ in the heart of Jerusalem.

As we parted company, the mood was mixed. Contentment mixed with renewal at the opportunity to learn, pray and enjoy in the company of so many friends in the Progressive movement from all over the world.

Anxious but determined for the challenges that lay ahead for all Jews, in the Diaspora and Israel. But committed to playing our part in achieving peace for all Klal Yisrael.