Reflections on the UPJ Mission to Israel 2025
Rabbi Allison Conyer
Rebbe Nathan Sternhartz of Nemirov, a Breslov Chasid of the early 19th century, once wrote:
“I have no fear of the myriad forces arrayed against me on every side” (Psalms 3:7)… I, in truth, enter the side of merit… Because a little bit of light dispels much darkness.”
After Israel’s longest war since the founding of the State – having fought terrorists within and beyond its borders, having endured an unprecedented war with Iran, and 738 days after the unthinkable atrocities of October 7, 2023 – we finally witnessed the return of all remaining living hostages on Simchat Torah this year. Those of us in Israel during that time saw, firsthand, how a little bit of light truly can dispel much darkness.
When Danny Hochberg first created the itinerary for our UPJ Mission, he could never have imagined the profound timing of our journey. What a gift, a privilege, and a blessing for all of us.
Some of us began with the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) Connections Conference, joining Progressive Jews from 54 countries to celebrate, to commiserate in our shared experiences of antisemitism, and to strengthen one another. Among the highlights was a presentation by Mishy Harman, creator of the podcast Israel Story, who – through multimedia and exquisite storytelling – told the story of Yerushalayim Shel Zahav, written by Naomi Shemer and first performed in 1967 by 19-year-old soldier Shuli Natan. Natan’s surprise appearance, singing the song live, was breathtaking.
The conference concluded with Havdalah and participation in a demonstration at Paris Square in Jerusalem for the return of the remaining hostage bodies under the motto “Ad Ha’Chatuf Ha’Acharon – Until the Last Hostage.” A powerful tribute to the deceased hostages by returned hostages and families of the deceased continued the message– “No one left behind, living or dead.” –Such a powerful expression of Jewish peoplehood and our Jewish value of life’s sanctity.
Another unforgettable moment was the Women of the Wall Rosh Chodesh service at the Kotel. Two things stood out:
Busloads of young Charedi girls were brought in to disrupt our prayers, glaring at us with disdain as if we were the enemy. The hatred expressed by Jew toward Jew was shocking, especially in light of the real enemies we have faced since October 7.
Joy is, indeed, more powerful than hate. As we were praying, I was moved to dance and brought others with me. Afterwards, I was told that this was the first time they danced in two years. A little bit of light can dispel much darkness.
Our UPJ Mission to Israel brought together a diverse group from across Australia. We began at the egalitarian section of the Kotel, sharing our reasons for joining the Mission. One participant had never been to Israel; many had not visited in decades; one was not Jewish. All came to bear witness and offer support. We were joined by WUPJ President Rabbi Sergio Bergman and WUPJ Chair, our very own Phyllis Dorey for a Shehechiyanu, sanctifying that sacred moment.
Our week was full and our emotions deep. We experienced Israel through every sense – its stories, music, tastes, fabrics, and sights – and through encounters with the many faces of its people: a Palestinian from East Jerusalem, an Israeli Ambassador both critical and supportive of Netanyahu, a Maronite Christian General in the IDF Reserves, Israeli journalists, and Bedouin restaurateurs.
We toured the Israeli Supreme Court, National Library, and ANU Museum, and enjoyed a special Machane Yehuda tour – learning the history of its food stalls and the cultures that shaped them, followed by a cooking class and exquisite meal. In Tel Aviv, we explored the history and architecture infused with Jewish teachings (despite being the capital of Jewish secularism), and saw the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed, sadly still awaiting renovation.
Exposed to Israel’s diversity and complexity, we visited Neve Sha’anan, a lesser-known suburb of Tel Aviv, that tells the story of Jewish immigration through its architecture, shops, and restaurants (the stand-out was “King of Pork”), along with the newer migrants, both foreign workers and refugees from Sudan and Eritrea.
At the opening of the 39th World Zionist Congress, we heard inspiring addresses by President Isaac Herzog and Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, WZO Head of Israeli-Diaspora Relations (whom we were honoured to host in Australia last year). The highlight, aside from the deep nachas of seeing two of my children representing ARZA-Australia and the WUPJ as delegates, was the performance of “A New Day Will Rise” by Nova survivor Yuval Raphael, joined by an Israeli soldier choir, surrounded by singing children and representatives from the Israeli Youth Movements coming down the aisles waving Israeli flags. The atmosphere was electrifying.
Then we travelled to Otef Aza (the Gaza Envelope), joined by Lesley Sachs, President of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism. We began at a hill in the southern town of Sderot overlooking Gaza and continued to the site of the Sderot monument where the police station once stood, destroyed by Israelis themselves to eliminate the Hamas terrorists who had murdered its officers and taken it over.
At the KAN 7.10 Digital Memorial, we listened to live recordings from that horrific day and viewed, through VR, the testimony of a Muslim Israeli police officer who saved 200 Israelis at the Nova Festival. From there, we went to the Car Cemetery, a haunting reminder of those who tried to flee the festival, before arriving at the Nova site itself.
Hundreds upon hundreds of rows with faces, names, quotes, and a few paragraphs to capture the people whose lives were cut so tragically short. A tribute to who they were, what gifts their presence gave to others, and their unfulfilled hopes and dreams. We concluded with a short memorial service using prayers from the new Israeli Reform Siddur.
From there, we went to Kfar Aza, where sixty-four innocent people were murdered and nineteen abducted on October 7th. Guided by the courageous Chen, a Kfar Aza resident, we walked the path of her memories, not statistics or events, but her story. We went through that day with her hearing the story of her neighbour, her sister, her father, the people she grew up with and their children. She showed us where the terrorists used her roof to kill the Kibbutz security team and, as we stood at one of the 5 breeched security fences, she showed us where her sister was cooking dinner, looking out her window into Gaza. Of the 900 residents, only 20 have returned to live there. There are no words to express the devastation and violation seen and felt at Kfar Aza. Yet, the banner of the recently returned hostages, twin brothers, Gali and Ziv Berman, hung proudly amidst the beautiful flowers and adulterated rubble as a living testament that “a little bit of light can dispel much darkness.”
Later, at Hostage Square, with prayers written in different languages hung on trees with yellow ribbons, the words “נַחְזוֹר וְנָקוֹם” – We will return and we will rise again inspired hope.
From the South to the North, we visited the northernmost city, Shlomi, evacuated during the war, where the mayor shared its story, impact of the war in the North, and its strategies for safety. In Haifa, we met Israeli Reform rabbis from Ukraine who serve both Ukrainian and Russian Jewish communities, carrying the weight of two wars and the blessing of community support. They thanked us for the ongoing aid provided through the WUPJ and UIA Progressive Appeal, and reminded us that the war in Ukraine still rages.
Through discussions with Nicole Maor (IRAC), Yaron Shavit (Jewish Agency), Yair Lootstein (JNF), and Anna Kislansky (IMPJ), we gained insight into the challenges facing our Israeli Progressive Movement, including recognition of Reform and Conservative conversions, Aliyah, tensions with the Charedim, and remarkable efforts toward a Shared Society.
We visited Yad B’Yad (Hand in Hand), one of six Hebrew-Arabic Schools across Israel, and learned that since October 7th, the schools have shown a modest growth with both Israeli Jewish and Arab families committed to a peaceful future for their children.
Our mission concluded with Shabbat in Israeli Reform congregations singing familiar and new melodies, sharing home-cooked meals, and visiting the Peace Mural created by Jewish, Arab, and German youth. One section, painted by the late hostage Hersh Goldberg Polin, carried a clear message from his parents: Don’t let my son’s life be in vain. Don’t give up the pursuit of peace.
Our UPJ mission was an incredible experience for the 22 of us who shared this unique time together.
Our eyes were opened. Our minds were challenged. Our hearts were both broken and filled with love, courage and hope. We left knowing that the connection between Israel and the Diaspora is needed now more than ever. The gratitude we received from Israelis and the concern expressed for our communities facing rising antisemitism were overwhelming, humbling, and reaffirming.
We are one people, forever interconnected, united in our covenantal bond with our G-d, our land, and our shared vision of a brighter and stronger future.
Am Yisrael Chai!
