Special Guest Article
Ayal Marek
President ARZA Australia
Board Member Union for Progressive Judaism
Escalating Violence in Judea and Samaria
In recent weeks, there has been a troubling rise in violence carried out by Jewish extremists in Judea and Samaria. These incidents have included the burning of Palestinian homes and vehicles, confrontations during agricultural harvesting, and even attacks against Israeli soldiers. The latest outbreak followed the IDF’s evacuation of an illegal outpost.
These actions have been widely condemned by government officials, including the Prime Minister, as well as by leaders within the settler community. One recent measure introduced to address the situation is the use of electronic monitoring bracelets for detained suspects.
However, it is increasingly clear that current efforts are insufficient to prevent these attacks or to effectively prosecute those responsible. Concerns have also been raised that National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is turning a blind eye to the issue.
Reports estimate that around 300 youths, aged 14 to 18, are involved in these violent incidents, with approximately 70 identified as core instigators—some of whom do not reside in the settlement areas. While this small group represents only a tiny fraction of the roughly half a million settlers in Judea and Samaria, the severity of the incidents underscores the need for more decisive and effective measures. With proper allocation of resources and prioritization, authorities should be able to curb this trend, protect innocent civilians, and prevent further escalation.
For further details, see:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-extremists-burn-palestinian-homes-and-cars-in-west-bank-idf-searching-for-perps/
Geopolitics in the Middle East
The United Nations Security Council has passed a U.S.-sponsored resolution endorsing President Trump’s Gaza peace plan, including the notable assertion that “conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”
The full text of the plan can be found here:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/full-text-trumps-comprehensive-plan-to-end-the-gaza-conflict/
Implementing the plan, however, faces significant challenges. These include Hamas’s refusal to disarm, the creation of a new international security mechanism, and the need for substantial reforms within the Palestinian Authority, among other obstacles.
This initiative also forms part of a broader geopolitical shift in the Middle East. The Shiite axis led by Iran—along with its proxies such as Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen—appears to be weakening. At the same time, a competing trend is emerging in the form of strengthened extremist Sunni currents supported by Qatar and Turkey, both of which back the Muslim Brotherhood movement, of which Hamas is a branch. Parallel to this, there is growing potential for deeper cooperation between Israel and more moderate Sunni states, including Saudi Arabia.
An optimistic outlook suggests that this realignment could eventually enable improved relations with countries such as Indonesia, Lebanon, and even Syria. Nonetheless, the region remains highly complex, with numerous risks, competing agendas, and entrenched rivalries. Despite these challenges, President Trump appears determined to pursue a more stable regional order grounded in pragmatic economic interests.
World Zionist Congress outcome update
Following a series of delays, we are pleased to announce that Arzenu Olami ( the global parent organisation of ARZA Australia ) has celebrated the signing of a new coalition agreement at the World Zionist Congress (WZC)—a significant milestone for the global liberal Zionist bloc. The agreement secures unprecedented influence, representation, and resources for the Progressive/Reform Movement and its partners across Israel’s National Institutions:
World Zionist Organization (WZO)
Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI)
Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL–JNF)
Keren HaYesod (outside the U.S.)
After months of complex negotiations, the liberal bloc remained unified and principled, ultimately securing a fair and forward-looking agreement despite deep internal divisions within the right-wing and Orthodox factions.
Key Achievements for ARZENU
Appointment of an ARZENU Vice Chair at the Jewish Agency for Israel, with expanded authority, budget, and responsibility.
Leadership of a WZO Department, with two departments rotating among coalition partners over the next five years.
KKL–JNF Vice Chair, plus three Reform and Progressive representatives on the KKL Board (including WUPJ).
Chair of the KKL Finance Committee for 2.5 years, promoting transparency and fiscal accountability aligned with liberal Jewish values.
Chair of the KKL Lands Committee for 2.5 years, granting critical oversight of land use, including in the West Bank.
A significant budget increase in KKL and WZO allocations to support liberal Jewish movements in Israel and worldwide.
Additional leadership roles—particularly within KKL subsidiary bodies—are currently under discussion.
Leadership Statements
Arzenu Olami Co-Chairs Shoshana Dweck and Harry Levy stated:
“At this World Zionist Congress, we again demonstrated the strength and strategic impact of the Reform Movement in Israel and across the globe. Through principled, values-driven partnership, we expanded our influence in key institutions and affirmed that our voice is essential to Israel’s future. This agreement makes clear that Reform, Liberal, and Progressive Jews are central to the direction of our Zionist journey. Grounded in the Jerusalem Program, we champion a Zionism rooted in justice, equality, inclusion, democracy, and peace—a Zionism that insists on dignity for all.”
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, added:
“This agreement reflects the will of the voters and the spirit of partnership that brought this Congress together. It offers a chance to turn shared purpose into action—to rebuild and renew after October 7th, to strengthen a Judaism rooted in pluralism and unity, to confront rising antisemitism, and to ensure that democracy and equality remain at the heart of Israel’s story.”
ARZA AGM NOTICE REMINDER 2025
Date: Thursday 27 November 2025
Time: 8:00pm (AEDT)
The AGM will be held online via Zoom. Click here to join.
Click on the following links to view the:
Executive Committee and Ordinary Member Nomination Form
Looking Ahead
Together with its coalition partners, the Progressive/Reform Movement has achieved a formidable and meaningful outcome. This moment stands as a reaffirmation of Progressive/Reform Zionism’s vital role: a movement deeply committed to Israel’s security, its democratic foundations, and a vision of a Jewish state guided by justice, inclusion, and moral courage.
Get Involved
Arzenu Olami invites Progressive and Reform Jews worldwide to take part in this work—by deepening engagement with Israel, strengthening Jewish communities, and ensuring that our collective Zionist voice continues to champion democracy, pluralism, and Jewish peoplehood.
Learn more and connect with ARZA: www.arza.org.au
Ayal Marek
President ARZA Australia
Board Member Union for Progressive Judaism
