July/August 2024 VOL. LI No. 3
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Supporting and learning from our Israeli partners
Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy with colleagues from the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism on the Jerusalem Interfaith Peace March, and meeting with Israeli leaders including President Isaac Herzog and historian and activist Fania Oz-Salzberger
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HE Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism, Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, spent a week in Israel meeting civic and Progressive Jewish leaders. They spent time with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, historian and writer Fania Oz-Salzberger, Deputy Chair of the Executive of the Jewish Agency Yaron Shavit and leaders and colleagues from the Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism (IMPJ), Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC), World Union for Progressive Judaism and Hebrew Union College. Two key meetings were with Rabbi Gilad Kariv – former CEO of the IMPJ and current member of the Knesset – and Rabbi Yael Vurgan, whose Reform community was devastated by the 7 October terrorist attacks and who has led many of the funerals held for the victims. Rabbis Charley and Josh also joined colleagues from the IMPJ and IRAC on the Jerusalem Interfaith March for Human Rights and Peace.
Rabbi Josh said: “Meeting with the President gave us the chance to discuss the current situation in Israel and Gaza, and share the experiences and conversations happening in our communities. We were also able to speak about the exciting future that is Progressive Judaism in the UK. “But our really significant meetings were in getting to see the amazing work being done by so many people, in a deep and engaged way, to think about how Israel/Palestine can look different. “These actions are not currently being seen by others. Therefore our job, now, is to raise up these voices and the inspiring work that is being done.” Rabbi Charley added: “We have come back with two takeaways. The first is that we have strengthened and deepened our bonds with our Progressive partners in Israel, especially those who suffered so much on, and since, 7 October. “The other is a sense that we now have to write the narrative. The world that we live in, and encounter, in regards
to Israel/Palestine is often one that is imposed on us and not one that we take control of. We need to better articulate our relationship. “It is often asked where we can find hope for the future of Israel. The people who we met gave us a glimpse.” Raising awareness of those still being held hostage by Hamas was also a key part of the trip, as well as Progressive Judaism’s ongoing work in the UK. Members of our communities were among the 40,000 people marching through London, calling for the hostages to be released. They have also been taking part in vigils around the UK. Rabbi Mark Goldsmith represented our movements at the London event, where he recited the closing prayer – while holding aloft a picture of Keith Siegel, who is still held captive. Rabbi Mark said: “The atmosphere of the march was full of love, support and solidarity. As we passed buses and cars, we often heard and saw gestures of support and understanding.”