Lesley Sachs to headline UIA Progressive Appeal

Lesley Sachs, chairperson of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ), will speak at this year’s UIA Progressive Appeal events after original guest speaker Anna Avital was unable to leave Israel due to the war with Iran.

Avital, IMPJ’s deputy director of resource development and international relations, remains in a safe room in her hometown of Modiin in central Israel.

“I have four children, all of whom are combat soldiers. One of them is in an elite unit and has just returned after spending six weeks in an enemy country,” Avital said. “I am sorry to miss the trip to Australia but relieved to be staying close to my children in this testing time.”

Sachs, who was visiting family in Melbourne when the war broke out, has also had her travel plans derailed and is unable to return to Israel.

“If I am here, I intend to be useful, and I can think of no more important mission than to represent the IMPJ at the upcoming appeal events,” Sachs said.

Sachs has been a leading force for change promoting women’s rights and religious freedom in Israel.

UIA Progressive Appeal chairman Danny Hochberg said that in a time of war, the appeal would pivot to respond to Israel’s immediate needs while remaining committed to investing in a future of pluralism, equality and unity.

The appeal has redefined its giving structure this year with a stronger emphasis on project giving across four categories: pluralism, fair society, shared society and caring society.

Projects range from making progressive Judaism accessible to all Israelis to supporting shared society initiatives and providing legal counsel to fight discrimination among marginalised groups.

The IMPJ is the partner of the Union for Progressive Judaism in Australia, which organises the annual UIA Progressive Appeal.

Appeal events begin next week. Visi: upj.org.au/uia-progressive-appeal for more info.