Showing up when it matters most
Like Jewish people around the world, I was profoundly shaken by the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
In a world in which the Jewish community faces rising challenges, I find myself grappling with a personal sense of responsibility. As a member of a vibrant but vulnerable community in Australia, there’s an imperative to act – to learn, to advocate, and to stand in solidarity.
Like Jewish people around the world, I was profoundly shaken by the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Watching the horrifying events unfold from afar was agonising, but what was equally unsettling was the response and aftermath here at home. The surge in antisemitic incidents in Australia left me feeling both exposed and galvanised. It became painfully clear that advocacy for Israel and for Jewish life is not someone else’s job – it’s ours; it’s mine.
Project A emerged as a grassroots response to these challenges, and its mission resonates deeply with me. The organisation’s commitment to empowering individuals to be effective advocates – armed with knowledge, skills, and confidence – aligns perfectly with what I’ve been searching for. Advocacy is not just about defending; it’s about understanding and engaging with complexity, and that is exactly what Project A offers.
For me, there is another imperative, which, full disclosure, I haven’t yet fulfilled – the need to be in Israel, to be on the ground, at the sites, speaking face to face with Israelis who have been through the past 15 months, to delve into the issues, to be in Israel, with Israel. In my previous roles as CEO of the Zionist Federation of Australia and Zionism Victoria, I visited Israel at least annually and whilst the visits were intensely work focused, they provided not just tools but a deep sense of connection and inspiration.
The dilemma was not whether to go to Israel, or even when, despite a couple of plans where tickets were booked then cancelled. The question was how to visit Israel and how to make the most of the visit. The idea of being a tourist right now just doesn’t seem to gel, there had to be a plan which would include meaningful engagement with Israelis, opportunities to hear from and discuss issues around advocacy, security, politics, public affairs, society and culture.
Project A’s upcoming mission to Israel in March promises to be a transformative experience. Over six days, participants will delve into the heart of Israel’s most pressing issues and connect with people who embody resilience, innovation and hope. It’s not just a chance to travel; it’s a chance to be immersed in the fabric of Israeli society. We will be based in Tel Aviv, a hub of creativity and progress, with visits to Jerusalem and Israel’s southern communities – places that bear the scars of October 7 but also showcase the unyielding spirit of their people.
What makes this moment particularly significant is the timing of our mission. We will be in Israel during the negotiations on stage two of the hostage deal, a momentous and emotionally charged time for the entire nation. We’ve experienced heartbreak, and we’re holding our hearts in our hands as we wait for news of hostages. Being there at such a critical juncture will provide an unparalleled opportunity to witness history in the making and to understand the emotional and political complexities firsthand.
We’ll be meeting survivors and hearing their stories. It’s one thing to read about bravery and resilience; it’s another to witness it up close. We’ll be hearing directly from academics, leaders, experts who are at the top of their advocacy game and individuals who are doing incredible work to build society and heal rifts. It’s an opportunity to speak from the heart – and from the mind – grounding advocacy in both personal experience and informed understanding.
Advocacy is not passive; it requires active participation, and there’s no better way to prepare than by engaging directly with the issues on the ground through workshops and volunteer experiences. Whether it’s through learning from top speakers or contributing to meaningful projects, every moment of this journey will be an investment for participants’ ability to make a difference back home.
As I prepare for this mission, I’m reminded of the pivotal role Israel plays in Jewish identity. It is a place of history, spirituality and innovation. It is a place where triumphs and tragedies intertwine, and where every visitor becomes part of a larger story. For me, joining this mission is about more than just personal growth; it is about contributing to that story. It is about returning to Australia not just as an observer but as an advocate who can inspire others to engage and act.
At a time when Israel and the Jewish community face unprecedented challenges, being there – listening, learning and supporting – is both a privilege and a responsibility.
In the end, this mission is about solidarity. It’s about showing up when it matters most. And for me, it’s a chance to align my values with my actions, to honour the resilience of those who inspire us, and to ensure that our collective voice remains strong and unwavering.
Ginette Searle is a co-leader of Project A and former CEO of the Zionist Federation of Australia. Project A’s Advocacy Mission runs from March 16–21.
More info: Projectainoz@gmail.com
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