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Volunteers pack their bags

There will be visits to southern Israel to meet with survivors, heroes and families of hostages.

By Peter Kohn March 14, 2024, 10:50 am Edit
Danny Hochberg (second from left) delivers cards from Australian well-wishers to IDF troops in October last year.
Danny Hochberg (second from left) delivers cards from Australian well-wishers to IDF troops in October last year.

The Union for Progressive Judaism (UPJ), in coordination with the Australian Reform Zionist Association (ARZA), has launched its first-ever solidarity mission to Israel, a nine-day visit to hear firsthand about the events and repercussions of October 7.

UPJ co-presidents Danny Hochberg and Larry Lockshin emphasised the May 3-10 mission will offer opportunities for volunteering to aid people impacted by the cataclysmic events of late last year – including projects in agriculture, at hospitals, and with IDF personnel.

There will be visits to southern Israel to meet with survivors, heroes and families of hostages. The group will meet with leaders of government and of national institutions to gain deeper insights into the geopolitical challenges facing Israel.

During their stay, the group will connect with key figures and shules in the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ), which Hochberg described as “at the forefront of resilience that Israelis are showing”.

Recounting his volunteering visit to Israel in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist onslaught, Hochberg said, “I can speak from experience when I say that Israel desperately needs and appreciates Diaspora Jews coming to the country, being with them, volunteering, and understanding the challenges they face. In 2022, over 2.6 million tourists came to Israel. Since October 7, this has dropped to virtually zero. By committing to come, you are making an enormous difference to both the economy, as well as the spirit of Israel and Israelis.”

Hochberg added, “This trip is also special for us as a movement. It is the opportunity for our region to promote our strength and commitment to Israel by coming together on this unique journey.”

He said the timing of the mission means participants can stay on and experience “what will likely be the most poignant Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut in Israel’s history”.

ARZA president Ayal Marek told The AJN, “Our shared destiny and the importance of supporting each other in these challenging times has not been more apparent than it is now.”

For more information and a sample itinerary, visit www.upj.org.au/news/upj-solidarity-mission-to-israel/ or contact Danny Hochberg 0418 419 223; Vered Harel 0410 531 593.

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