Israeli Reform Movement head steps in for UIA Progressive Appeal after war halts speaker’s travel

Lesley Sachs, chairperson of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ), will address this year’s UIA Progressive Appeal events in Australia after the war with Iran prevented the originally scheduled guest speaker from travelling.

Sachs was visiting family in Melbourne when the conflict disrupted international travel and left her unable to return home to Israel. She has spent decades working in Israel on issues of women’s rights, religious pluralism and civil equality, including leading the Israel Religious Action Center and serving as executive director of Women of the Wall.

“I am desperate to return home,” Sachs said. “But 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 in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney.”

The IMPJ is the Israeli partner organisation of the Union for Progressive Judaism (UPJ) in Australia, which organises the annual UIA Progressive Appeal.

The appeal had originally planned to host Anna Avital, IMPJ deputy director of resource development and international relations, as its guest speaker. However, Avital has been unable to travel because of the war and is currently sheltering in a safe room in her hometown of Modiin in central Israel.

Avital said remaining in Israel was important given the circumstances facing her family.

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

Appeal chairman Danny Hochberg, said the program continues to highlight the importance of supporting pluralism and democratic values in Israel, even during a time of conflict.

“In a time of war, we pivot somewhat to respond to Israel’s immediate needs,” Hochberg said. “But we remain committed to investing in a future of pluralism, equality and unity.”

Organisers say the appeal’s mission is summed up in its byline, “Don’t just give to Israel – help shape Israel.” Its funding supports initiatives that reflect progressive Jewish values, focusing on pluralism, equality, a shared society, and practical assistance for vulnerable communities. These projects aim to strengthen social resilience, leadership and inclusion across Israeli society.

The UIA Progressive Appeal was created to promote Israel as a Jewish and democratic state by nurturing values of religious pluralism, tolerance, equality and tikkun olam (saving the world).

Following consultation with donors this year, the appeal has introduced a revised funding structure with a stronger emphasis on project giving.

Donor funds will now be allocated across four key giving categories.

• The Pluralism category supports the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism and its work to make progressive and pluralistic Judaism accessible to Israelis.
• Fair Society funding advances equality through the Israel Religious Action Center, including legal advocacy and campaigns addressing discrimination and gender equality.
• Shared Society initiatives support projects that bring Jews and Arabs together and encourage coexistence, including Hapoel Jerusalem’s neighbourhood football program, which brings Jewish and Arab children together through sport.
• The Caring Society category supports programs assisting vulnerable communities and people facing hardship.

Appeal events open to the wider community will take place in Adelaide on 17 March, Sydney East on 19 March, the Sydney Women’s Appeal on 22 March and Sydney North on 23 March.

More information about the appeal is available at https://www.upj.org.au/uia-progressive-appeal/.