The URJ and Israel
What we believe, what we do, what we envision for Israel's future... and how you can help.
One of the URJ’s six core values, which are the moral and ethical imperatives that undergird everything we do, is Israel and Jewish Peoplehood. We believe that Kol yisrael arevim zeh ba’zeh (Shevuot 39a), “All of Israel and the Jewish people are responsible, one for the other.” We are committed to the safety and vitality of the Jewish people and to a secure and just state of Israel as a home – for all Jews and for all its inhabitants.
What is Reform Zionism?
Reform Zionism is a continuation of the early Zionist dream to foster a living, breathing national culture that represents the highest ideals of Jewish peoplehood. Foremost among these ideals is for Jews to be free and liberated citizens of the world who also contribute as Jews to our global civilization.
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Longstanding URJ Positions on Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The URJ is committed to a Jewish, democratic state of Israel, flourishing in peace and security. We are committed to the safety and vitality of the Jewish people and to a secure and just state of Israel as a home – for all Jews and for all its inhabitants. The URJ has also long expressed overwhelming support for a Palestinian state alongside the Jewish state of Israel, reached through a negotiated agreement between the two parties.
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URJ’s Positions and Statements on the Israel-Hamas Conflict, Post-October 7th
Since the horrors of October 7th, we have brought the power of our movement’s voice to bear to call for the return of the hostages, ensuring Israel’s long-term security, and ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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URJ and Israel: Post-October 7th Updates and Resources
Our hearts are with the people of Israel and the civilians in Gaza at this difficult time. We pray for the immediate release of all of the hostages, a negotiated ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian aid to innocent civilians in Gaza, and a future of safety and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.
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Yallah! Israel
Yallah! Israel is the URJ's network of Israel travel programs for teens. Participants hike, climb, discover, and explore with new friends from across the continent, and return home with endless personal accomplishments and meaningful memories.
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URJ Heller High
URJ Heller High is an accredited semester-long program for Reform Jewish high school students in grades 10 to 12. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to be immersed in the richness of the land, culture, people, and history of Israel, all while earning high school and college credit.
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URJ Teen Israel Organizing Fellowship & Immersive
The URJ is proud to provide our Reform and progressive Jewish communities a suite of programs for our teens and the wider Jewish community to engage with contemporary social issues, culture, and community organizing around Israel.
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URJ Camps Bring North American & Israeli Campers & Counselors Together
The URJ's 14 North American summer camps offer a unique space where connections can grow between North American young Jews and their Israeli counterparts.
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URJ 4HQ Curriculum
All Reform Movement congregations and institutions are eligible to receive this 10-part Israel educational curriculum based on the framework of four questions inspired by the national anthem, Hatikvah, that addresses all of Israel’s complexities in a safe and thorough way, focusing on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and religious pluralism in Israel.
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Just Zionism
The Just Zionism Initiative is a new URJ Israel initiative to build a community of activists around Israel as a Jewish and democratic state emphasizing that social justice, equality, and pluralism are at the heart of our approach to Zionism. This initiative is geared towards Reform Jews in their 20s and 30s to develop leadership, change the narrative around Israel and social justice, and build on our values to be successful in the 2025 World Zionist Congress elections.
Reimagining Jewish Travel
J² is proud to partner with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). You can now embark on a Reform Jewish Journey with J² while supporting Reform institutions in Israel and strengthening our Israel connections in North America. Enjoy the benefits of a travel company that is passionate about Jewish journeys, shares your values, and provides you the opportunity to engage and interact with Reform Jews and like-minded travelers in Israel and all around the world.
J² is a leading luxury travel brand that crafts Jewish educational and experiential journeys to Israel and around the world. On a J² journey, you will explore new places with expert educators by your side every step of the way.
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What's New
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URJ and Israel: Post-October 7th Updates and Resources
Our hearts are with the people of Israel and the civilians in Gaza at this difficult time. We pray for the immediate release of all of the hostages, a negotiated ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian aid to innocent civilians in Gaza, and a future of safety and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.
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This Year, Will We Turn our Mourning into Dancing?
While Psalm 30 promises that God can turn our "mourning into dancing," as we prepare for Simchat Torah this week, this year the tradition of dancing with the Torah scrolls feels like too big of a leap.
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Leader of the Reform Movement in the USA has not Stopped Being Disappointed Since the War
Rabbi Rick Jacobs reflects on Judaism in American and how the attack on October 7, 2024 affects them.
ARZA
ARZA strengthens and enriches the Jewish identity of Reform Jews in the United States by ensuring that a connection with Eretz Yisrael is a fundamental part of that identity.
ARZA Canada
ARZA Canada reaches out to all Reform Jews in Canada to help foster a better understanding of Israel and to support the Reform Movement in Israel.