The Movement for Reform Judaism

The delegation comprises movement head Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfield, the chair, Michael Grabiner, and vice-chair and treasurer Stephen Moss, CBE. The visit has been organised by Julian Resnick, the director of Living Judaism and the Movement’s Israel Desk.

The recently appointed editor of the Movement’s Israel e-newsletter, Joseph Millis, will accompany the delegation and will report back to members on its meetings with political and Reform Movement leaders through the Movement Update. Extensive reports on the visit will also appear in the first edition of the e-newsletter, due out in November.

The six-day visit will underline the Reform Movement's commitment to Israel and it will be used as a springboard for ever-growing involvement of members and communities in the life of the Jewish state.

The delegation is seeking to engage with those who will to enrich its understanding of the complexities of the central issues facing the state at this crucial time.

Through visits to Sderot, which has come under an almost daily barrage of rocket attacks from Gaza, and the north, where tensions are running high in the wake of an Israeli Air Force attack deep in Syria, the leaders will also show the Movement’s concern for the welfare of all Israelis.

The leaders will also have the opportunity of hearing moderate Palestinians, who are struggling to be heard above the din of fundamentalism.

Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfield added: "The trip is both symbolic and practical.  It is symbolic of the importance that we give to Israel - our highest level delegation to date.  And it is practically important in terms of developing the gesher chai, the living bridge that connects us ever more strongly to Israel - and Israel to us".

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