The Movement for Reform Judaism

Rabbi Tony Bayfield, head of The Movement for Reform Judaism, returned from Israel last week, having spent three days with the RSY-Netzer Israel Tour groups.  

      Photo by Douglas Guthrie

He said: “I was right to go. I have never taken a decision more quickly but one was urgently required (….). It was humbling how deeply appreciated my gesture was.”

Following the Israel Tour opening ceremony which took place next to Sir Moses Montefiore’s windmill in Jerusalem, Rabbi Bayfield met with Danny Mor, the Director of Israel Experience, who has been responsible for reprogramming the tours which have now been restricted to a line south of Haifa. He also met with Elan Ezrachi who is responsible for extended programmes for the 18-30 year olds, including the RSY-Netzer Shnat Group who will begin their year in Israel in mid-August; and Ayelet Shiloh-Tamir, Deputy Director General of the Jewish Agency’s Education Department.

Rabbi Bayfield commented: “Every young man and woman from RSY-Netzer was greeted as a hero for being there – not because they were in danger (which they weren’t) but because they were demonstrating support and commitment to the people of Israel at a very difficult and lonely time.”

He added:

It is so, so unjust that Israel should have to experience endless, pathological hatred, worry continually for the safety of their own children (…). Yet what does Israel do? Welcome our young people. Protect them with every ounce of energy and every drop of emotion that is available and make sure they have an outstanding experience of a month in Israel (…). The 107 strong RSY-Netzer contingent were having a fantastic time from the very beginning.

For further details, please contact:
Andrea Newman, Movement for Reform Judaism Public Relations Officer

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