Our community is facing challenges not seen in decades, with the rise of antisemitism in our region, and the horrible situation faced by Israel after 7 October. The UPJ Biennial 2024, entitled "Come Together: Strengthening our communities in challenging times" will be an opportunity for our community to hear from our political leaders (members of the Australian Federal Parliament are confirmed as speakers) as well as from experts on what is happening and what we can do about it. It will be an opportunity to discuss the challenges of our time with likeminded people from congregations across Australia, New Zealand and Asia - along with guests from around the world, while enjoying delicious meals and fun social events.

The UPJ is responding with a robust program to address these challenges, including the following sessions:

Thursday
3.00pm: Registration
4.00-5.00pm: UPJ Presidents’ Roundtables
5.00-6.30pm Welcome reception and address by Federal Labor Member for Wills Peter Khalil MP, Special Envoy for Social Cohesion
6.30-7.30pm: “When I’m 64: Who we are and who we need to be to stay relevant for future generations” - Netzer Federal Mazkira (Chair) Aimee Harris with ACT AUJS Co-President Mia Kline

Friday

7.00-7.25am: Shacahrit service

7.30-8.30am:“Don’t let me down: Australia’s policy on Israel and events in the Middle East” - Breakfast briefing with Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate

9.00-10.00am: “Let it be: Days after the US presidential election, what does it mean for us and global dynamics?” - Bruce Wolpe, Senior Fellow (non-resident) at the United States Studies Centre

10.30-11.30am: “With a little help from my friends: Conversation about complex issues in Israel” - Ambassador to Israel H.E. Amir Maimon, WUPJ Chair Phyllis Dorey, Yair Lootsteen, Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Arzenu representative to the World Zionist Organisation, and head of the WZO Department of Irgun and Connection with Israelis Abroad

11.45am-12.45pm: “Here, there and everywhere: Being Jewish in public life” - Federal Member for Macnamara Josh Burns MP, and Federal Member for Berowra Julian Leeser MP, in conversation with former MP Dr Michael Kelly AM

2.00-3.15pm: "A world without love: Exposing rising antisemitism snd identifying ways to combat it" - Video message from Australian Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal AO, Former deputy CEO Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Anne Brown, Dr Michael Platow, moderator Dr Mike Kelly AM

3.15-4.00pm The long and winding road: How do we care for ourselves during this time? - Rabbi Dr Orna Triguboff

6.00-7.15pm: Friday Kabbalat Shabbat: Kol Nefesh Service with Rabbi George Mordecai and Avishai Conyer

7.30-10.30pm: Shabbat dinner address: “The Long & Winding Road: Exploring our relationship with the indigenous community” - Nova Peris OAM, Former Senator, Olympian gold mediallist and outspoken supporter of the Jewish community and Israel

Saturday
8.30-9.30am: Parashat Hashavua - Rabbi Adi Cohen

10.00am-12.30pm: Shabbat morning service - Rabbi Gary Robuck, Cantor Michel Laloum and ARC members, including sermon by Dorothy Graff OAM "Goodness and hope through evil times" and the Biennial Choir led by Judy Campbell

1.15-1.45pm: Keynotes with IDF Col (ret) Yair Lootsteen and Australian Army Col Michael Scott

1.45-2.45pm: Ted Talks

3.00-4.00pm: Across the universe: Deep listening across difference

5.30-6.30pm: Private tour of the Museum of Australian Democracy

6.30-10.30pm: Gala evening at Old Parliament House

Sunday
8.00-8.45am: Shacharit service

9.00-10.15am: “We Can Work It Out: Navigating changing synagogue demographics and post-Covid disengagement” - Emeritus Professor Andrew Markus, principal author of Gen17 (Australian Jewish Community Survey) with a panel of leaders throughout the UPJ region

11.00am-12.00pm: “From me to you: How do we come together when sometimes we feel very far apart?” - Lynda Ben-Menashe, Federal President of the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia

The Biennial is being hosted by the Progressive Congregation of the ACT Jewish Community. Being located in Canberra makes the conference an easy three-hour drive for those based in Sydney and a still manageable seven hour-drive from Melbourne. For those coming from other locations in Australia and from overseas, Canberra is also well connected and can be easily reached by air or train from anywhere in the country. Accommodation will be at the Rydges in Forrest which is across the road from the ACT Jewish Centre (which is less than a 10-minute walk to Parliament House).

For those travelling from greater distances, we have some funding available to assist with travel costs. Contact the UPJ office to enquire: upj@upj.org.au.

REGISTER TODAY! Click on the button above: "Get Tickets"

Registration fee $495 (including GST) includes:

Attendance at all sessions, including morning/afternoon teas on Friday, Saturday and Sunday;
Opening reception drinks and canapés on Thursday night;
Three lunches (Friday, Shabbat and Sunday);
Shabbat dinner at Rydges;
Gala Saturday night dinner and entertainment at Old Parliament House.

ACCOMMODATION BOOKINGS

RYDGES CANBERRA will be hosting many of our conference sessions (and some will be held at the ACT Jewish Community Centre located directly across the street from the hotel).

Rydges is holding a limited number of hotel rooms at a discounted rate for our delegates (book early to avoid disappointment). Suites are available upon request. Check-in time: from 2.00pm; Check-out time: 11.00am.

Superior Queen Room @ $179 per room per night

Superior Twin Room @ $246 per room per night

To book a room at Rydges
Call (02) 6295 3144 or email: reservations_rydgescanberra@evt.com, and quote our conference code: 2411UNIONO_002. CLICK HERE to book online (put in dates 07/11/24 - 10/11/24), select 1 or 2 adults, select either Superior Queen or Superior Twin Room, tick the box that says "I have a code" and put in the conference code (2411UNIONO_002) in the Block Code box to get the conference rate.

A full buffet breakfast at Rydges is available at the discounted rate of $29 per person, if you book as a delegate as part of your accommodation package (full-price breakfast is $32). There are also many options nearby the hotel if you'd like to have breakfast outside the hotel.

Other accommodation options:
Forrest Motel
30 National Circuit, Forrest (located across the street from Rydges and ACTJC)

There is also the option of staying at an AirBnB, which is often cheaper than hotel rates - particularly if sharing with others, and there may be possibilities for home hospitality (please contact the UPJ office at upj@upj.org.au).