Susie Ivany OAM from Australia, Chair of ICJW’s Committee on the Status of Women in Jewish Law, reports on her advocacy mission to Israel in March 2025.
In March 2025, I had the privilege of travelling to Israel alongside Vivien Brass OAM as part of the inaugural “Project A” Homecoming Mission. “Project A” is an Australian grassroots movement founded in the aftermath of the tragic events of October 7, dedicated to empowering the Australian Jewish community to combat antisemitism, strengthen ties with Israel, and maintain a vibrant Jewish way of life.
Our delegation comprised 25 people, mainly women – advocates, activists, and leaders, mainly from Melbourne – united by a shared commitment to bear witness, to deepen our advocacy skills, and to stand in solidarity with the people of Israel during these critical times. What we encountered, however, went far beyond a skills building exercise. It was a profoundly moving and transformative journey.
Throughout the mission we met with a range of luminaries and thought leaders, including Yossi Klein Halevi, Einat Wilf, Saul Singer, Sara Tuttle-Singer, among many others. Their insights into Israel’s political, social and cultural landscape, particularly in these times of conflict, were invaluable.
We travelled to Israel’s South, an area devastated by Hamas’s brutal attacks and witnessed firsthand the ongoing trauma, destruction and extraordinary resilience of the Israeli people. The strength, determination and spirit of communities grappling with unimaginable loss and rebuilding their lives amid conflict left an indelible impression on all of us.
A particularly poignant visit was to Rafael Advance Defence Systems, where we learned about the continued innovation and technological advancements in Israel’s defensive capabilities, including the Iron Dome. It was a reminder of Israel’s extraordinary capacity for ingenuity even in the face of existential threats.
Project A itself represents the remarkable energy of grassroots leadership. What began as a simple WhatsApp group has grown into a formidable movement, largely powered by the initiative and determination of women committed to taking action, filling gaps, and supporting the community with immediacy and effectiveness. Two of the Project A leaders are now members of the NCJWA Board.
The key takeaways from our mission were clear:
- We are one nation – the bond between Israel and the Jewish diaspora is inseparable, and the unity we witnessed must inspire our ongoing efforts.
- Civil Society is a beacon – in the near total absence of government leadership during the crisis, Israeli civil society rose to meet every challenge, showcasing the strength of community action.
- Personal stories are essential in advocacy – the most powerful tool we have is to share the personal stories of the people we met, the devastation we witnessed and the emotions we experienced. Advocacy must be rooted in genuine human condition to be truly effective.
The mission reinforced our commitment to standing with Israel, amplifying the voices of those on the frontlines, and ensuring that their stories are heard around the world. It is now our responsibility to channel what we witnessed into meaningful advocacy and action.
