About the Event

A hundred years after the founding of the WUPJ in 1926, participants returned to the city where the story began. Darkeinu was not only a commemoration of history; it was an expression of how the World Union lives today: through its communities, relationships, and shared responsibility.

At the heart of the conference was the connection between the global vision of the WUPJ and the local realities of communities across Europe and around the world. As Rabbi Sergio Bergman, President of the WUPJ, said:

"After 100 years, the WUPJ is not a top-down organization, but wants to be a 'glocal' hub and network in which the local needs and realities of Progressive and Reform Judaism meet the worldwide vision and agenda of Progressive Judaism."

For Elon Cohen, a WUPJ Governing Board member, the conference brought together both the centennial of the global organization and the important work of the EUPJ across Europe. As he stated:

"It is amazing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our organization, as well as to witness the EUPJ's work across Europe at this particular conference. As a WUPJ Governing Board member, I see our organization's work in supporting the efforts of Reform and Progressive communities from many parts of the world, from India all the way to South America and beyond."

A significant part of Darkeinu was the presence and leadership of global leaders from our Tamar and Netzer Olami networks. Tamar and Netzer leaders and activists, participating as part of the WUPJ delegation, led a session on breaking down barriers to engagement, drawing on their experiences in Zionist activism and Jewish leadership.

The session was facilitated by Dani Bewsick (South Africa) and Flaminia Ridolfi (Italy), Co-Mazkirim of Netzer Olami, together with Avishai Conyer (Australia), Lili Jendroska (Germany), and Elon Cohen (France), representing Tamar Olami and the WUPJ. Participants explored barriers to engagement in different contexts and considered how listening to people's needs and giving them meaningful responsibility can strengthen participation across the movement.

The conference also carried the warmth of personal commitment and global friendship. Tadd Schwab, who participated with his wife, Sandy, spoke as a longtime friend and supporter of the WUPJ family, reflecting on decades of engagement with Progressive communities around the world.

He captured the sense of connection that comes from being part of a global Progressive Jewish community:

"We may live in different countries. We may speak different languages. We may practice Judaism in slightly different ways. But we are one people. We are one movement. And we are one family."