Taglit-Birthright Israel is a not-for-profit organization that provides free ten-day educational trips to Israel for young adults of Jewish heritage. The organization was founded in 1999 by Charles Bronfman and Michael Steinhardt, with the aim of strengthening Jewish identity and connection to the land of Israel among the younger generation.
Since its inception, Taglit-Birthright Israel has sent over 750,000 participants from over 67 countries on its life-changing trips. The program is open to young adults between the ages of 18 and 32 who have at least one Jewish parent or grandparent, and who have not previously participated in a peer group trip to Israel.
The Taglit-Birthright Israel trip is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Israel’s history, culture, and contemporary society. The trip includes visits to historical and religious sites, as well as cultural and social events, such as meetings with Israeli peers and cultural exchanges.
One of the highlights of the trip is the opportunity to interact with Israeli soldiers through the organization’s Mifgash (encounter) program. Participants are paired with soldiers who serve as guides and mentors, and who provide a unique perspective on Israeli life and society. The program has been lauded for its ability to create meaningful connections between young Jews from around the world and their Israeli counterparts.
In addition to the cultural and educational aspects of the trip, Taglit-Birthright Israel also provides opportunities for participants to explore their own Jewish identity and connection to Israel. The program is designed to be inclusive of participants from all backgrounds and levels of religious observance, and encourages open dialogue and discussion.
Taglit-Birthright Israel is funded by a combination of private philanthropy and support from the Israeli government. The program has been praised for its success in strengthening Jewish identity and connection to Israel among young Jews, and has been credited with fostering a new generation of Jewish leaders and activists.
Taglit-Birthright Israel remains a popular and highly respected program within the Jewish community. For many participants, the trip is a transformative experience that deepens their connection to their heritage and to Israel, and inspires a lifelong commitment to Jewish identity and values.
