The majority of Americans polled in a recent study by Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against…
Demand for the classic 10-day Birthright Israel trip is at an all-time high in our post-Covid world. Young Jewish adults are craving a sense of belonging, spaces where they feel safe to be Jewish, and, most of all, an opportunity to see Israel for themselves.
As an organization, we were thrilled when we received 32,000 applications for our summer 2023 trips — however, we only had 12,000 trips available for North American participants. This means that in 2023 only 23,500 young Jews will be able to participate in Birthright Israel as compared to 35,000 in 2022 and 48,000 pre-Covid.
Many in the Jewish community are asking why.
The current environment presents new and unprecedented challenges that are beyond our control. It previously cost $3,500 to send one participant on the 10-day trip, but we now have a 30% increase in expenses. This takes the cost per participant to $4,500.
The impact of the 10-day experience has left its mark on the Jewish world. Nearly an entire generation has been touched by the educational program, and studies show the lessons learned last a lifetime. It is more than just a trip to Israel. The program affords its participants the opportunity to forge powerful connections with their Jewish identity, the Jewish community and the Jewish homeland.
Despite a common myth that Birthright Israel is funded by just a few donors, it is funded by a far broader spectrum of the Jewish community — and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that Birthright Israel is, in fact, the birthright of our children, grandchildren and the generations to come.
We call upon you and the entire Jewish community to step up and help us sustain this integral rite of passage for young Jewish adults. There is no gift too small to make a difference. The future of the Jewish people is a shared responsibility, and we must not leave one young Jew behind.
We urge you to consider making a donation today.
A firsthand experience in Israel and the opportunity to connect to their heritage is a must.
