Alana Wortsman is a summer 2021 Birthright Israel alum originally from Long Island, NY and today…
Joshua Mitchell‑Arbital was born in Tulsa, OK, and participated in Birthright Israel in 2021. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and is currently getting his Master’s in International Studies focusing on Culture, Power, and Social Movements at the University of San Francisco. At the same time, Joshua is also the event and programming intern for San Fransisco Hillel. In our interview with him below, you’ll get a glimpse into what his Birthright Israel experience was like.
Q&A with Joshua Mitchell-Arbital
What inspired you to sign up for a Birthright Israel trip?
Joshua: “I was inspired to sign up for the Birthright Israel trip because I wanted to get in touch with my Jewish roots and be in our ancestral homeland.”
Did you have any preconceived notions prior to going to Israel?
Joshua: “I didn’t really have any, mainly because I have been to Israel twice before. I took advantage of Birthright knowing that Israel is a place to have fun, enjoy Jewish life on a larger scale, be in an inclusive and open atmosphere where I’m in a very diverse country.”
Did you grow up with a connection to your Jewish identity?
Joshua: “I did! My parents are both Jewish. My dad is Ukrainian and Turkish, and my mom is Mexican. So, not only did I have a very Jewish upbringing, but I also had a very diverse Jewish childhood being raised in a house of many parts of Jewish ethnic and religious culture.”
What was your biggest takeaway from the trip?
Joshua: “One of the biggest takeaways from my Birthright Israel trip is that I learned my people are home. For thousands of years, we have yearned to go home, and there was something about this trip when I hiked up Masada for the first time and saw the Israeli flag over the desert, I felt comforted. We’re finally home, and even if others may not like that, it simply doesn’t matter — because we are home and we are safe.”
How has Birthright Israel played a role in your life since your trip ended?
Joshua: “It has encouraged me to continue down my path of working in Jewish professional spaces. It also assured me that my goals are possible for myself and our people. The experience also encourages me to continue to work in spaces that ensure Jewish safety, Israel advocacy, inclusion, and diversity.”
If you could meet the person who made your trip possible, what would you say to them?
Joshua: “I would say thank you. I’m not sure if the Birthright Israel donors hear it enough, so thank you again. Thank you for not only putting finances forward for a worthy cause but thank you for helping put us on a trip that instills within us a passion for learning about our people and where we are from. Thank you for putting your dollar forward to continue this amazing trip that connects the worldwide Jewish Diaspora to their homeland. It is extremely appreciated.”
