Birthright Israel – 

Young Jewish Adults Israel Trip

What exactly is Birthright Israel? Birthright Israel began in 1999 with a bold idea—offering a free, life-changing trip to Israel to young Jewish adults between the ages of 18 and 26 and, in doing so, transforming the Jewish future. Their mission is to give every Jewish young adult around the world, especially the less connected, the opportunity to visit Israel on an educational and inspirational religious experience. Today, Birthright Israel is the largest educational tourism organization in the world, and it aims to strengthen Jewish identity, communities, and connections with Israel.  Each trip is 100% funded by 30,000+ donors each year. The experience of Birthright is one that your student will remember always, and the connections made with fellow students on the trip will turn into life-long friendships. And there is no reason to be concerned about political unrest or their safety since every trip is guided and constantly with Israeli soldiers.

UMD has two different organizations that offer and sponsor this trip: UMD Hillel and UMD Chabad. What could be better than that? This is the trip you go on with your friends from college or to meet new people from your campus. Ten extraordinary days experiencing the enriching, inspiring and exhilarating sights, sounds, and soul of Israel Hang out with Israelis your age, hike beautiful trails, and catch breathtaking views. When you get back, you’ll have an awesome community back on campus that you formed on the trip. You’re not a tourist you’re an adventure-seeker!

Tour Highlights

Some of the tour highlights: camel rides, rafting down the Jordan River, visit the Western Wall, float in the Dead Sea, waterfalls of the Golan Heights, taste Mediterranean food, and connect with Israelis your own age. Going to Israel allows one to really connect with the country and its Jewish roots. The first time I had the opportunity to go to Israel, I felt such an appreciation and connection to the home country of the Jewish people. Whether you are Orthodox or just identify as Jewish, going to Israel is truly an amazing experience. Birthright is a once in a lifetime experience that allows you to learn, grow, and make friends across the world!

There are also extension trips that students can look into. They have a variety of types from cooking to volunteering, but many students also choose to extend and travel a bit on their own before returning to the U.S. It surely saves on the cost of airfare, since Birthright covers it. If students want to go back to Israel or have never done Birthright, there are summer internships available including the more popular one Onward. For more information on trip dates and how to apply, visit this Birthright Israel page or the UMD Hillel or UMD Chabad pages.

Arianna Powell, Intern

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