Aug 25, 2021

Miami’s Young Adults Experience Birthright Israel

It was a meaningful and fun-filled Israel experience for 20 participants who recently returned from Federation’s Young Leadership Division Birthright trip. One of the most memorable experiences was a day-long excursion to Yerucham, Federation’s partnership city, where they saw firsthand the close relationship between Miami and the growing Israeli city. To immerse themselves in Negev life, they took a drumming lesson, created Moroccan-Israeli-inspired art and enjoyed an authentic, home-cooked meal with the Cooks of Yerucham, a micro-business where local women prepare authentic North African food and share their family story about living in Yerucham. “The community was very welcoming,” said Ali Girón. “I loved eating together because it felt like I was in my grandma’s house.” I also enjoyed the music teacher. He explained how to drum so well even though he didn’t speak much English. He was so passionate about his craft and the experience was one of the highlights of the trip.”

The adventuresome 10 days also included climbing Masada, floating in the Dead Sea, rafting in the Jordan River, exploring Old Jaffa and staying in Bedouin tents. They also visited the Ethiopian-Israeli community in Pardes Channa-Karkur and feasted on homemade food and coffee. To learn more about Federation’s Young Leadership Division, please click here.