Oct 31, 2010
Israel Changes Young Adults' Lives, One Free Trip at a Time
There’s no better way to connect to Judaism and the land of Israel than by visiting the Jewish state — especially when you can do it for free.
Michael Wagner — along with a number of his peers in their early and mid-twenties — did just that this summer when he took part in a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip. The popular program, which receives funding from the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign, invites Jewish 18- to 26-year-olds to enjoy a 10-day, peer group, educational trip to Israel at no cost. To qualify, participants must not have previously traveled to Israel on an organized group program. While Wagner, 26, had visited Israel once before, he had never done so with a group of people his own age.
There are a variety of Birthright experiences available, with a bent for nearly every interest. Wagner’s travels had an outdoorsy focus, with hiking in the Golan Heights and a 3:30 a.m. wake-up call to hike up Masada to watch the sun rise.
Those embarking on Birthright trips also have the chance to experience Shabbat in Jerusalem, visit the Kotel, and meet with Israel Defense Forces soldiers, among other activities. Meeting the IDF soldiers was particularly memorable for Wagner, who enjoyed being able to bond with them and understand the situation over there through their eyes.
Are you the parent of a Taglit-Birthright Israel alumnus? Want a better idea of what it is your kids got so excited about after visiting Israel? Then be sure to take part in a special evening with Avraham Infeld, Founding Director of Birthright Israel, at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s Stanley C. Myers Building, 4200 Biscayne Blvd., Miami on Wednesday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m. There will be no solicitation of funds. For details, call 786.866.8419 or click here.
Wagner serves as Chair of the Twenties Network of the Young Leadership Division, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s under-40 division, and he noted that his involvement with Federation set him apart from many of those on the trip, many of whom, he said, were not particularly religious or involved in the Jewish community.
“I think part of the goal of Birthright is to get people who may not be as in touch with their Jewish roots to experience Israel — people who wouldn’t ordinarily see Israel on their own,” he said. “It seemed that a number of people really changed their perceptions of Israel through this trip.”
Since its inception in 1999, Taglit-Birthright Israel has sent more than 230,000 young adults to Israel from around the world, including multitudes of students and recent grads from Miami. And once they’re back from Israel and re-energized with everything Judaism and Jewish life has to offer, Federation, the Young Leadership Division and South Florida’s Birthright Israel: NEXT chapter — one of only a dozen nationwide — are there to help these young adults and future community leaders connect to other Birthright alumni in their area, as well as offer programs like free “NEXT Shabbat” dinners, volunteer opportunities and more.
Do you know someone who might benefit from the Taglit-Birthright Israel program? Registration for the December 2010 trips will open at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14. Those who have registered for previous trips, but have not participated may register a day earlier, beginning at noon on Monday, September 13. For more information, visit BirthrightIsrael.com or contact the Young Leadership Division at [email protected], 786.866.8446 or on Facebook.
Too old for Birthright? Already did it and can’t wait to visit Israel again? Federation offers a number of missions throughout the year, designed for people of all ages and interests. For information, contact the Federation Missions Department at [email protected] or 786.866.8436.
