Taglit-Birthright Israel

Taglit-Birthright Israel was established in 2000 by a group of visionaries, in partnership with the Israeli government, as a response to increasing assimilation, decrease in Jewish communal life and disassociation from Israel.

With the vision of ensuring a vibrant future of the Jewish people by strengthening Jewish identity, Jewish communities and connections with Israel, we aim to give every eligible Jewish young adult (18-32) around the world, especially the less connected, the opportunity to visit Israel on an educational trip.

To date, 750,000 young Jewish adults from 68 countries have experienced the gift of Birthright, including 110,000 Israelis and almost 6000 participants from all across Australia.

We wish to acknowledge our appreciation to the Gandel Philanthropy, the Principal Supporter of the Australian Taglit-Birthright Israel and to the Alter Family Foundation for their generosity.

Testimonials

“Taglit-Birthright taught and showed me so much; the lands of Israel, the salty depths of the Dead Sea, a Masada sunrise, star gazing in the Negev, the Machane Yehuda market of Jerusalem, the Great Shuk of Tel Aviv, its coastline and borders with Syria and the West Bank to name a few.

Just as importantly if not more, Taglit showed me the people of Israel; the Israeli soldiers who joined us and shared their personal stories, our Taglit guide and security and their experiences living in Israel, the stories and history of Yad Vashem and Mount Herzl…

The life that shines from the Kotel on a Shabbat evening as thousands of Jewish men and women from the entire spectrum of religion come to pray and celebrate. I’ll never forget the moment I touched the Wall, and turned around to see those brimming faces.”

Alexander Khominsky

“Birthright meant a great deal to me. It meant my identity, my religion, my family, my history, my belief systems. It all changed after Birthright. I suddenly felt a sense of belonging that I did not know I was missing. It was about what it meant to me in relation to my own journey.

After going on Birthright, I’ve become much more involved in my Jewish community both locally and globally. I’m a Campus Exec for AUJS at my uni, I’ve travelled to Washington DC to represent Australia at the AJC Global Forum, I go to Shul on a Friday and have regular Shabbat dinner with friends, family and even strangers!

I feel much more comfortable telling people about my Jewish identity and love telling people about our beliefs and practices. I am more confident in debating people on issues of politics and speaking up for what is right.

Numerically speaking the trip is 40 new friends, 10 new best friends, three trips to Melbourne and too many Shabbat dinners to remember!”

Lara Czysnok