Birthright is Back!

It’s become a rite of passage for a Jewish young adult to spend 10 days exploring all Israel has to offer on their Birthright trip. But in the wake of October 7th and the ensuing war, there’s been an understandable apprehension and anxiety surrounding the trip This summer, however, it was important for Hillel 818 to provide the opportunity for our students to embark on this important part of their Jewish journey. 

For our Jewish Agency Israel Fellow, Julie, knowing that our students were a bit nervous about this trip made going even more important for her. “I knew this was going to be an emotional trip and that the students were going to come in with a mix of excitement and apprehension” she said. “My goal was to provide them with a meaningful connection to Israel despite the challenges.” 

And it did bring a meaningful connection. For Ryan Tanner, a CSUN student, this trip, which included a visit to Hostage Square and hearing from Amit, the nephew of Aviva Siegel (one of the freed hostages) and Keith Siegel (still being held hostage), made everything he’d been hearing about in the news the last few months more personal and real. “You don't really think of all the different connections that happen with every single person who is held hostage, so many different family members and friends are impacted.” 

Birthright helps deepen the connection to Israel for so many young Jews by exposing them directly and personally to the land and, of course, the people: “With everything Israel faces, the spirit of the Israelis stays unbroken!” Julie said. “We are going through hard times but we also stand strong and support each other. The resilience is a powerful reminder to our community that even in these times we can find strength in each other.”