What a joy it is for one's child to show interest in Israel and Judiasm. I have been an active and loving father, but my wife is not Jewish and our children did not have a solid Jewish education. When Sam told me that he wanted to go on the Taglit-Birthright Israel program, I was ecstatic. But when he came home, I was truly overjoyed. His experience was rich and meaningful. His knowledge of the Jewish People was increased a hundred-fold. We bonded as he told of his experiences and presented me with a Kiddush cup that he purchased for me in Israel.
Sam is a different young man now. I am extremely grateful for his selection to participate in the program. I must admit that I was somewhat apprehensive about letting my youngest travel to Israel in this time of worldwide danger. But I was also thrilled that he had been selected by the Taglit-Birthright Israel program. As it turned out, I had nothing to fear. His group was always taken to protected and safe areas. He felt secured and safe the entire trip.
Susan's Story
As the child of two Holocaust survivors I grew up with the understanding of the meaning of my heritage. However, I am not religious and did not bring up my children with an appreciation of being Jewish. After my daughter returned from Israel she had a new feeling of what it means to be Jewish and we went together to Tel Aviv and Israel for vacation the following winter. Now she is one of the first students to participate in NYU Tel Aviv and is excited to return to Israel in the fall.
Robert's Story
I could not tell you that Alyssa came home and started lighting the Shabbat candles; or that she had an epiphany of religious experience. What I can tell you is that she came back a changed person. Her sense of self and self confidence was far greater and that translated into a realization that her identity was bound up with that of Jews here and around the world. Since her return, and given her focus on Middle Eastern Studies, she has dated, so far as we know, only Jewish young men, by choice, we do not restrict or influence her. And in August, she will leave for a year at Hebrew University. These things are not by coincidence. She was moved by the sights and sounds of Israel. But she was changed by the experience of the place.
Terry's Story
I always wanted my kids to take the opportunity to go on a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip. For me, being the child of Holocaust survivors, I wanted my children to understand the importance of Israel for the survival of Jews. Had there been an Israel in 1936, my entire family would have survived. I was excited for my daughter, having been there myself many years ago. I wasn't scared or nervous as I knew that Taglit would never let any harm come her way. It was great that they had made arrangements for rental phones so I could talk to her. She cried the last night of her journey and didn't want to come home.
A woman in one of the markets in Tel Aviv asked her if she had ever been to Israel before. When she responded "no", the woman took her hand and said "welcome home". And that's what it is all about. You go there and you feel a certain connection to your ancestors and your people that is not easily captured in words. Parents, know that your children will have the time of their lives. I look forward to sending my son!
Richard's Story
My daughter returned from her trip with a new appreciation of her Judaic ancestry. Although she had a "social studies class" understanding of the background and formation of Israel, her actual observations of the country and citizens left her deeply impressed. She now follows news stories that deal with Israel and is a vocal supporter of Israel and Israelis. Her request for her birthday present was a gold Star of David, which she now proudly wears every day.
Deborah's Story
I'll never forget picking up my two sons at the airport. There faces were priceless. They said it was the best experience in their lives. They said the Israeli soldiers are fighting for "US", my just Israelis. Two years have passed and I still feel like the wonderful experience they had will stay with them forever. They are still in touch with friends they made from other parts of the country.
Bruce's Story
Taglit-Birthright Israel was a transformative experience for my son Harrison. Even today, two years later, he still refers to the 10 days as a defining moment in his life. It was a defining moment for my wife and me, as well. While we were certainly thrilled that he wanted to participate and had, in fact, initiated the idea and filled out the forms without even consulting us, we also knew that he had never been away from home (other than going to college), had never been on a plane ride for more than the 2-3 hours it takes to go to Florida, and had never travelled without one of us with him.
So our concern was more about whether he could handle 10 days without easy access to us than any other issue. (I had been to Israel 3 times and my wife once, so we had no concern about security as many parents often do. Nor we we concerned about the religion component--that he might become too religious--because our experience was that Israel is relatively secular). But any concern was quickly alleviated as soon as we got to the airport. He immediately joined the group of about 25 other students going on the trip, seemingly forgetting that we were still there. And during the trip, he also bascially forgot about us -- other than one call to ask us about a specific gift he wanted to buy us. Other than that, he had the time of his life.
Overwhelmingly, the two highlights were 1) getting to know (and party with) both his fellow BI participants and the young soldiers who served as trip escorts... and 2) the last day, when his group went to Mt. Herzl military cemetery. There, he read the names - and ages - of far too many young men and women the exact same age as him who had died fighting for Israel's freedom. Harrison made friends from across the country with whom he remains in contact. He became very friendly with his group leader, who invited Harrison to be part of the Jewish Heritage Program and Maimonides Leadership Society -- both of which Harrison accepted. He pledged a Jewish fraternity, where he is now a leader, and is planning on returning to Israel next summer on a national trip that the fraternity is sponsoring. And he's dating a Jewish girl.
Gail's Story
Two out of three of our children have gone on this incredible trip and they would each tell you that it was a life-changing experience in so many ways! They were in their early twenties when they went on Taglit-Birthright Israel (and they went on separate trips). They did not know what to expect but were absolutely overwhelmed with the hands-on experience that they were fortunate enough to realize. From meeting and living with (for a couple of nights) one of the soldiers in the Israeli army who was the same age as my son, yet living such a different life, to experiencing Shabbat at the Western Wall, the memories from this trip are forever etched in their lives. It was amazing for both of our sons and something that truly made a difference in the way that they feel about Israel today.
Rhona's Story
Like all parents who are sending a 19 year old daughter far away, my first concern was her health and safety. My other concerns - since she wasn't going with a friend - was whether or not she would make friends and be comfortable. Most of all, I wanted this to be a wonderful trip filled with memorable experiences. After 11 days away, it was finally time for me to pick her up from the airport. I sat on a bench in the baggage area and waited. When I saw a large group of very animated young people enter through the large doors, I could see on their faces that the trip was one of beautiful memories. After my daughter hugged me, she joined her new friends as they danced in circles singing Hebrew songs. My eyes filled with tears as I witnessed this joy.
When we were alone, my daughter said to me, "This trip was life changing." She didn't stop talking for hours as she told me one story after another. I would say to parents with any doubts about this incredible Birthright trip, send your child and then wait for the exciting stories of her adventures.
Edana's Story
My daughter went on Taglit-Birthright Israel last winter. She had the most awe-inspiring experience of her life. When she had a choice of doing a Bat Mitzvah or a "Sweet 16" party, she chose the later. But, climbing to the top of Masada, she was treated to a Bat Mitzvah complete with tallit! This is something she said she will never forget. I got chills seeing the photos with her wrapped in a prayer shall and reading from the Bible. This experience changed her profoundly.
I admit, at first, I was skeptical about allowing her to go to a place I thought was "unsafe" - let's face it, the media portrays Israel as a constant battle ground. The opposite was the case. My daughter was protected 24/7 by soldiers traveling with Taglit-Birthright Israel. She became good friends with one of them and when the young lady came to California, she stayed with us. Taglit-Birthright Israel is a rare opportunity for any Jewish child and should be encouraged by all parents.
Risa's Story
I was thrilled when I learned that my daughter Leah, 24, had on her own applied and been accepted to go on a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip in Dec 2008. Leah had always been reluctant to try new things and had never been abroad. She identified as a Jew but never participated in anything Jewish after her Bat Mitzvah other than enjoying an occasional bowl of Matzo Ball soup. Her first call from Israel, she was okay, meeting nice people, but a bit skeptical about how the trip would turn out. A few days later, she was practically speechless on the phone, with love for the program, love for Israel - the works.
When she returned home, she quit her job, broke up with her boyfriend and signed up for a 5 month trip, which she is on now. She has developed a sense of belonging and connectedness in Israel that I think was eluding her and she is loving learning the language, the people, learning more about her Jewish heritage and customs. She has developed confidence about her abilities to make it on her own far from home, since she does not feel alone. She is talking now about staying beyond her 5 month trip. We are going to Israel this summer to visit her. This is all very unbelievable - a wonderful growth experience for her that she will carry with her forever - wherever she chooses to live.
Sheldon's Story
My 2 oldest kids were lucky enough to be selected to go on Taglit-Birthright Israel. My first is my daughter who went with a friend from home. She loved the experience and the connection she made with our country. We are a traditional family and her connection to her Jewishness was strengthened. She went 6 or 7 years ago and still maintains friendships with some of the kids she met on the trip. In fact, they are planning a trip to South America next winter with the same kids.
My second is my oldest son. He went solo and has made more friends that he is still socializing with 2 years later. Again, his connection to who he is is stronger than ever. My wife and I never felt any real concern because they were travelling in Israel because it is one of the safest places in the world for a Jewish American kid to travel.
My wife and I were in Israel 2 summers ago and got such a great feeling as we saw the Taglit-Birthright Israel buses crisscrossing the country with happy Jewish kids. Taglit-Birthright Israel is a true blessing to our people and anyone who doesn't go will miss the trip of a lifetime.
