Free Trip to Israel

great_lakes_mom
Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:43:35 +0000

early_college, what a horrible, horrible experience! I hope your future brings you the joy of travel, encounters with kind people and interesting experiences.

Regarding, Birthright, my Ds went, pre Madhoff scandal, over winter break. Out situation is similar to yours, though we have no family religious ties. Their dad is Jewish by birth, though does not have much sympathy for Israel, they have an identifiable Jewish last name, and little association with Jewish customs, aside from what I’ve been able to impart, as a Unitarian who embraces it all. They got out of it what I would expect, greater ability to self identify as Jewish, and a powerful love for the land and people of Israel. It gave them sufficient knowledge, and comfort to participate in the Jewish community at their colleges as well. I’m very glad that they had a chance to go and learn about their heritage.

Regarding safety, they went during the big Gaza uprising a few years back, and Birthright was very careful to keep them safe, stayed away from the border areas, and then avoided anything close to Lebanon as well when a bomb was lobbed over the border into northern Israel. The organization sent frequent updates, and gave the right to cancel if we were uncomfortable with the situation.

I do think that anyone who goes should give back to Birthright when able, if in a minor way, as a token of appreciation for the gift of the trip, and attempt to pay it forward.