The first Birthright trip in over a year arrived in Israel on Monday after an extended pause forced by the coronavirus pandemic.
The trip marks an end to the only cancellation Birthright has experienced since it was established 20 years ago.
A group of vaccinated students from the US arrived at Ben-Gurion Airport for the 10-day tour that offers young Jewish adults from abroad a chance to see Israel’s historic landmarks and learn about their Jewish heritage.
“I am extremely excited that we are renewing the connection between the Young Diaspora and the State of Israel,” Birthright CEO Gidi Mark said.
Participants will visit the Golan Heights, Safed, Jerusalem, Masada, the Dead Sea, Tel Aviv, and other notable locations on the trip.
Birthright expects another dozen trips to take place in the coming two months and many more during the summer and fall.
“We’ve developed the best plan to safely and efficiently resume our trips, which play such a critical part in strengthening the Jewish identity of hundreds of thousands of young people around the world and connect them with the State of Israel,” Mark added.
One of the program’s goals it for participants to take home with them a better understanding of the reality in Israel.
“Following the rise of antisemitism over the past weeks, this is now more important than ever,” Mark explained.
After the Gaza flare-up, Western countries have seen a rise in antisemitic attacks, with Pro-Palestinian groups demonstrating, threatening and even attacking Jews.
“We have thousands of young Jewish adults who have signed up for our trips. In the coming weeks we will bring more groups, responsibly and safely,” Mark said.
Birthright has seen over 750,000 participants in 68 countries and has contributed some $1.825 billion to Israel’s economy.