UIA’s successful Birthright trip
The participants, from across Australia, experienced Israel's culture, history and innovation,
Thirty young adults recently returned from a Birthright trip courtesy of UIA in partnership with the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) and Taglit.
The participants, from across Australia, experienced Israel’s culture, history and innovation, its creativity and cuisine and also witnessed UIA’s lifesaving work firsthand.
Highlights included visits to Zichron Menachem to learn about Zionism, driving ATVs in the Golan Heights, liqueur tasting at Kibbutz Amiad, a visit to Tzfat exploring ancient tunnels and synagogues, and experiencing authentic Druze hospitality.
The group also explored Jerusalem’s Old City, and visited Har Herzl, Yad Vashem and the Machane Yehuda market. They slept under the stars in a Bedouin tented camp, climbed Masada for sunrise, swam in the Dead Sea, and explored Tel Aviv and Yafo.
At the Hod absorption centre for Ethiopian olim in Tiberias, participants saw how new immigrants are welcomed and provided with a place to live, access to ulpan classes, after-school enrichment classes and professional training. Children attend local schools and olim receive medical support for conditions often neglected prior to arriving in Israel.
At Hadassah Neurim Youth Village in Michmoret, which supports 410 youth at risk and olim from Russia, Ukraine and the former Soviet Union, participants saw the important work UIA is doing to support this Israeli national priority.
The group also visited Net@ in Ramle, which provides youth at risk technological skills, as well as fostering coexistence between Jewish, Muslim and Christian youth.
Birthright madrichah Tali Feiglin reflected, “For almost all of our participants, it was their first trip to Israel and they brought with them a maturity, desire to develop their Jewish identity and willingness to immerse themselves in the culture, history and traditions.”
“We return to Australia grateful to have had this experience and with a desire to continue to develop our connection to Israel and Judaism.”
Participant Daniel Booth said, “I’ve witnessed and learned that the Jewish people are a proud family, with a rich memory of their history and a vivid culture of food and celebration.”
“There’s potential that I could end up living in Israel at some point in the future, to take the opportunity to immerse myself in the start-up nation and high-tech innovation hub. I’m returning home as someone who is proud to be Jewish and understands how important it is for us to have a State of Israel.”
Planning is underway for another UIA-Birthright trip later this year.
For more info about this and other UIA Israel Missions: uiaaustralia.org.au
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