Since Taglit-Birthright Israel began in December 1999, the program has sent over 650,000 Jewish young adults to Israel from 67 countries, all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and from over 1,000 colleges and Universities. This gift connects Jews 18-32 around the world to the history, people, and culture of Israel and Judaism.
The gift is made possible thanks to the generous support from many sources:
Taglit-Birthright Israel trip organizers offer a number of community trips each round to accommodate the unique interests and talents of the applicants. Since Birthright’s inception, Chicago has been a pioneer in the concept of community trips, working with our local partner and trip provider, Shorashim. Shorashim is the provider of the JUF Chicago Community trips, and offers a ten day Mifgash experience.
Mifgash, means encounter in Hebrew and refers to the meeting between Israeli participants and Diaspora (worldwide) participants. Every Taglit-Birthright Israel trip incorporates Israelis of the same age who join the trips for five to ten days and experience Israel along with their peers from the Diaspora. More than 70,000 Israelis have taken part – 87% of them Israeli soldiers. The rest of the young Israelis who participate are students as well as young professionals as well.
Taglit-Birthright Israel is an umbrella organization that provides the gift of the trip, accredits individual Trip Organizers to run Taglit-Birthright Israel-approved programs and sets down the basic guidelines, standards and security policies by which Trip Organizers must operate. There are usually 12 Taglit-Birthright Israel-accredited Trip Organizers running trips each session (2 sessions each year- Summer and Winter) and you are encouraged to choose the program which best suits the type of experience you're looking for.
Our Trip Organizers represent a variety of religious movements and Zionist ideologies. All Taglit-Birthright Israel programs will provide opportunities for participants to celebrate Jewish life together.
Trip Organizers are organizations, institutions and establishments who are approved by Taglit-Birthright Israel to operate trips. You can view all other trip organizers.
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