The Wake

Birthright Israel sends Jewish young adults, ages 18 through 26, to experience Israel at a cost perfect for college students. Free.

As a Jewish student, I couldn’t say no to the opportunity of a 10-day trip this past January. I found all it took to apply was a few minutes on Birthright’s website and a $250 deposit, refundable upon successful completion of the program.

Before leaving, I read through an itinerary of lectures and guest speakers. My time studying journalism at the “U” has given me a sixth sense for propaganda. Despite my cynicism, the series of lectures struck me as an open discussion of ideas following a presentation of facts meant to stimulate independent thought.

While there, we spent part of our time touring northern Israel. The north is the greatest contrast to stereotypes many people hold about the country. The land is contoured, green and host to Israel’s agricultural community. It’s not the desert many picture Israel as.

Other destinations included a kibbutz, or Israeli communal farm, Tel Aviv (a city representing Israel’s contemporary youth and business cultures), the Carmel Mountains, the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the lynchpin of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, Jerusalem. While in the north, we explored the most central Jewish holy site, the Western Wall.

The purpose of these destinations was to provide us with background of places representative of ancient and contemporary Jewish history in the region and abroad and the intricacies of Israeli economy and culture. But, I had to ask, why does Birthright think it’s important I know all of this?

“The purpose is comprehension of identity,” said Amir Orly, a guide in his third year giving Birthright tours.

Comprehension of identity includes the elimination of stereotypes and hopefully, an understanding that Judaism can include areas of ones’ life outside of religion, such as cultural awareness, Orly said.

“The key factor is pride,” he said.

For More Information, go to http://www.birthrightisrael.com