Birthright Israel: An Exciting First Trip

by Richard S. Moline, USCJ Director of College Outreach

I'll admit it; I was skeptical.

When I learned of the Birthright Israel Program, my mind was filled with all sorts of worrisome scenarios. Who wouldn't want to take advantage of a free trip to Israel? For that matter, if they offered me a free trip to Aruba, Jamaica, the Bahamas or Hawaii, I'd be the first to sign up. How could we convey all that Israel has to offer--the history, the culture, the ideologies, the magic--to students who were just taking advantage of a free gift?

Wow, was I wrong. For those unfamiliar with the Birthright Israel Program, the gift was presented by two wonderful philanthropists concerned about our Jewish future, Charles Bronfman and Michael Steinhardt. Their goal was to give college-age students who had never been to Israel on an organized peer tour, the opportunity to visit Israel for ten days. KOACH was one of 13 trip providers. Three buses filled with college-aged students explored the expanse of Israel for ten very intense days.

For me, the trip was as exciting as my first trip at the ripe old age of 17. To have seen Israel through the eyes of college students who were visiting for the first time, who began to understand where they fit in the Jewish community, who saw our rich heritage and vivid history from a different perspective--was a peak experience for me and for our entire staff.

Much of our success had to do with the program we built and much of it had to do with our marvelous staff. Most of it had to do with attitudes and caliber of our participants.

It was clear from the moment we boarded our El Al plane that this wasn't just another winter break trip. It was evident from the B'nai Mitzvah ceremony held on the top of Masada for 14 who never had the privilege of celebrating a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. It was contained in every tear shed at the kotel (Western Wall). It came through in every testimonial delivered at the end of our trip from those who said the trip did indeed change their lives.

So was KOACH Birthright Israel a success? I don't know. In the short term, yes. Will it make a difference 5, 10 or 20 years from now in the lives of our participants? I'm certain it will in mine. I learned some valuable lessons, the most important of which is never to "write anybody off.

As one who has devoted my entire professional life to working in the Jewish community, KOACH Birthright Israel has reinforced the very reason I (and so many others) view this work as sacred. If we are fortunate enough to sponsor other similar trips, and you meet the eligibility requirements, I do hope you'll be able to join us.

For more information on Birthright Israel, and an application, visit the Koach website.