Taglit-Birthright Israel

Taglit-Birthright Israel is an educational program that offers free ten-day trips to Israel for young Jewish adults aged 18 to 26 worldwide. Founded in 1999, the program aims to strengthen Jewish identity, build connections with Israel, and foster a sense of community among young Jews.

The concept of Birthright Israel emerged in the mid-1990s amid concerns about the continuity of Diaspora Jewry, particularly in light of rising Jewish intermarriage rates. Then-Labor MK Yossi Beilin initially proposed the idea, which was later championed and funded by philanthropists Charles Bronfman and Michael Steinhardt. The first trips began in December 1999.

The program’s mission is to provide young Jewish adults, especially those with limited connection to their heritage, with a transformative experience in Israel. The ten-day itinerary typically includes visits to significant historical and cultural sites, such as Jerusalem’s Western Wall and the Dead Sea, as well as outdoor activities and social events. A key component of the Birthright experience is the mifgash (encounter), which involves interactions with Israeli peers, often including young soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The program considers these encounters to be highly impactful.

Birthright Israel is funded through donations from individual philanthropists, the Israeli government, Jewish Federations, and the Jewish Agency for Israel. By 2019, the program had reached a peak of 50,000 annual participants. As of 2025, Birthright Israel has brought over 900,000 young adults from 70 countries to Israel.

Research conducted by the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University has indicated both short-term and long-term impacts of the Birthright experience. Studies suggest that participants are more likely to feel a strong connection to Israel, engage in Jewish practices and traditions, form Jewish friendships, and, notably, are more likely to marry Jewish individuals. Longitudinal studies have shown that the trip’s impact can be measured even 20 years later, influencing participants’ engagement with the Jewish people and Israel. Approximately 84% of Birthright alums raise their children Jewish.

Despite its popularity and reported impact, Birthright Israel has faced criticism. A primary point of contention is the program’s perceived one-sided narrative of Israel, with critics arguing that it largely avoids discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Palestinian perspectives. The program’s emphasis on Jewish birthright and the Law of Return has also drawn criticism. Furthermore, the inclusion of meetings with IDF soldiers has been questioned by those critical of Israeli military actions. Some have also criticized the trip’s social aspects, including encouraging romantic relationships among participants to foster Jewish continuity.

In response to changing circumstances, particularly the 2023 Gaza war, Birthright Israel has adapted its programming. This includes introducing volunteer programs in Israel for young adults up to age 50. Birthright has expanded its offerings to include longer-term internships and leadership programs through mergers with initiatives like Onward Israel and Birthright Excel. Additionally, the organization has undertaken efforts toward sustainability in its programming.

Birthright Israel remains a significant and evolving force within the Jewish world. It aims to strengthen the connection between young Diaspora Jews and Israel. The program continues to adapt to contemporary challenges while pursuing its foundational goals of enhancing Jewish identity and ensuring the continuity of the Jewish people.

Sources: “About Us,” Taglit Birthright Israel.
“Our Mission & Vision,” Birthright Israel Foundation.
“Who We Are,” Birthright Israel Foundation.
Leila Ettachfini, “What Is Birthright and Why Is It So Controversial?” Vice, (August 15, 2019).
Zev Stub, “‘Transformative’: After 25 years, has Birthright Israel really reshaped US Jewry?” Times of Israel, (April 13, 2025).