Several Jewish students were recently given the opportunity to travel to Israel for a 10-day trip, free of charge, courtesy of Hillel at Ohio University and Taglit-Birthright Israel.
Taglit-Birthright Israel is funded by the people of Israel through their government, Jewish philanthropists, and local Jewish communities. It not only funds the trips, but also accredits Trip Organizers, who then set up and run the trips. These trips occur twice a year, once in the spring and once in the winter.
Freshman Jessica Markowitz, who is visiting Israel this week, said she's looking forward to connecting with her heritage.
My grandma's from [Israel]
so it would just be cool to see where she came from Markowitz said.
Students will be spending time at the Old City of Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and the Western Wall, just to name a few.
I'm really excited to see the Holocaust Museum said Markowitz, who said she's also looking forward to meeting Israelis and people from all over.
The trip, however, is intended to be more than just a sightseeing vacation. According to the Taglit-Birthright Israel Web site, the program was created to send tens of thousands of young Jewish adults from all over the world to Israel as a gift in order to diminish the growing division between Israel and Jewish communities around the world.
It's a great opportunity for young Jews
and they should take advantage of it
Markowitz said.
Registration for the Spring/Summer 2010 trip will begin Sunday, Feb. 7 at noon. Those interested can visit birthrightisrael.com for more information.
3
Culture
Lynsie Dickerson
