UIA, ZFA and Taglit give young Australians a trip to Israel like no other
UIA in partnership with the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) and Taglit, recently sent 30 young adults on a Birthright trip of a lifetime.
Australians visit Hod Absorption Centre
Participants from across Australia embarked on a ten-day journey to experience Israel like never before – from its culture, history and innovation to its creativity, cuisine and most importantly, to see UIA’s lifesaving work firsthand.
UIA-Birthright highlights included visits to Zichron Menachem to learn about Zionism, driving ATVs in the Golan Heights, liqueur tasting at Kibbutz Amiad, a visit to Tzfat exploring ancient tunnels and synagogues, and experiencing authentic Druze hospitality. Of course, staples like exploring the Old City, a visit to Har Herzl and Yad Vashem, as well as taking in the sights, sounds and smells of Machane Yehuda market couldn’t be missed. Sleeping under the stars in a Bedouin-tented camp, climbing Masada for sunrise, swimming in the Dead Sea, exploring Tel Aviv and Yafo and eating delicious Israeli cuisine rounded off an incredibly fun and inspiring Israel experience.
Witnessing the impact of UIA’s support for the People of Israel at various Keren Hayesod-UIA-supported projects was truly unforgettable. At the Hod Absorption Centre for Ethiopian Olim in Tiberias, participants saw how new immigrants are welcomed and provided with a place to live, access to ulpan classes, after-school enrichment classes and professional training. Children attend local schools and Olim receive medical support for conditions often neglected prior to arriving in Israel.
At Hadassah Neurim Youth Village in Michmoret which supports 410 youth at risk and Olim from Russia, Ukraine and the Former Soviet Union, participants saw the important work we are doing to support this national priority.
The group also visited Net@ in Ramle which provides youth at risk technological skills as well as fostering coexistence between Jewish, Muslim and Christian youth.
Birthright madricha, Dr Tali Feiglin reflected: “For almost all of our participants, it was their first trip to Israel and they brought with them a maturity, desire to develop their Jewish identity and willingness to immerse themselves in the culture, history and traditions. We return to Australia grateful to have had this experience and with a desire to continue to develop our connection to Israel and Judaism.”
Participant Daniel Booth said: “I’ve witnessed and learned that the Jewish People are a proud family, with a rich memory of their history and a vivid culture of food and celebration. There’s potential that I could end up living in Israel at some point in the future, to take the opportunity to immerse myself in the start-up nation and high-tech innovation hub. I’m returning home as someone who is proud to be Jewish and understands how important it is for us to have a State of Israel.”
Planning is underway for another UIA-Birthright trip later this year. For more information about this and UIA’s other Israel Missions visit uiaaustralia.org.au or contact your local UIA office:
NSW: (02) 9361 4273, missions@uiansw.org.au
VIC: (03) 9272 5533, info@uiavic.org.au
