Around 1,700 young Jewish participants from 34 countries took part on Tuesday in Birthright Israel’s main summer event at the Tel Aviv Amphitheater. The event was attended by Dr. Miriam Adelson, Birthright Israel CEO Gidi Mark and Meir Shamir, chairman of the organization’s Israeli board.
The event marked the peak of the organization’s summer season, during which around 15,000 young people are expected to arrive in Israel for tours, volunteer programs and internships. It was held against the backdrop of threats of escalation and a decline in tourist arrivals to Israel.
Wounded IDF Soldiers Join Birthright Trips
During the evening, the “Hod HaHanit” program was presented, integrating wounded IDF soldiers as Israeli participants on Birthright trips alongside young Jewish participants from around the world. Israeli participants join each Birthright bus group, and the new program now includes wounded soldiers among them.
The initiative is designed to give young Jews from the Diaspora an opportunity to meet Israelis who were wounded during their military service, while also bringing the wounded participants into a group experience as part of their rehabilitation process. Amit Bar, who was wounded during the Swords of Iron War and participated in Birthright, shared his personal experience on stage and received applause from the audience.
More Than 60,000 Participants Since the Start of the War
Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel, said: “Since the start of the war, we have brought more than 60,000 participants, volunteers and interns to Israel, and more than 15,000 young Jews from around the world will arrive during the summer. Israel is currently facing a significant challenge in both tourism and its international image, so this should not be taken for granted. Birthright is a vital bridge between young Jews in the Diaspora and Israel. We give young people the opportunity to encounter the real Israel directly, beyond the headlines and social media campaigns. Seeing so many of them here this evening is heartwarming. After touring Israel, they become our ambassadors around the world.”
Netta Barzilai, Eden Golan and Itay Galo Take the Stage
The evening concluded with performances by Itay Galo, Netta Barzilai and Eden Golan for participants who had arrived in Tel Aviv from around the world.
