A new program which will provide any young Jew anywhere in the world with a free trip to Israel may help them answer this question.
by Rise Safern
At the North American Jewish Federations General Assembly in November, an innovative program named Birthright was formally launched. Its initiators are hopeful that it will stem the mounting intermarriage and assimilation which has depleted the worlds Jewish population in the years since the Second World War.
In 1939 there were sixteen million Jews in the world, most of them in Europe. By the end of WWII and the establishment of the State of Israel a few years later, the Nazis had destroyed the population centers in Europe and killed six million Jews; the remaining Jews numbered only 11 million worldwide and the center of Jewish population shifted to the United States; at the time, only 6% of the worlds Jews lived in Israel. The total Jewish population rose to 13 million by 1970, but has remained static since then while it should have grown considerably due to natural population increase. And today, while about 50% of the worlds 13 million Jews live in North and South America, 36% live in Israel.
Michael Steinhardt, a philanthropist and one of the co-founders of the Birthright program, points out that, in the light of these figures, "We are at a crucial juncture in the history of the Jewish people, a time when we must do everything possible to strengthen young peoples connection to their culture and religion." Moreover, he stresses, "A strong connection to Israel is a powerful way to bring young Jews back to their roots. Beginning in the year 2000, all young Jews will be given the opportunity to connect with their heritage like never before. Regardless of nationality, economic status or denomination, every Jewish youth will be eligible to participate in a trip that will change his or her life. This is a gift from our generation to our children and grandchildren."
Why take Jewish youth to Israel, and not, say, a fact-finding tour to destroyed communities in Europe or ancient Jewish communities in the east? Charles Bronfman, co-chairman of Seagram Company and co-founder of the Birthright program, explains that "Israel is the center of Jewish life, the heartbeat of the Jewish people." Here, after all, Jewish cultural, religious and national identity was formed, and here a large part of its long history was enacted. Too few Jews worldwide recognize this and come to visit Israel. A free trip to Israel, the programs founders hope, will convince many who would otherwise not come to visit Israel. The visits "side effects" a more powerful identification with Israel and the Jewish people are expected to strengthen Jewish continuity.
How will the program work? Funds collected from Jewish communities abroad and Jewish philanthropists will be matched by Israel government funds. Jews between the ages of 15 and 26 will be reached by mail and by advertisements in the local media. Anyone recognized as a Jew by any denomination of Judaism will qualify for the offer. They will receive a voucher to cover the cost of airfare and at least ten days of significant programming; the sum can also serve as credit towards the cost of a longer program. The value of this voucher will be something between $3,000 and $5,000.
Birthright organizers hope that this chance will be irresistible, and even unaffiliated Jews will want to take advantage of it. Of course, the marketing of this offer making it sound "in", not old-fashioned will be crucial for the success of the venture. Another barrier to be overcome is the fact that many of these youngsters parents have never visited Israel, either. They, like their children, have grown up in a world where Israel is a part of the international picture. To them, it is almost no different than any other country.
Prime Minister Netanyahu praises the concept behind the program, saying, "The people of Israel are ready to welcome all the young visitors. Jews throughout the world have always supported Israel and now it is time for us to join in this unique partnership to strengthen the Jewish community." Starting in 2000, when the first Birthright beneficiaries are expected to arrive, the Prime Minister recommends that "...everyone eligible take advantage of this unique opportunity."