Birthright Israel
The new campus across from Sacher Park aims to become a global hub for Jewish learning and leadership.
The 30 young volunteers arrived at Shlomo Peretz’s home, which had been hit by Hezbollah rockets, to help with restoration efforts.
“We all share the same destiny,” said David Delman of New York City.
“We’re opening the gates to Israel once again,” the nonprofit’s CEO stated.
The 13-hour voyage by cruise ship from Israel to Cyprus was conducted under the protection of the Israeli Navy.
The program, said Madison Stock of Woodbury, N.Y., “has truly inspired me.”
“It was a complete shift in the trajectory of my life. It reinforced my time and energy around the Jewish people,” said Jenn Zussman of Maryland, who was on the inaugural trip in December 1999.
Project brings 6,500 young Jews to Israel this winter to help rebuild tourism industry.
Winter participants have already begun touring the historic city of Safed.
“No matter what, we will never give up on our unity and support for one another,” said CEO Gidi Mark.
“We have this incredible opportunity many prior generations never had, which is to help ensure that we not only survive but thrive,” Elias Saratovsky told JNS.
Registration for summer trips will begin in mid-January, Birthright stated.
