Some 1,700 young Jews from around the world attended Taglit-Birthright Israel's flagship summer event at Amphi Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening, in the presence of Prof. Miriam Adelson, Taglit-Birthright IsraelIsrael 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 approximately 15,000 Jews from 34 countries are expected to visit Israel for tours, volunteer programs and internships.
Despite threats of escalation in recent days and a sharp decline in tourist arrivals to Israel, thousands of participants chose to come to the country with Taglit-Birthright Israel, experience it firsthand and see the reality beyond the news headlines. The festive evening introduced young Jews from around the world to Israeli culture and concluded with performances by Itay Galo, Netta Barzilai and Eden Golan.
The event also showcased the "Spearhead" program, which integrates wounded Israel Defense Forces veterans into Taglit-Birthright Israel tours as Israeli participants alongside young Jews from around the world. Israeli participants join every Taglit-Birthright Israel bus group, and the program now also includes people wounded in the war. The encounters allow young Diaspora Jews to meet those wounded while defending Israel, while giving the wounded participants an opportunity to take part in a shared and meaningful experience that contributes to their rehabilitation.
Amit Bar, who was wounded during the Swords of Iron War and later participated in a Taglit-Birthright Israel program, took the stage to share his personal experience and received applause from the audience.
"This is Sheldon's birthday, and you have made me happy on this special day," Prof. Adelson said, referring to her late husband, Sheldon Adelson. "We were involved with Taglit-Birthright Israel for many years, and if he could see everyone here tonight, on his birthday, it would be the best gift we could give him. Nearly 1 million young Jews have participated in this program so far, and that is both incredible and deeply moving."
Addressing the young participants, Prof. Adelson said: "Antisemitism has always existed, and I believe it will always exist. It is extremely important to learn about our past and our heritage so that the next time hostile people try to accuse you, you will be able to speak up and answer them. Stand up and stand firm for what you believe in. That is what we are doing here. Israel will always be your home. We must all stand together and take responsibility for one another."
"Since the beginning 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 here over the summer," Taglit-Birthright Israel Israel CEO Gidi Mark said. "Israel is currently facing a significant challenge in terms of both tourism and its international image, so this cannot be taken for granted. After touring Israel, these young people become our ambassadors around the world."
Editor's note: Prof. Miriam Adelson is the publisher of Israel Hayom. The Adelson family owns the company that is the primary shareholder in Israel Hayom.
