By EJP staff
Some 1,700 young Jewish adults from around the world attended Birthright Israel’s main event Tuesday night at the Tel Aviv Amphitheater, an event which marked the peak of the organizatione’s summer season.
During this sean, approximately 15,000 young Jews from 34 countries are visiting Israel for educational trips, volunteer opportunities and fellowship programs.
The event was attended by Dr. Miriam Adelson, Birthright Israel International CEO Gidi Mark, and Meir Shamir, Chairman of the organization’s Israeli Board of Directors.
Against the backdrop of escalating security threats in recent weeks and a sharp decline in tourism to Israel, thousands of participants chose to travel to Israel with Birthright Israel, experience the country firsthand and see the reality beyond the headlines.
The festive evening brought together young Jewish adults from around the world for an immersive Israeli cultural experience, culminating in performances by Itay Galo, Netta Barzilai and Eden Golan.
The event also featured Birthright Israel’s “Tip of the Spear” program, which integrates wounded IDF soldiers as Israeli participants on Birthright Israel trips alongside young Jewish adults from around the world. Israeli participants already join Birthright Israel groups on every bus, and wounded soldiers are now also being incorporated into these groups.
The initiative gives young Jews from the Diaspora an opportunity to meet firsthand those who were wounded defending the Jewish homeland, while allowing the wounded soldiers themselves to take part in a shared and meaningful experience that contributes to their rehabilitation.
Amit Bar, who was wounded during the Iron Swords War and later participated in Birthright Israel, took the stage at the event to share his personal experience and received a standing ovation from the audience.
Gidi Mark, International CEO of Birthright Israel, said at the event: “This summer, 15,000 young Jewish adults are coming to Israel with Birthright Israel. Whether you joined us for a 10-day trip, an Onward program, Excel, or a volunteer program, this is your opportunity to celebrate our shared Jewish identity, meet fellow Jews from around the world, and build friendships that will last far beyond this summer. Most importantly, come back to Israel. Israel is your home.”
Photos from last night’s event are available below. The top-left photo features Dr. Miriam Adelson next to Gidi Mark. Photo credit: Erez Uzir, Courtesy of Birthright Israel