Birthright Israel is more than a 10-day visit.

Following October 7^th, the partner agency of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County has experienced a swell in the number of Jewish people who desire to travel to Israel to help communities and people rebuild and recover. To answer the demand, Birthright Israel launched a volunteer program that has drawn more than 9,000 participants, ages 18 to 50. During their one to two weeks in Israel, the volunteers strive to make true change.

One example of this change happened in Kibbutz Hatzerim, where traumatized residents of the severely attacked Kibbutz Be’eri have been welcomed into temporary housing. Before October 7^th, Be’eri was known as a tropical oasis, filled with flowers and plants; but the temporary housing is located in the part of Hatzerim that is an arid desert. Close to 4,000 Birthright Israel volunteers planted thousands of trees and flowers in Hatzerim to make the Be’eri residents feel more at home.

“Birthright Israel is working to harness a warming desire of young Jews to go and support Israel and recognize the urgent need for solidarity and action,” said Rabbi Daniel Kraus, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Birthright Israel Foundation. “The program gave them a structured opportunity to participate to contribute in a meaningful way. It also strengthened their connection and also was deeply impactful for the people that they serviced.”

Celebrating its 25^th anniversary in 2025, Birthright Israel has enabled nearly 1 million participants from 68 countries to form a closer, more personal bond with their homeland and her people. While the 10-day program is the most well-known, the agency has seen popularity grow with Birthright Onward Israel, an immersive internship program, and Birthright Excel, a fellowship for second- and third-year college students.

Local students, who plan to participate in Birthright Israel this year via the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s outreach, are ready to make the trip. Hillel at Florida Atlantic University has 25 participants signed up for this summer’s adventure.

“I have always wanted to visit Israel, so I knew I would go on Birthright when I had the chance. Since October 7th, my Jewish pride has grown, and visiting Israel feels more important than ever. I’m especially excited to experience Israel firsthand, try all the amazing food, and explore Jerusalem, while immersing myself in its rich culture,” said FAU student Shane Jacobs.

More than an opportunity to volunteer and connect, the 10-day program is a catalyst for a deeper sense of Jewish identity, activism and advocacy for young people, ages 18-26. Birthright Israel surveyed the participants of its Summer 2023 program; key survey findings indicated that the experience was transformational, affecting not only how participants felt about Israel, but also how they felt about themselves.

“You come back with a new identity, a new connection and new understanding,” said Rabbi Daniel, “You impact yourself, you impact your parents, your siblings, your cousins, your friends, and it’s really a domino effect to the many people around you.”

@JewishBoca is a proud supporter and partner of Birthright Israel. To learn more about Birthright Israel and other immersive Israel experiences, visit  https://jewishboca.org/immersive-israel-experiences