In addition to the launch Monday evening of Ten Days of Birthright Israel: A Journey in Young Adult Identity, Birthright seems to be in the news quite a bit this week. It’s probably only a coincidence that 8000 participants have descended on Jerusalem for the current cycle of programs.

From this mornings Jerusalem Post:

More Christians join Birthright trips

According to reports, an increasing number of non-Jewish participants, including devout Christians, have managed to get through the screening process of the program.

from the New York Jewish Week yesterday:

Behind the headlines: Birthright Israel’s Biggest Night

For one night, at least, there was a palpable sense of excitement and Jewish unity and pride in the cool night air of Latrun, and one can only hope that those good feelings will last a lifetime

and this from Jewcy on Monday:

Two Recent Articles Ask: “Birthright or Birthwrong?”

Is sending young adults to Israel for free a good idea?

updated June 5:

College Students Tell of Life-Changing Experiences in Israel

from chabad.org: As Israel’s summer tourist season kicks into high gear, the first waves of American young adults arrived in the country as part of the free 10-day trips for first-time visitors sponsored by Taglit-birthright israel.

Hey, What’s the Big (Jewish) Idea?

from The Current, an undergraduate journal at Columbia University: In many ways, Birthright Israel is the quintessentially successful Jewish program…

Birthright’s mission is an ambitious one. The trips to Israel, the program says, are meant to “diminish the growing division between Israel and Jewish communities around the world; to strengthen the sense of solidarity among world Jewry; and to strengthen participants’ personal Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish people.” While the goals are noble, the results are uneven.

Is Ten Days Enough?: Our Generation Claims Its Birthright

from PresenTense: As birthright embarks on an ambitious program to ensure that participants enjoy extensive infrastructure upon their return, it must navigate difficult waters. It must capitalize on the upcoming opportunities by reinforcing its message.