Demand among young Jewish adults in the Diaspora to participate in Taglit-Birthright Israel’s trips to Israel rose by 12%, according to the latest registration figures from North American applicants.
During its latest registration period in September, Taglit-Birthright Israel received 23,623 eligible applications for 9,576 places on its winter trips, which will take place between December and March 2011. Registration closed after just seven days. This compares to 21,093 applicants at the same time last winter when registration closed after 10 days.
This follows the most successful year to date for Taglit-Birthright Israel, which celebrated 10 years since its founding. Taglit-Birthright Israel doubled participant numbers this summer compared to summer 2009; however due to significant demand, thousands still remain on waiting lists.
“We are delighted that so many young people want to join Taglit-Birthright Israel trips to Israel, but at the same time it presents us with a great financial challenge, which is to meet this demand,” said Robert P. Aronson, President of the New York City based Birthright Israel Foundation. “The leading philanthropists of the Birthright Israel Foundation are committed to realizing our goal of bringing these numbers of young Jewish adults in the Diaspora to Israel each year. We will redouble our efforts to make this a reality by vigorously increasing fund-raising around the world. We want to ensure that all eligible applicants will be able to come and experience Israel, and return home with a strengthened connection to the country and its people.”
Participants on the recent summer trips hailed from North America and a host of countries around the world including Argentina, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Mexico, Moldova, Suriname, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
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Instead of raising more funds, how about cut costs?
With some long-term planning, birthright could save a bundle by using kibbutzim, field-schools, campgrounds, or army bases instead of hotels. And would it really hurt the program if they charged $400 per person? That’s my $5 million donation to the cause.