700 Russian speaking Taglit participants took part Tuesday in “Chan Hashayarot” in the Negev. The participants enjoyed multiple cultural activities and workshops celebrating the magic of the desert; yoga, juggling, stargazing, painting, oriental dancing, perfume and drumming workshops and many more, concluding with a big party organized for the attendees. The event was made possible through a seven year long successful partnership between Taglit-Birthright Israel and the Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG).

Approximately 40,000 Russian speaking young adults have experienced Israel through Taglit-Birthright Israel over the past 15 year with 4000 participating this year.

Anna Perelman, GPG Regional Director in Israel, said of the event, “We are proud to join forces with Taglit-Birthright Israel, one of the leading and most successful projects in the Jewish World. Taglit-Birthright Israel is allowing thousands of Russian speaking participants to tour Israel and connect to their Jewish identities. The Desert brings us back thousands of years ago, remembering our history, and strengthening the bond between the Jewish people.