The Spiro Ark's mission is to make people of all ages aware and inspired by the history, culture and current events in the Jewish Diaspora and Israel. We have recently been approached by Taglit to see in what way we could assist their project.
The Hebrew word "Taglit" means revelation and Taglit's aim is to give young people a better understanding of the real Israel. It does not preach "Aliya" (immigration to Israel) but wishes young people to be informed about the realities of the Jewish State, at a time when many young Jewish people are harassed at Universities and other places about Israel, it is good for them to see what Israel today really is.
We, at the Spiro Ark, feel that it is not only a matter of duty but a great privilege to encourage people between the ages 18-26 to take part in this scheme.
Taglit-Birthright Israel was established in the winter of 2000 with the vision of assuring the continuity of the Jewish people worldwide. Today, Taglit-Birthright Israel features as the single most important bridge to Israel for hundreds of thousands of Jewish young adults (ages 18-26) who have never before visited Israel on an educational journey.
Participants from around the world discover Israel for the first time through a ten-day peer-based experiential journey. During the trip, Taglit-Birthright Israel groups travel across Israel, witnessing its various landscapes and sceneries. Through ancient landmarks of Jewish presence and activity, and all the way to the modern bustling life of the contemporary state - our participants receive the broad context of Israel's past, present and future, and form a deep connection with both the land and the people of Israel. Taglit-Birthright Israel's Educational Platform revolves around key topics that thoughtfully combine Jewish history & heritage with the unique and complex makings of modern Israel. As such, participants are introduced not only to narratives relating to Israel's origins, but also to its ongoing evolution as a modern democracy with a highly diverse society, a thriving high-tech scene, a cultural power-hub, and significant contributions to the global arena.
The mifgash (Hebrew: "Encounter") is one of the most celebrated features on each and every Taglit-Birthright Israel group. Each group is joined by a number of young Israelis, who are integral participants for at least 5 of the 10 days in Israel. In that regard, Taglit-Birthright Israel becomes a meaningful platform for authentic encounters between Diaspora and Israeli young Jews, providing each of them a fascinating lens to appreciate the other in a safe, tolerant and supportive environment. Our studies indicate that the deep personal bonds that are formed during the mifgash often last years, forging a strong connection between the young generation of Jews living in Israel and in the Diaspora.
Since the project's inception, more than 330,000 participants from 62 countries have explored Israel with Taglit-Birthright Israel - and they were joined by over 60,000 Israeli peers.
Ongoing research conducted by The Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandies University (Boston) indicates that the results of the Taglit-Birthright Israel program have exceeded even the most optimistic predictions. Of the numerous Brandies findings, one should point out that 1. Among the project's alumni, assimilation has been reduced by an astonishing 50%! 2. Over 40% of the project's alumni either extend their stay in Israel or return to visit Israel with their partners, families or friends. 3. The project's alumni become much more involved with their local Jewish communities, and assume active roles in Jewish cultural, educational and social settings and organizations.
The firsthand experiences gained during the educational trip allow Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni to feel far more secure in their knowledge base and ability to act as 'good-will ambassadors' on behalf of Israel. As such, Taglit alumni form a worldwide support network that plays a crucial role in actively promoting Israel on university campuses, in work places, and - perhaps most importantly - all over the cyberspace. Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni also share their experiences with friends and family, spreading its educational message and values even further, to thousands of Jewish communities in North America and around the world.
Research conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has found that Taglit-Birthright Israel educational trips have just as profound an impact on the IDF officers and soldiers as they do on worldwide participants. Seeing themselves through the eyes of young Jews from distant lands gives young Israelis a new perspective on their essential role and responsibility for the future of Israel and the Jewish people. Research results indicate that officers & soldiers return from the Taglit-Birthright Israel experience with a renewed sense of pride, motivation and desire to further contribute to both the IDF and the country as a whole.
The overall findings establish Taglit-Birthright Israel as the most effective vehicle today for strengthening Jewish identity and forging long-lasting relationships with Israel among young Jews, from around the world and Israel alike!
From the outset, Taglit-Birthright Israel has received widespread support from public figures in Israel, including all recent prime ministers and presidents, who have acknowledged the project's critical strategic role in securing the future of Israel and the Jewish people. Taglit-Birthright Israel is a partnership of the People of Israel (through the Israeli Government and private philanthropists), private Jewish philanthropists and Jewish communities around the world.
Given all the above, it is no wonder why Taglit-Birthright Israel is considered the most successful and most influential project in the Jewish world to date.
