UJIA Birthright takes off in 2010

The final UJIA Birthright group of this summer took off from Heathrow for Ben Gurion International Airport this week (Tuesday 17 August 2010). The group of 40 brings the total number of participants on UJIA Birthright tours to 279 in 2009/10 - one of the highest numbers since the programme began. The group attended a morning orientation session at UJIA's Camden offices before heading to the airport.

UJIA Birthright is a free 10-day educational tour covering the length and breadth of Israel open to Jewish 20-26 year-olds in the UK who have never been to Israel on an organised programme before. Each summer and winter, UJIA Birthright enables participants to experience historical, religious and cultural sites ranging from the Western Wall and Masada, to sleeping in a Bedouin tent and the nightlife of Tel Aviv.

Participants spoke about their expectations shortly before they left for the airport:

"I want to find out more about my Jewish identity. I don't have many Jewish friends and I want to learn how to incorporate Judaism into my life. On Birthright I will be surrounded by Jews from different places and be able to learn from them." Geraldine Spicer, 24, from Finchley.

"I'm going on Birthright because I want to feel more connected to my roots. My mum is Israeli and I've been to Israel on holiday, but I've never been there by myself. When you go with your family you just go shopping, but I want I want to learn about Jewish heritage, history and what people struggled for to create the Jewish state." D'Chanielle Saunders, 27, from Acton.

Watch this space for testimonies from UJIA Birthright participants when they return from Israel.

Royi Gutkin, UJIA Taglit-Birthright Coordinator, said:

"I am thrilled that we are putting on an extra UJIA Birthright group this summer. When they come back, many participants tell us how they have developed a deeper connection with Israel and an understanding of their Jewish identity. For many young adults, Birthright is the beginning of their Jewish journey."