This is a very good program. But 100 million to kids, many of whom could probably afford it themselves?. How many are so enamored with Israel that they did it several times? But we let starving children here go without proper food, and let thousands of Ethiopians dry out in Ethiopia. Perspective, people, perspective.

Ethiopian Jews are included, if they are not , something is wrong with this programme. To Ynet and the PMO Israel- if you could please clarify- i want statistics of how many ethiopian jews are benefiting in this programme . thank you benjamin singapore

I would like once to see some statistics of how many of these participants returned to Israel for a visit or made aliyah?? I would like an explanation why children of YORDIM are allowed to participate in this program?? I would also like an explanation why children of VERY wealthy families are allowed to participate in this program????

you are wrong to look at this as "if they dont move here, its a waste"... you have no idea how many people come back to their homes and become very active in their own communities in support of israel. charity giving increases, fellowships are undertaken, stories are told which encourage others to vacation there, ambassadors of good will are created with each birthright participant. on my tour there a soldier claimed on day 1 she considered jews abroad not real jews since they didnt live in israel... by the end of the trip she did a complete 180, understanding that it is of the utmost importance that jews abroad, especially in the US, continue to support israel from the outside. where would Israel be without Us congressional support? where would she be without AIPAC, a US security council seat? a win for jews everywhere is a win for israel, always.

in 3..... 2...... 1......

to visit Israel so that they may become aware and enamored with Israel. Many of these have never been to Israel and quite simply yearn to know what it is all about before they go on. to Israel for trip. You never know these Jews many of whom are quite wealthy may then decide to re-write their wills. I am just thinking..... Young people in general are flaky..Older folk in general can be depended upon.

What is their program like?? visit vastly overcrowded underfunded hospitals. Visit 3rd world airport--or just duty free Help groups that provide food for poor Visit overcrowded violent schools which are the norm here. Visit survivors who were cheated out of their money Visit new settlements and old villages-unrecognized --without basic amenities. Com on, these kids are too smart to be hoodwinked and brainwashed--that's how they got a free trip--nice hotel. etc. India is also a life changing experience. Whoopee!

and we know Taglit participants who are considering it. Taglit is the best program - ever - for strengthening Jews' connection to Israel. The young alumni stay in contact with each other and become spokesmen for Israel, many becoming involved with pro-Israel activism and encouraging their parents and friends to travel to and support Israel. Most plan to return or move to Israel later, perhaps after they finish their university education. Albi, you cannot go on the trip more than once unless you volunteer as a counselor (work in exchange for expenses). Also, most US Jews are struggling with our very bad economy. Yordim here are also having financial difficulties. Things are so bad, we discourage our Israeli friends and family from coming to the US because right now, there are no jobs.

This programme is one of the most successful links of Jews to Israel. And of Jews to their religion (especially Americans) the hundred million is a great investment that has far greater returns then you could imagine. Most kids that come to Israel might be on a free tour, but that does not change the fact that on average each brings along around $500 - $1000 spending money, moreover, the monetary investment is by far the smallest contribution. These children learn two very important things (amongst many others): 1) the importance of a Jewish connection and the importance of building a family built on Jewish values in the future. (ie the fight against assimilation) 2) Becoming Israeli ambassadors in all spheres and in all continents, now and in the future. This connection is priceless… and it works, and that is the reason why I support this programme financially.

The program is a big success. However there are a few tour groups in the program that have leftist, anti-religious guides, and this should be stopped.

I do not think that Ethiopian Jews are included for the simple reason that Ethiopia is a failing state and as such all effort must be concentrated on bringing Ethiopian Jews to Israel for Aliya purposes rather then a holiday to strengthen their connection to Israel.

They dont take groups to settlements, they dont stay in nice hotels, and you obviously dont know WHAT you are talking about. Its a group of 40 individuals who bond together, with the Israeli soldiers added onto the trip, and with the country and its people. They feel welcome and a belonging like they never have in their lives in their own home countries. I have been on birthright and a counselor 3 separate occasions and I would not waste my time if these individuals did not take so much from these journeys of growth and epiphany.

I'll admit it - when I went on Birthright back in 2001, it was all about the free trip. I was raised Assimilated American, and only considered myself Jewish by virtue of descent. Neither my family nor I had the money to pay for such a trip, even if I was so inclined. Birthright changed my life. I came back to Israel a month after the trip, volunteered, learned abt Judaism, went back to the US, finished college, made aliyah, have a kosher kitchen, learned Hebrew, etc...

Some of those Birthright kids will be the Mark Zuckerbergs or otherwise wealthy and/or influential people of tomorrow. Plus the numbers are sig so it's impacting postively on American Jewry and having a strong American Jewry is also an important Israeli interest and security interest.