Taglit helps clean up Jerusalem

Some 500,000 hours of volunteer work performed as part of Birthright Israel project over past 11 years. 'It's a unique opportunity to reach out to Israel and Israelis,' says young Jewish adult from San Francisco

Ynetnews|Published: 06.28.11 , 08:18

About 100 young Jewish adults, participating in the Taglit-Birthright Israel project, along with several dozen soldiers, arrived last week at the Katamon neighborhood in Jerusalem.

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As part of a volunteer renovation project of an old, train-shaped, apartment building, they spent the morning cleaning, gardening, and painting, as well as welcoming Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, who paid a surprise visit, acknowledging their work.

During its 10-day educational trip to Israel, each Taglit-Birthright Israel group devotes three hours to community service. Over the course of the past 11 years, 500,000 hours of volunteer work have been performed.

'Values of giving and commitment to others' (Photo: Steven Miller, Municipality of Jerusalem)

“This is a unique opportunity for me to reach out to Israel and Israelis, and one of the best ways to do this is be there for Israelis in need of help," said Nicholas Jared, 24, a Taglit-Birthright Israel participant from San Francisco who took part in the activity at Katamon.

"Volunteering is the most important part of our stay in Israel," he added.

Taglit-Birthright Israel CEO, Gidi Mark, said: “Taglit-Birthright Israel participants come to Israel to find a connection with their Jewish identity and the state of Israel.

"By performing three hours of volunteer work, the experience conveys the values of giving and commitment to others, which are main components of the identity of the Jewish people and Israeli society, thus creating a connection between Jews in the Diaspora and in Israel.

"We are proud of their contribution. We believe that it is of great value to them and will remain in their hearts and minds as a major part of their trip to Israel.”