Abstract
More than 100,000 Jewish young adults from around the world have now traveled to Israel to participate in Taglitbirthirght israel’s ten day educational experiences. It is a time, not only for celebration of a milestone, but also for a sober assessment of birthright israel’s accomplishments. The present report describes the results of a survey conducted between April – May, 2006, of nearly 3000 birthright israel participants and nearly 1,000 nonparticipant applicants from cohorts in 2002/3, 2003/4 and 2005. Taken together, the data provide an extraordinarily positive assessment of the impact of birthright israel on North American Jewish young adults. The study highlights include the following: Positive evaluation of the trip; Experience is Jewishly meaningful; Participants express stronger Jewish identities; Participants express stronger commitment to marrying and raising children Jewishly; Participants express a greater understanding of Israeli society; Alumni on campuses are more Jewishly engaged; Keys to success and challenges.