[COMMUNICATED CONTENT] Travelers in Eretz Israel last summer had the opportunity to witness a very special sight. A group of young Frum Americans, from all styles and backgrounds, got off the bus in the Galilee, the Golan Heights, the Ramon Crater, Jerusalem, Safed, Meron, and many other places, to prepare for a trip, as if an Frum group is an everyday event.
A closer look reveals that this is a “Taglit Birthright Israel” group, the only Frum “Taglit Birthright Israel” group with an open registration, organized by Ezra Olami, and fully funded by “Taglit Birthright Israel”.
“What do you mean by full funding? Didn’t you pay for the tickets, the luxurious hotels, the certified tour guide, or the accompanying security person? Did you not pay for anything? But that’s thousands of $???”
Replies Shlomi from Brooklyn: “It is really amazing, and I did not believe it myself, at first. But it really is a completely free program, we weren’t asked to pay for anything, and the program is of the highest quality. Though the enrollment process includes a deposit – but all my friends that didn’t go on the trip already got their money back, and we will receive our deposits back tomorrow.”
And how was the tour guide, and the sites? No cultural divisions?
“Absolutely not. Ezra chose for us a guide of American background. Everything is well taken care of, with much attention to detail.”
Did the whole yeshiva join the trip?
“Absolutely not. According to “Taglit Birthright Israel” rules, students in a yeshiva or Seminar are not eligible. Only those who learn in Yeshiva and College at the same time, or if they currently work, can participate. But that still leaves a lot of boys inside, and it was just amazing.”
Ezra is currently registering for the winter program. Registration will take place on September 10 and the trip will probably take place in January. This is an opportunity for anyone who wants to vacation in Israel this winter or next summer to sign up.
Shlomi, you wish to add anything?
“Yes. You’d better sign up. By registering you do not lose anything, but only gain the opportunity to think about it a few more days. If you decide to cancel – cancel. No problem. On the other hand, if you decide to come, you will have the opportunity.”
But don’t you think it’s better to go in the summer?
“Not at all. Winter trips are very special. Plus you should try your chances every season. Demand for the trip is high and you should not miss any opportunity to sign up for one.”
How is the kashrus? And the company?
“Nothing to worry about the kashrus. There is a rabbi of the organization who runs and checks everything. Regarding the company, that is the thing I enjoyed most on the program.”
In short – run to register.
So … How to register?
Go to www.ezraolami.org , and sign up! Good Luck!
If you have any questions about the program, please email [email protected] or call 212-444-1866
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6 Responses
birthright (even a frum birthright) is very questionable, they still go to untznius places additio9nally 10 years ago there was a kol koreh against it, which until i see one for it still stands
#1******** Is there anything that has no kol koreh against it anymore? Anything worthwhile and enjoyable became forbidden in our uber-chumrah life.
Kol Hakavod… A wonderful idea whose time has come, and because it’s wonderful , some will try to attack it…. as usual per chareidi knee-jerkism.
#2 are you taking the words of gedolim lightly before the yom hadin?
I’ve heard that even though the trips are “frum” they still go to all the activities that the non frum go to which could have a lot of pritzus and more of a zionistic feel to it
Reb Noah ZT”l of Aish said there is no kiruv tool that works as effectively as ERETZ YISROEL. It helps the keruvim and the rechokim. The frum birthright tours are run by Torah personnel and an experience of a lifetime.
It’s a great trip supervised by Rabbi H. Wosner from Eretz Yisroel. People should be careful what they say about topics they obvioulsy have no clue about.