The annual solidarity and recognition event of Birthright Israel was held yesterday at Mini Israel, symbolizing Jewish unity during wartime. Over 2,000 participants, alumni, and volunteers of Birthright, who serve as "ambassadors" for Israel in their home countries, attended the event, highlighting the organization's contribution to strengthening Israel and its connection with diaspora Jews.
Video: The annual solidarity and recognition event of Birthright Israel was held yesterday at Mini Israel Credit: Moshe Ben Simchon
Birthright Israel, the primary organization connecting young Jews worldwide to Israel with the aim of building a strategic Zionist "Iron Dome," has brought approximately 850,000 young people to the country to date.
The celebratory event drew many prominent figures from Israeli society, including Israel Hayom publisher Dr. Miriam Adelson, who the main donor to Birthright Israel; Meir Shamir, controlling shareholder of Mivtach Shamir and chairman of Birthright Israel's Israeli Steering Committee; Brigadier General Ophir Levios, IDF chief education officer; Eylon Levy, former spokesperson for the National Public Diplomacy Directorate; Lt. Col. Or Livni-Ben Yehuda, commander of the Caracal Battalion; Yuval Sharabi, daughter of the murdered hostage Yossi Sharabi, who also performed at the event; Eden Golan, Israel's Eurovision representative; the band Hatikva 6; Hagit Yaso; and others.
Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel, opened his remarks by asking attendees to observe a moment of silence in memory of 13 young Birthright alumni who were killed at the Nova music festival on Oct. 7.
"Almost every young Jew who has come to Israel since October has come through Birthright," he said. "Some 15,000 young Jews will come here this summer, and that's not to be taken for granted. Being surrounded by Jewish friends, taking pride in Judaism, learning more about Israel and yourselves, and creating lifelong connections – this is Birthright's vision. We will never give up on our unity and mutual support."
Dr. Miriam Adelson began her speech by saying, "I prepared a speech – but decided to speak from the heart. Seventeen years ago, my husband Sheldon said to me, 'Birthright has a long waiting list, how can this be? I remember my parents wanted to come to Israel but didn't have the money.' He came from a poor family, and later, when he had money, he offered to bring them to Israel, but they said they were too old. 'I don't want Jewish children to be old and miss coming to Israel, so we will help bring all those waiting.'
"I always told Birthright participants: You will be our soldiers in the world when something happens to Israel. We need people who know our history, who know what happened to us for thousands of years, who know the truth about Israel. We need these people all over the world. To be in the White House, to vote, to influence. Today, our soldiers are Birthright participants. You fight antisemitism, fight on college campuses, wave Israeli flags on every corner.
"I want to pray for the return of the hostages, for the safe return of our soldiers, for our people around the world. I thank all Israeli soldiers of all religions. I will continue to say: You are our soldiers in the world. You came here with great courage during a war for Israel's existence, and I salute you for that.
"Soon you will need to be called upon bravely to fight for world public opinion, where antisemitic lies and libels have taken root. And like the soldiers, you too are welcomed here as heroes because of your battle on this front."
