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| OHCC LIVING | NOVEMBER 2021 | 17 Yiddish Club If you could send your child or grandchild on a 'Once-In-A- Lifetime' tour of a rich, historical country at virtually no cost, why wouldn't you consider it? If you're Jewish, your grandson/ granddaughter may qualify for a Birthright Israel tour! Over 750,000 young Jewish adults, ages 18-32 from 67 countries have participated. About 40,000 per year attend the 10-day program, with 80 percent coming from the US and Canada. The program started in 1994 by major donors, including the Bronfman's of Seagram Liquors, Sheldon Adelson, Michael Steinhardt and others, who wanted young Jewish adults to experience Israel first-hand. Their vision was for these new visitors to develop a long-term bond with the nation. Birthright Israel is run as a non-profit, with collaboration of the Israeli government, El Al Airlines, and other partners. Registration is twice yearly - winter and summer. Trips are run most of the year, operated by sanctioned and accredited trip organizers (www.birthrightisrael. com/recruiters-lobby). Tour plans can vary, but include visiting the Dead Sea, Masada, Western Wall, Old City Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and more. Educational Medical, Security, and other standards are strictly followed. One of the highlights - visitors spend time meeting young Israeli IDF soldiers, virtually their peers, sharing their experiences growing up in Israel and serving their country. The all-inclusive trips provide airfare to Israel from major gateway cities (NY, LA, Chicago, Toronto), hotel, transport within Israel, tours, and two meals daily. Participants must have at least one parent or grandparent of Jewish descent, have completed high school, and pay $250 deposit (which is fully refunded after completion of the trip). Laraine Steinman's son, Andy, of San Marcos, CA, attended Birthright Israel in 2018, at age 32, along with his cousin, Dana Steinman, of Minneapolis. "To experience Israel together with friends I made from around the country, will provide a lifetime of great memories," recalled Andy. "I loved it!" The website is www.birthrightisrael.com and for more information you can contact www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/birthright_israel. As one of our Yiddish Club board members, I want to thank Harv Jaffe for writing about a tradition which, I feel, is so important to our younger generation, but not written about or spoken of as frequently. Birthright has been an enriching experience for my nephew, Jordan, as well. He returned with a greater appreciation of his Jewish roots, and the struggles faced by his ancestors. He has become more worldly, made a few lasting friendships, and developed a deeper understanding and connection with the Israeli people. Please note I hope everyone will be sure to mark their calendars for our upcoming Yiddish Club luncheon on Sun., Dec. 19 and watch their emails for notification of future guest speakers and entertainment at our upcoming meetings in 2022! ~Elaine Massei, President

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