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Tuvia Book
Author, educator, Tour-Guide, artist

Does Birthright Work? In Their Own Words…

Does Birthright work?  It is hard to believe that thirteen years ago and over 300 000 Diaspora and Israeli participants later people once asked the aforementioned question.  The mission statement of Birthright posits that vision of the organisation is to: diminish the growing division between Israel and Jewish communities around the world; to strengthen the sense of solidarity among world Jewry; and to strengthen participants’ personal Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish people.

Is this aim achieved?  Rather than quote from the (overwhelmingly positive) scholarly articles I have come across in my doctoral research on the effectiveness of Birthright, I will give a window into both the Israeli and American participant’s reactions, in their own words.  The following partial transcript was taken from a summary activity in Tel Aviv on the last day of an “Amazing Israel” Birthright group I had the privilege to guide:

  • Words cannot explain the impact Birthright has made on my life…thank you for giving me a sense of identity & something to know I can stand for.  The glory of Israel and its people have overwhelmed me….I know Israel will be part of my future.  It’s been a privilege.
  • I gained a whole new perspective on this trip and totally changed my views of Israel and being Jewish…I am shocked that in such a short amount if time I have gained so much more pride in being Jewish.
  • I never really felt part of the Jewish community until I came here…I want to come back and really experience what it is to be part of this community.
  • Shouting of Masada and hearing our voices echo back was one of the most moving moments of my life.  I can’t begin to tell you how much this trip has changed me for the better.
  • My dream has become a reality & I found myself riding a roller-coaster of historical facts and emotions.  There are really no words to describe my experience over the last few days, but I can say that it has made a profound impact.


  • (Hebrew) I discovered many things about myself and Jews from over the sea…how they are different from us and yet so similar. I was amazed how this trip changed their conception about Israel.  It made them realize what Israel is, what Zionism is,  what Judaism is, what it means to have a home and a sense of belonging.
  • (Hebrew) The most incredible day was when we were at the Kotel on Friday.  It was so incredible just to dance & be happy with no regard to where all the people had come from and what their views were…an incredible experience!
  • I will never forget this trip.  I now have a better understanding not only of Israel but also what it means to be Jewish.  I cannot even put into words the impact that this trip has had on me.
  • (Hebrew) Initially I had my doubts about this experience. ..But soon realized that we are one big family.  I will never forget this experience my whole life!  I pray that the whole house of Israel will live in peace in Israel.
  • This trip changed my life.  I was unsure about this trip. I never got a bar-mitzvah, attended Hebrew school or attended a synagogue.  I was embarrassed about being Jewish.  Now after this trip I am proud to be a Jew.  This trip makes me want to attend Temple & raise my chidren Jewish.
  • I cannot even begin to express how deeply moved and touched I have been on this trip.  I hope that I can live my life as a better person and as a better Jew.  I will never forget this experience thank you for changing my life.
  • I was introduced to a beautiful place where I finally felt at home.  I am glad I was able to learn where I came from, because I know what I should do to help further Judaism.  I will always remember my first time in Israel
  • This trip has meant the world to me It has clearly shown me positive ways to be a Jew in my daily life and to define Judaism for myself.  I’ve experienced being in a Jewish community in a way I never could have imagined.  We’ve learned about the ties that bind us, about selflessness & about action.  I hope to make a difference back home.
  • (Hebrew) It was an incredible trip. The values love of the homeland, religion and people have been incorporated into the group in a way that is almost unbelievable.

 

What more can I say?…

 

About the Author
Tuvia Book has a doctorate in education and is the author and illustrator of the internationally acclaimed Israel education curriculum; "For the Sake of Zion; A Curriculum of Israel Studies" (Fifth edition, Koren), "Jewish Journeys, The Second Temple Period to the Bar Kokhba Revolt, 536 BCE-136 CE," (Koren), "Moral Dilemmas of the Modern Israeli Soldier" (Rama) and the soon to be published “Jewish Journeys, The First Temple Period, 1000 -586 BCE” (Koren). Dr. Book was born in London and raised in both the UK and South Africa. After making Aliya at the age of 17 and studying in Yeshiva he volunteered for the IDF, where he served in an elite combat unit. Upon his discharge he completed his undergraduate degree in Jewish history and literature, as well as a certification in graphic design. He then served as the Information Officer and deputy head of security at the Israeli Consulate of Philadelphia, while earning a graduate degree in Jewish Studies. Upon his return to Israel, Dr. Book graduated from a course of study with the Israeli Ministry of Tourism and is a licensed tour guide. Tuvia has been working in the field of Jewish education, both formal and informal, for many years. He has guided and taught Jewish students and educators from around the English-speaking world for some of Israel’s premier educational institutions and programs. Tuvia has lectured throughout North America, Australia, Europe, and South Africa. In addition, his artwork has been commissioned on every continent (except Antarctica). Tuvia served as a Shaliach (emissary) for the Jewish Agency for Israel as the Director of Israel and Zionist Education at the Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York (Jewish Education Project). He was a lecturer/educational guide at the Alexander Muss Institute for Israel Education (AMIIE) in Israel. Tuvia has lectured at both Bar Ilan University and Hebrew University. He is a Teaching Fellow at the Tikvah Fund. He is a research associate at the Hudson Institute. His latest book, "Jewish Journeys, The First Temple Period, From King David to King Zedekiah, 1000 - 586 BCE," (Koren) is part of a series on Jewish history.