A Day on Taglit-birthright israel

December 23 2003 - 27 Kislev 5764
4th day of Chanuka

Birthrighters began the day by meeting their Israeli contemporaries. Among them were a number of soldiers in full uniform. The two groups clicked immediately, and were interested in understanding what life is like for their new friends.

Then everyone entered Har Herzl, the national cemetery of the State of Israel, where Israel 's top leaders and public officials are buried. The group stopped by the grave of Yitzchak Rabin, where they learned about the circumstances surrounding his assassination.

They continued on to the military cemetery where they heard touching personal stories of two friends who were killed on operations in the Gaza strip. The tour guide, Aviad, and a soldier offered their personal memories of these two fallen heroes.

When asked about his feelings about the cemetery,

Armin Rafiee, 18, of Santa Monica College replied:

"Being in this cemetery is different from being in an American cemetery. In Israel , everyone is more spiritual and patriotic. It is wonderful to see how much honor they give to our leaders." When asked about his experience on the trip so far, he responded: "This is my first time in Israel . It has been phenomenal, amazing and indescribable. Everything in Israel is more about family. The definition of success is different. It's more family-oriented. Not everyone is rich here, but people are still happy. There is not as much of an emphasis on money in Israel ."

Sandra Rabizadeh, 19, University of California , Los Angeles

"The highlights of the trip have been the western wall and the dead sea. This trip has reaffirmed my support for the county. It is a great trip and experience that should not be passed up."

David Shamouelian, 19, Santa Monica College

"The highlight of the trip so far has been our visit to the Kotel. We learned so many things about it. I went to a Jewish school for 12 years and never got to go to Israel . Now that I'm old enough, I wanted to take advantage of it because it has historical, contemporary and Biblical aspects to the stories behind the State of Israel. Aviad is the most competent, passionate, inspiring, and knowledgeable tour guide. As a result of this experience, I'll probably become more religious. This trip will strengthen my faith even more."

This trip is a gift from Taglit-birthright israel.

Taglit-birthright israel is a unique partnership between the people of Israel through their government, local Jewish communities (North American Jewish Federations through the United Jewish Communities, Keren Hayesod, and The Jewish Agency for Israel), and the birthright israel Foundation, generously supported by the following Jewish philanthropic partners: S. Daniel Abraham, The Abramson Family Foundation, Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson, The AVI CHAI Foundation, The Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, Edgar M. Bronfman, Circle of Service Foundation, Susie and Michael Gelman, Richard and Rhoda Goldman Foundation, David and Ruth Gottesman, The Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Hadassah - The Women's Zionist Organization of America, Susan and Roger Hertog, Ronald S. Lauder, The Marcus Foundation- Bernie Marcus, Jane and Daniel Och, The Samberg Family Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, Judy and Michael Steinhardt, The Wasserman Foundation, Leslie and Abigail Wexner and The Wexner Foundation, Karen and Gary Winnick in North America; Marc Rich in Europe.

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