Thousands of young Jewish adults are expected to visit Israel throughout the winter, Birthright Israel announced on Thursday.
According to the group, “over 300 groups from around the world, totaling approximately 10,000 participants,” will tour the Jewish state before March, “signal[ling] a strong resurgence in global interest in visiting Israel despite a complex international climate.”
The 10-day educational trip, offered to non-Israeli Jewish young adults worldwide, aims to educate diaspora Jews about Israel and has been offered free since its first trip in 1999.
The organization, funded by private donors as well as the Israeli government, expects to bring participants from “40 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, and Argentina” to the Jewish state in the coming months.
Birthright Israel picks up after Gaza war
During the Israel-Hamas War, Birthright Israel scaled down operations, fearing security issues. During the winters of 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, the organization completely stopped tours.
During Operation Rising Lion, as Israel and Iran traded blows, thousands of participants found themselves unable to leave the country as airports shut down. In the end, a cruise ship brought over a thousand participants to Cyprus in a day-long journey. From there, some participants flew to the US on airplanes chartered by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Following the conclusion of the war, Birthright resumed operations almost immediately. The organization has reported bringing over 43,000 participants on different programs to Israel after October 7, accounting for 95% of “all young adults who visited Israel on an educational trip in the past year,” according to the statement.
“Birthright Israel is the strongest bridge young Jews have today to deepen their identity, strengthen their resilience, and build a personal understanding of Israel,” said Gidi Mark, International CEO of Birthright Israel.
“Participants return home with greater confidence, a stronger sense of belonging, and a circle of new Jewish friends who continue to shape their lives and communities. In a moment when Jewish unity is essential, Birthright’s role has never been more vital.”