Birthright: every young jew's chance to explore Israel for FREE for 10 days. Who would pass up a trip like that? This past winter break, I decided to sign up for a birthright trip. As my departure date slowly arrived, I wasn't as excited as I hoped I would be. I had no idea what to expect and had no clue that those 10 days would turn out to be some of the best 10 days of my life.
Most people decide to go on birthright with a group of individuals from their university, I, however, decided to go on a national trip which allowed me to meet people from all different schools. This gave me the opportunity to experience Israel with people from all over the country and all of which grew up in a different culture that I did.
The first day stepping off that plane was definitely a culture shock; the food was different, the language was different, the people were different, the lifestyle was different, everything was different. However, after that first 24 hours, I was completely comfortable. I wouldn't trade my last 10 days for anything and here are some reasons why you should go on birthright
1. It's Free
When else are you going to have the opportunity to go to a different country and explore for free? You are basically given a free roundtrip ticket to Israel when you are born (well if you're Jewish). There is no reason why you should give up this awesome opportunity.
2. Friends
I never thought it would be possible to become so close to originally 46 strangers in just 10 days. You are guaranteed to make friends for a lifetime
3. Education
Birthright makes learning fun. I promise you, birthright is nothing like learning about Israel in hebrew school. You are learning about something while being right there in the moment. Ever went to learn about Israel's independence? Well you get the chance to learn about the signing of the declaration right in independence hall.
4. The Views
Israel definitely has some of the prettiest scenery and you will be left contemplating which picture is Instagram-worthy at the end of every day.
5. The Soldiers
Meeting the Israeli soldiers is amazing. Ask anyone who has been on the trip, those five days with the soldiers go by way too fast and are definitely the best five days of the trip. You would think someone who spends every day in a uniform serving their country would be extremely different from you, but really they are just as immature and crazy as you are.
6. The Food
Everywhere you turn there will be another falafel stand and each will be better than the last.
7. The Experience
Birthright is truly a once in a lifetime experience (granted you are only allowed to go on the trip once). Going on a trip to Israel with your family is nothing like going on a trip with people your own age. You will learn to bond with people who come from completely different backgrounds than you but yet you all have one common ground: the fact that you are Jewish.
So I leave you with this piece of advice, if you have the opportunity to go on birthright, take it, you will not regret it.
