Britt Jacobson

Staff Writer

Last week, Taglit-Birthright Israel changed the eligibility requirements for those who want to go on their free 10-day trips. Previously, Jews that participated in any educational program in Israel, including Milken students who went on Tiferet, were not eligible. However, due to these changes, many more young adults now qualify for this trip, including many Milken Alumni.

The current requirements state that:

1.     You have to be a high school graduate between the ages of 18 and 26.

2.     You have to be Jewish. ✡

3.     Young adults who have been to Israel for personal business are allowed to participate.

4.     If you went with a touring group or educational program before your 18 birthday, you qualify for the trip.

5.     If you were born in Israel or have ever had an Israeli citizenship, you can still go, as long as you left Israel before age 12.

This includes Leigh Jacobson ‘12, who has an Israeli citizenship, has been to Israel on Tiferet, and has been to Israel at least 10 times on personal business.

“I never thought I would be able to go on this trip with my non-Israeli friends. Now that I’m eligible, I can’t wait to experience it myself,” she said.

According to Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs Minister, Naftali Bennett, expanding Birthright will strengthen the identity of Jewish students as well as their understanding of Israel.

Additionally, experts from Brandeis University believe that broadening the eligibility of the Taglit-Birthright Israel program will decrease the chances of future inter-marriages. For more regarding this issue, visit the Brandeis website.