For the first time since Birthright Israel trips began in 2000, the East Bay Jewish community is funding its own Birth-right bus — for East Bay young adults, ages 22-26. Signups began Feb. 15 and will continue for about a week, or until Birthright decides to close them.
The East Bay bus will be taking part in the July 2012 trip, with exact dates to be announced. Officials at the Jewish Federation of the East Bay are hoping that the bus is crammed with young Jews from East Bay counties.
“We’re really excited,” said Julia Malkin, director of the federation’s EastBayJews. “It’s a real testament to our donors’ and our community’s commitment to Birthright … and to investing in the future of the Jewish community.”
Birthright Israel is a free, 10-day trip for Jews between the ages of 18 and 26 who have never been to Israel on an organized trip. Nationwide signups began this week. For more information on the East Bay trip, contact Julia at (510) 318-6438 or [email protected], or sign up at www.israeloutdoors.com (where you can indicate interest in a particular trip).