Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday welcomed some 3,000 Taglit-Birthright Israel participants currently on a 10-day trip to Israel, telling them, "You all come from here," and urging them to return again soon for good. Netanyahu was the keynote speaker at the Taglit-Birthright Israel Mega Event at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, which gathered all Birthright Israel groups now touring in Israel. Birthright Israel, funded in part by the Israeli government, aims to bolster the younger Jewish generation's attachment to Israel by providing those aged 18 to 26 with a free visit to the Jewish state. The tour, which caters specifically to young Jews who have never been on an organized trip to Israel, involves visits to landmark sites and aims to provide a unique perspective on Israeli culture and life. Israeli soldiers often accompany the groups and serve as a bridge between the two worlds. To cheers and applause, Netanyahu touted Israel's accomplishments over the years and urged the young visitors to keep Israel in their hearts. "Only when you come do you understand how precious this birthright is," Netanyahu said. Speaking about the long history of the Jewish people, Netanyahu said Israel's legacy was unparalleled. "We have done something no people have done, he said. We refused to disappear. We came back to our homeland against all odds." Since its founding more than 10 years ago, some 280,000 young Jews from more than 50 countries have participated on Birthright Israel (also known as Taglit) trips. According to a series of studies conducted by Brandeis University, the tours have a long-term impact on the young Jews and on their sense of Jewish identity, as well as on their attachment to Israel and their willingness to become advocates for Israel in their home country. "I want you to come back here and make aliyah to Israel," Netanyahu told the group at the conclusion of his remarks. Editors note: Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson, primary shareholders of Israel Hayom, are also among the contributors to Taglit-Birthright Israel
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(Credit:Prime Minister's Youtube Page)
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