Young adults on Israeli program
More than eighty young Australians have arrived in Israel to participate in the Taglit-Birthright program.
(l-r) Deon Kamien, Gil Levy,Anne Katz, Alicia Philip, Josh Freedman and Kelly Jedd
Forty of the group are under the Australian Union of Jewish Students banner and the others are with Chabad on Campus.
Taglit-Birthright Israel is a 10-day introductory Israel Program funded by the Israeli Government, overseas philanthropists and the local Jewish community.
Philip Chester, Zionist Federation of Australia president said, “Taglit-Birthright Israel continues to play a powerful role in the lives of many Jewish Young Adults from across Australia. We are proud to represent Australia in the ambitious project”.
Since its inception into Australia in 2001, 2900 Australians have traveled on Taglit-Birthright Israel. The free Israel Program is overwhelmingly in demand every year with a long waiting list.
Mark Fischer, AUJS Executive Director and past madrich of Taglit-Birthright Israel said that, “Having the opportunity to see the program in action inspired my continued effort in providing AUJS students the opportunity to experience Israel.”
The Taglit-Birthright Israel gift is available to all Jews, regardless of their financial standing and Jewish background.
Q&A with Tauba Cylich
Tamir Goldberg and Tauba Cylich
Tauba Cylich, a former Australian participant of Chavaya Taglit-Birthright Israel is to be married next month in Israel.
What led you to applying for the Taglit-Birthright Israel program? How many years ago?
I was planning on spending a year in Israel after I finished high school in 2005. I heard that Yehuda DeVries (Chabad on Campus Coordinator) was running a Taglit program called “Chavaya”. It sounded like the best way to be introduced to Israel.
How was your Taglit-Birthright Israel experience?
My time in Israel on Taglit was the best experience of my life. We travelled to almost every corner of Israel. The program was rich with culture and history. Some of my most treasured memories still come from Chavaya!
How soon after returning from Taglit-Birthright Israel did you move back to Israel permanently? What led to it?
I returned to Australia to begin studying and think about Aliyah. On February 1st 2008, just over two years after I had first arrived in Israel with Taglit, I made Aliyah.
Where are you now?
I am currently living in Herzliyah. Life is hectic at the moment as I am getting married this coming July in Israel. It’s actually thanks to Taglit that I met my fiancé, Tamir. His best friend was on our program as an Israeli soldier on the mifgashim component of the program. Through him I met Tamir.
Editors note: Taglit is Ivrit for “birthright”
