Taglit-Birthright Israel was my fourth trip to Israel, but it was a very different trip from the ones I’d previously been on. My family and I had been to Israel for my sister’s Bat Mitzvah, my own Bar Mitzvah, and for the Maccabi Games which I competed in. But when I went there with Taglit-Birthright Israel in 2010, I was old enough to really understand what I was seeing and experiencing. I felt a stronger connection to Israel and a greater appreciation for its history and what it means to be Jewish. I gained more pride in my heritage and the strength of our ancestors. I went on the trip with two close friends but made many more along the way, several of whom I am still in touch with today. I recently went back to Israel for my niece’s Bat Mitzvah and was amazed to see how much it’s changed and grown, while still feeling so familiar. As I visited some of the sites, I had very vivid memories of being there on Birthright Israel. My experience was memorable, impactful, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I’ll never take for granted. I am proud to be a corporate supporter of the Birthright Israel Foundation of Canada.

Jamie Weksberg,
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