Birthright Israel celebrates Bar-Mitzvah- Taglit-Birthright Israel

Birthright Israel celebrates Bar-Mitzvah

Birthright crosses political lines

The fact that Sheldon Adelson - who is as far apart from me ideologically as east is from west - donates so much to the project does not make Birthright a radical right-wing idea.
By Yossi Beilin
Netanyahu joins Birthright's mega bar mitzvah party

Thousands of program participants from around the world attended the gigantic party-cum-pep rally at the Jerusalem International Convention Center.
By Danna Harman
Instant messaging: meet Israel's hip new 'shlichim'

Young Israeli envoys are aggressively pushing engagement with all things Israel on North American college campuses.
By Dina Kraft
Israeli street food is thinking outside the pita

The quintessentially Israeli fried-balls-in-a-bread-pocket have been joined by an array of yummy street-food options.
By Debra Kamin
Contested birthright: The modern day sequel

Few remember that the flagship program had many detractors when it was launched 13 years ago. Today, few initiatives enjoy as much support in the Jewish world.
By Anshel Pfeffer
What happens in Tiberias stays in Tiberias

Or does it? Some flirtations that begin on the bus end up under the chuppah.
By Danna Harman
Israeli election primer: The good, the bad and the ugly truth

As the nation gears up for another election on January 22, it can be hard to stay on top of things. Here’s what you need to know.
By Anshel Pfeffer
Hummus state of mind

Haaretz tags along on a Birthright specialty excursion, this one devoted to Israel's vibrant culinary scene. Anyone up for more shakshuka?
By Danna Harman
Israeli rock is on a roll

Israel produces its own reality show ‘idols,’ but just like elsewhere, the legendary names still dominate the charts.
By Brian Schaefer
Close encounters of the Jewish kind

An American and an Israeli growing up worlds apart draw similar inspiration from what has become a hallmark of the 10-day trip - face-to-face meetings on the bus.
By Haaretz Staff
Smells like teen spirit

Birthright is now 13 years old. Haaretz talks to five Israelis who have also reached that milestone and discovers through them a different ‘start-up nation.’
By Yuval Ben-Ami
To Masada or not to Masada, that is the question

Experience shows it doesn’t really matter where Birthright groups go. What’s more critical is how much of their Israel experience they retain when they go back.
By Judy Maltz
The map of Israel - It comes with a warning. Read it with care

Because of the volatile political situation, travelers also need to know what places to avoid.
By Bradley Burston
Forget kiddush wine; meet the cocktail nation

Not so long ago, a decent cocktail was hard to come by in Israel, but fortunately things have changed. Get acquainted with some favorite drinking haunts in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
By Yasmin Kaye
The trip after the trip

Did 10 days give you a taste for more? For those staying on, we suggest things to do and places to see that probably weren't part of the Birthright itinerary.
By Miriam Feinberg Vamosh