Israel may not be so far away for O.C. youth

Amy R. Spurgeon

COSTA MESA -- Jewish parents convinced they can’t afford to send

their teens on a summer trip to Israel should think again.

An announcement made last week by the Jewish Federation of Orange County

reveals the prominent international foundation, Birthright Israel, has

selected Orange County as one of 10 areas in the nation to participate in

its pilot program of sending teens to Israel to explore their heritage.

“This is a tremendous project,” said Jay Lewis, assistant director of the

federation’s education bureau. “The fact that we were chosen is very

exciting. Within the national Jewish communities this is an honor.”

The selection of Orange County as one of the pilot communities ensures

that as many Jewish youth from the area as possible will have the

opportunity to visit Israel, said Hal Kravitz, the vice president for the

federation’s community development arm and chair of Orange County’s

Birthright Israel program.

“Studies have shown that Jewish youth who visit Israel on a peer group

educational program are more likely to retain ties to the Jewish

community,” Kravitz said. “Our goal is to send at least 100 high

schoolers to Israel this summer, all of whom will receive $500 stipends

toward the cost of the trip.”

Birthright Israel philanthropists believe it is the birth right of every

Jewish child to visit Israel, according to Lewis. Since its inception in

1998, foundation members have worked diligently to raise funds through

private donations and the Israeli government to send American Jewish

youth to Israel.

Recognizing the importance of fostering the partnership, Israel has

pledged up to $70 million toward the program. When the program officially

launches nationwide in 2001 the budget will be $210 million, Lewis said.

some cities chosen for the pilot program this summer include: Atlanta;

St. Louis; Louisville, Ky; Peoria, Ill.; and Stamford, Conn.

Lewis said support for the trips from the Jewish community in the county

over the past five years was one reason for its selection.

“Educationally, a trip to Israel is extremely important,” Lewis said.

“Teens who go to Israel come back with a stronger Jewish identity, which

in turn, translates into stronger ties in the community.”

Lewis said an average trip to Israel may cost up to $5,500. He said $500

for most families makes a big difference.

Current 10th- and 11th-graders are eligible for the $500 stipend toward

the cost of recognized teen summer travel programs.

Stipend applications are available from local synagogues, day schools,

youth organizations or by calling the Bureau of Jewish Education, (714)

755-4000.