"The benefits of sending college-age students to Israel has been recognized by the Jewish community for a long time. Now we can point to birthright israel as a huge success," said UJC President Stephen D. Solender.

birthright israel is an unprecedented partnership between the people of Israel through their government, local Jewish communities and the Jewish Agency for Israel, to provide college-age young adults, 18-26, their first educational peer-group trip to Israel.

This fall semester, college and graduate students ages 18-26 may sign up for a variety of approved 10-day programs at www.birthrightisrael.com. It only takes a few minutes. Registration is open until October 5th. More information about the gift and the variety of trips departing this winter is available at www.birthrightisrael.com or by calling 1-888-99-ISRAEL.

"For sure, birthright israel is the single most important unifying and effective national Jewish program introduced in the last 10 years in the Jewish community," said Barry Shrage, President of Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston. "It captures the very best features to help ensure Jewish continuity, peoplehood and a strong commitment to Israel."

The success of birthright israel is also evident from the enthusiastic reaction of participants after they return from Israel. "This trip has made me realize how lucky I am to be Jewish," said Courtney Harrison, a student at the University of Wisconsin and a participant in the Winter 2001 birthright israel trip.

"We visited the Old City of Jerusalem," said Cornell University student Elisa Willet. "At times I forgot where we were and I felt at home. Jerusalem, both the old and new city, welcomed us and we felt safe."