A large group of young Jewish adults from abroad are expected to arrive next week in Israel, part of a record number of participants in the annual Birthright (Taglit) program, sponsored by the Israeli government and various private donors and Jewish organizations.

The winter program will bring 17,000 participants aged 18 to 26 to Israel as part of an effort to raise the awareness and strengthen the Jewish identity among young adults who might otherwise be in danger of assimilation. More than 150,000 young Jews from 52 countries have participated in the program, with a number later returning to Israel as new immigrants.

Birthright features a free 10-day program touring historical and national Israeli sites in various areas in the country, including Jerusalem, the Galilee, the Golan Heights, Masada, the Dead Sea and Tel Aviv.