The cabinet discussed two proposals on Sunday to promote Zionism by means of contact with global Jewish communities, encouraging their members to visit Israel and strengthening Zionist identity among young people in Israel. Under one of the proposals, the government would work to increase the number of young Diaspora Jews who visit Israel in the framework of Birthright Israel to 50,000 by 2013, with the goal that one out of every two young Jews should visit Israel. The other calls for a committee chaired by the Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office to award prizes to encourage young people who initiate activities that express the Zionist idea and would aid government ministries in encouraging Zionist leadership projects.
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According to data submitted to the government, Birthright reduces the rate of intermarriage among Diaspora Jewish youth and increases the tendency to act for and explain Israel on campuses and in other social forums. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was among those who planned the program, said, "It is important that young Jews around the world get to know Israel and our wonderful people and heritage, with their feet."