President Isaac Herzog on Sunday evening addressed the annual gala event of Taglit-Birthright Israel, marking 75 years of Israel.
The President opened his remarks by saying, “Tonight we are celebrating an impressive and truly amazing project that has brought together a million Jewish youth from the Diaspora. Each nation has deep rooted aspects of their identity and character – and the Jewish people have a profound connection to their national home, the State of Israel.”
“We know that Taglit has created imaginative connections among Jews from around the world, and between Jews and Israelis. This connection is tangible, immense, and profound. It helps build the crucial bond within the Jewish people, a small nation facing immense challenges both externally with many communities worldwide, and internally within its own nation state, which itself faces numerous challenges. It is important to integrate the story of the Jewish people into the story of the State of Israel,” said Herzog.
In conclusion, the President said, “I wish for all of us, that beyond conflicts or internal divisions, and despite the difficult challenges we face, to find strength and also to find encouragement and joy in Israel's 75th year. A project like Taglit breaks down barriers, lifts us up and helps us flourish, and connects us to the wonderful Jewish people living throughout the world. Thank you very much."
Taglit CEO Gidi Mark said, “This year we see greater importance than ever in the annual Taglit gala event. We are experiencing unprecedented demand for registration, and in addition to the 25,000 participants who will come for tours in Israel by the end of the year, there is a waiting list of around 25,000 more young people whom we are unable to accommodate without additional resources.”
He added, “Taglit creates tens of thousands of ambassadors for the State of Israel every year, who continue to serve as a growing support network for Israel worldwide.”
Dr. Miriam Adelson said, “The investment in Taglit is an investment in our children, grandchildren, and all future generations. My late husband Sheldon Adelson and I used to say that Taglit is the highest-yielding investment: the eternity of the Jewish people. Taglit has brought close to a million people here so far, and each one of them will say that Taglit has changed their lives, and each one of them is more determined to defend Israel. This is a path that needs to be nurtured, and the more people who walk on it, the better.”