If you are a Jewish college student, age 18-26, who has never been to Israel on a group trip, we would like to invite you to visit Israel as our guest.

The birthright Israel gift is made possible through a $210 million partnership from a group of prominent philanthropists, local Jewish Federations, the people of Israel through their government, Keren Hayesod and The Jewish Agency for Israel.

Highlights include:

• A jeep ride on the Golan Heights
• Visiting the Western Wall, and exploring the tunnels underneath
• Floating in the Dead Sea
• Sunrise on Masada
• An archaeological dig
• Hiking in a gorgeous nature preserve with a refreshing waterfall at the end
• A night in a Bedouin tent
• A mifgash (encounter) with your Israeli peers
• Swimming in the Mediterranean at sunset

Your birthright gift includes round-trip airfare on El Al from selected gateway cities, land accommodations at quality guest houses and hotels, and most meals. Participants will be responsible for travel to your school's gateway city, some meals, as well as gratuities for drivers and guides.

A $250 deposit, fully refundable upon completion of the trip, is required.

What's the catch? None at all. We are offering you this gift because we believe that a Jewish journey to Israel is your birthright.

The Birthright Israel program takes place three times during each academic year – May, June and December. The trips last for 10 days.

The application process is EASY! Let us know that you're interested in attending Birthright Israel, and we'll inform you of the window of time during which you should be completing your application. The application can be found on-line through www.israel.hillel.org, or www.birthrightisrael.com and it will walk you through step by step.

Once you've completed your application, your local Hillel Foundation office will contact you in order to set up a mandatory interview. Please remember that spaces are limited, and sometimes a lottery must be established in order to select the final participants for any Birthright trip. Final notification takes place in the month before the trip is scheduled.

For more information on the Birthright experience, contact Rabbi Jeremy at jeremycassius@netzero.net or check out the website at Hillel International.