About 50 young Italians, aged 18 to 26, took part in the latest edition of the Taglit-Birthright Israel educational program. They were divided into two groups. The program’s goal was for participants to experience Israeli society firsthand through an immersive 10-day journey. During this time, they learned, had fun, met their peers, and participated in volunteer activities. Participants came from large and small Italian Jewish communities, as well as areas without a Jewish presence.
“The idea is to offer young people an opportunity for meaningful engagement and discovery—a journey built around experiences that will stay with them and strengthen their connection with Israel,” said Gad Lazarov, Taglit’s Italy coordinator. “For many of them, it was their first time.”
From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and from kibbutzim to Druze villages—including sites associated with October 7—the participants gained a sense of Israel’s complexity by seeing it from many different perspectives. Taglit is an international program that was launched 25 years ago. To date, nearly one million young people from around the world have participated, including approximately 600 to 700 Italians. Participation is free of charge.
“We want to expand the program even further because it represents an important investment in awareness and identity,” Lazarov stressed. The latest edition was made possible in part through the support of a donor whom Lazarov refers to only as “Enrico.” Lazarov also expressed gratitude to educators Giorgio Tognotti, Rehana Zarruk, Simone Levy, and Anna Tognotti “for their dedication,” as well as to guides Naama Campagnano and Giordana Moscati. “They shared knowledge and emotions with the participants,” he said.