JDCC News - Feature

Jewish Deaf Young Adults in Taglit-birthright Israel Program
By Sharon Ann Dror

My family arrived in Jerusalem on June 7, 2005 after a long 17-hour flight from Los Angeles and our first stop was to walk to a well known nightlife area, Ben Yehuda with a long row of restaurants and stores to grab a bite. We bumped into some NTID/RIT and Gallaudet students who were traveling with the Taglitbirthright Israel program (bri).

Who Can Go On The birthright Israel Program?

"The Taglit-birthright israel gift is open to all Jewish young adults, ages 18 to 26, post high-school, who have not traveled to Israel before on a peer educational trip. The gift is open to all Jewish young adults regardless of religious affiliation, community involvement or financial wherewithal."

Free Ten Day Trip

"There is no catch, no strings attached. Participants are only responsible for a $250 deposit, fully refundable upon their return home after successfully completing the program. Participants are under no obligation to Taglit-birthright israel, which finances the trip, or their Trip Organizer, who implements the trip, for any future activities or financial obligations. Of course, should participants decide to become more involved in the Jewish community, go back to Israel or explore other aspects of Jewish life, we encourage them to regularly check out the rest of the website for resources that may fit their needs."

"The Taglit-birthright Israel gift covers round trip airfare, (from designated cities) hotel, transportation, most meals and other associated land costs for the approved 10-day trips to Israel offered by approved Trip Organizers."

Background

"Taglit-birthright israel's founders created this program to send thousands of young Jewish adults from all over the world to Israel as a gift in order to diminish the growing division between Israel and Jewish communities around the world; to strengthen the sense of solidarity among world Jewry; and to strengthen participants' personal Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish people." The Taglit-birthright israel program was launched in the winter of 1999-2000.

"Taglit-birthright israel operates on a belief that it is every Jewish person's birthright to visit Israel. To date, 100,000 young adults from 45 countries have traveled to Israel for the first time on Taglit-birthright israel trips."

"Why Israel? For most of Jewish history the question wasn't even a question. Your great, great grandparents faced Jerusalem three times a day in their daily prayers and they prayed for the return to Zion and rebuilding of the Temple. Your own grandparents probably were touched and ignited by the struggle to create the new Jewish State in the years after the Holocaust.

You are the first generation in 2,000 years to live in a world in which a thriving Jewish state is a given fact. And for you and your world the question "Why Israel?" is a real question and one that deserves some answers.

It's a central part of Jewish history, culture and religion. It's part of our family. It's part of the general culture in which we live. It's a beacon of Jewish pride and creativity.

These ten days are about your own very personal conversation with this most ancient land and most modern state."

What About Non-Jews?

Birthright representative explains, "Non-Jews are not eligible for birthright israel trips. Contemporary Jewish life has many diverse criteria for being Jewish, and birthright israel has followed the broadest guidelines used bythe contemporary community. This includes recognition of individuals whose fathers are Jewish who have been brought up in a Jewish environment and recognize themselves as being Jewish."

Program Available for Jewish Deaf

Jewish Deaf students from National Technical Institute for the Deaf/Rochester Institute of Technology, Gallaudet University, California State University Northridge and Our Way program's have had the opportunity to join the Taglit birthright.

Ellie Rosenfield explains "how Jewish deaf students got to be part of the birthright trip opportunity. NTID/RITworks with Rochester Area Hillel Foundation and they have a special group, WOLK. I served as advisor for many years. When the Birthright program was made available, of course deaf students wanted to go and I wanted them to have the experience. We worked with the Rabbi for Hillel, Ari Israel, and he got Hillel National and Birthright to approve a trip from Rochester--got the extra money together to make it happen so that it could be a deaf/ hearing trip. They issued the invitation to other campuses and to deaf students around the country."

One deaf Birthright student, Rebecca Schoor shared her experience with us in JDCC News Issue #49 Nov/Dec 2000 about her summer bri trip.

Rabbi Rob Morais, Executive Director Hillel of Rochester in New York is the group leader. "Birthright provides 2-3 interpreters from NTID or Gallaudet. The program is all in English with very little Hebrew."

We asked Rabbi Morais if they incorporate the program to meet other Deaf Israelis. Rabbi Morais explains, "We had a deaf Israeli soldier join our bus for 5 days. It was an amazing opportunity for our students to really get to know a deaf Israeli."

Our Way's representative Batya Jacob explains, "Originally we had a self-contained birthright Israel trip for the deaf and hard of hearing. That was in 2002. Since that time we have integrated the deaf participants with either NCSY Birthright Israel trips or Hillel (Gallaudet or NTID). Birthright Israel provides one interpreter for every 5 deaf participants. We screen and hire the interpreter. Our mifgashim [students] are specifically with deaf Israelis."

Past Deaf Participants Share Their Experience

Each participant was asked three questions: to comment about their experience; if would they recommend it to other deaf people to join bri; and provide any suggestions how they can improve their program for deaf participants in the future.

This will also help document important history that Jewish deaf students participated in this unique program as there were no records available anywhere so we are fortunate to have been able to put together a complete roster and I hope future trips will be documented in bri's archives.

I hope we did not omit anyone's name. If you went on this bri trip and your name is not listed, please get in touch with us and we will make sure to update the roster.

Summer 2000 Participants

Joshua Berman
NTID/RIT

My experience is attending to Deaf institute in Jerusalem and went to West Bank met two Deaf Palestinians. I have a good time there and learn a lot about Hebrew history. I wish I can go there again someday to learn more about Hebrew.

Yes I do recommend!

I do not think any improve for their program for the Deaf participants

Stacy Bick
NTID/RIT

Excellent. Safe, Adventurous, Respectful.

Yes

Provide materials ahead of time (i.e. a day before) that explains what we're about to see, so that it can be appreciated more and put into a better perspective.

Allison Brattner
Hadassah

It was an absolutely wonderful experience for me. Everything about the trip was superb. The friends I made, the interpreters, the tours and just being in Israel was a highlight in my life. I think about everyone that made this trip possible and I am very thankful for the experience.

Alicia Epstein
NTID/RIT

My trip to Israel is something that I will never forget- the sights, food, friends that I made, and most importantly the experience of being Jewish in an environment where Jewish is not a religious issue. It made an everlasting impact on me because it made me to realize that it is a way of life. Communication barrier was another issue for me because when I was growing up, I had a limited access to the services and events at my family's temple due to lack of interpreters that are fluent in Hebrew and American Sign Language. As result, I missed out a lot of things that were taught in Sunday school. Because of that experience, I could not really connect to my background until the trip.

I will definitely recommend the trip to other young Deaf Jewish people. The only recommend that I have in mind is for to try and coordinate a single trip for all Deaf college students to go together.

Shane Feldman
NTID/RIT

Birthright israel is an innovative program. The entire experience was an inspiration. Thanks to Birthright Israel, I have stronger connections to my identity as a Jewish person.

Absolutely! It is a rare opportunity for college students to truly and physically connect with their Jewish roots.

This was one of the best experiences I have ever had.

Seth J. Gerlis
NTID/RIT

The tour was a rewarding experience for me. I really enjoyed the moments and I have enjoyed the tour with deaf and hearing people at the tour for 10 days.

I would recommend deaf students to attend the program to have them to learn the experience during the tour and they will always remember the experience.

Sharon Goldman
NTID/RIT

The birthright israel experience has been the best experience of my life. I have been dreaming of going to Israel since I was young. The amazing thing about the Birthright trip is that you are with people that are deaf like you and having communication with interpreters for the tours. It was a wonderful experience for our deaf group to be able to spend time with other deaf Israelis and learn some Israeli Sign Language. I believe everybody, especially those who are Deaf, should be able to get this opportunity and unique experience once in their lifetime.

Stephanie V. Hurwitz
NTID/RIT

It was enrichment experience for me to go Israel with Birthright group. I learned a lot about history, the many places we went.. It's so beautiful there as I understand about Jewish Culture. I met young Jewish deaf people during workshop and telling us about several places that we "should" go, but we went along with them. It was blast time! Every place we visited, beautiful places and glad I went there! I learned Israel's sign languages which was fun!! Our birthright group are awesome, friendly, great bonds, became good friends with everyone in this group also had our best tour leader and interpreters in our group too! I would like to mentioned about one guy in our birthright group - His name is Joseph Ferraro, He's great guy, funny, would interpreter what people saying as he's volunteer to share with us.. Nice of him! Also he always carried the video camera and take good video at many places and everyone in our group. Joe learned sign languages, tell us some story about some places that he knows. And he hang out with us a lot for 2 weeks before going back to America as he was very sick on last day of the trip. Some of us were there for him, supported him, gave him a lot of water, then arrive to New Jersey Airport, that's where we last time saw him! He waved everyone and left. He died on the way to hospital! We were shocked but again glad that he was in our birthright group and it was great memory with him! I missed him and he's always in my thoughts forever! I would like to say MANY THANKS to Ellie Rosenfield & my parents for their encouragement me to go to Israel. I m glad I went! Thank you!!!!!

YES YES - I would recommend deaf people to join along and learn about Jewish cultures and their Jewish places! It's very fantastic and interesting places to go!

Not that I know of now! Good Program while I was in NTID/RIT... maybe would like to subscribe the newsletter for this program!

Regina Kiperman-Kiselgof
NTID/RIT

Trip was one of the best travel experiences in my life! It was very worthwhile to learn about Israel, history, culture, politics, tradition, Israeli people both Deaf and Hearing and my identity! Now I always want to go back to Israel. It is a WOW trip!

I highly recommend to other deaf people to join this program. The program is very educational and eye opening experience! I still remember and talk about this trip now since 2000! I could not forget a day I spent in Israel with the group in this program. It was a very wonderful program, which gave not only me but all students the very rich and informational and various experiences and visits the wonderful spots of the Israel. Food is very delicious. I still miss it!! How natural food is there! Do not miss out this trip!! Trust me.

The workshop for Deaf participants should be provided to discuss the rules and expectations for the trip. For example, deaf students tend to come to the meetings late, which is not acceptable for the trip because they must cooperate with other people and respect their time to get together and move forward fast; otherwise, the program for the day would not be accomplished.

I would also like to suggest that there must be workshops provided for hearing staff and students who will be going with Deaf participants. They must learn about the Deaf Culture about getting attention, Deaf standard Time, using the interpreter, finger spelling and some signs, etc. From my experience, hearing staff and students were unpleased with the way the Deaf students acted such as they tended to talk to each other a lot, standing. Deaf people tend to make several stops and talk.

Jason Kulchinsky
NTID/RIT

It was wonderful experience. I wish I could spent more time with the group in Israel. To this today, I still recall the activities and excursions very well. Having ASL interpreters and deaf in the group made the whole trip very pleasant. If there's a reunion for this trip, I would go without a question!

Yes, I highly recommend other deaf people to go on this trip, its one of kind trip. It was a great opportunity to meet other deaf Israelis. Take advantage this kind of package to travel out of country and meet other peoples in a different country. It is best way to understand Jewish heritage, geography, and situations that are happening in the Middle East.

Jody Kulchinsky
NTID/RIT

I enjoyed the experience yet, 2 weeks was a bit rather short.

YES to those people who wanted to understand what is being a Jewish and Israel related. Not just going for a free trip.

There is always a room to improve. The trip experience with Deaf program was not that great - On other hand, the trip to historic site and so forth was a great one.

Dan Millikin
NTID/RIT

It was a truly wonderful and enriching experience.

I would highly recommend this to any interested students who have yet to visit Israel. At this point, I can say that the Birthright program is not very visible to a good number of deaf and hard of hearing students. It would be a great idea if the Birthright program can work on an effective marketing campaign to allure deaf and hard of hearing students to have a fantastic opportunity to travel to Israel. When I was still at RIT (I graduated in 2001), a good number of students shared with me their concerns on whether the trip is a "religious" journey. I told them that it was more of a "cultural and sociological" learning experience and religion was not a main factor in the trip overall. Some students thought that they had to be "religious" in order to qualify for the trip. I told them that it is not true at all. I would highly recommend that people are to view this trip as a great cultural experience and that would be something for the Birthright to work on.

Debra Patkin Mayer
NTID/RIT

It was an experience of a lifetime. It affirmed my belief that Judaism is not merely a religion, it is a way of life full of history, shared traditions, values.. It was amazing to see where all the stories happened. Also interesting to see how Palestinians and Israelis REALLY feel.

YES, YES, and YES (especially if a big group of deaf not ALONE or 1 or 3) I especially appreciated how Birthright went out of their way to get the deaf Israelis together for us deaf participants to meet. The hearing people in our group remarked that the deaf Americans and the deaf Israelis bonded INSTANTLY while they (the hearing group) barely had something to say to their hearing Israeli counterparts.

NTID was wonderful in ensuring that we had 3 wonderful interpreters. I think it is totally important to ensure that the interpreters are QUALIFIED and have some understanding of Jewish stuff.

Ellie Rosenfield
Chaperone

It was a wonderful trip in so many ways and then in the end, so tragic. We all learned so much--all the typical birthright bonuses, but in addition we had a group of deaf and hearing students living and learning together and having fun.

As we were flying home one of the hearing RIT students on our trip became very ill with meningitis and died shortly after we arrived in NYC. He had an amazing trip--bar mitzvah at the wall, the trip was a peak spiritual experience for him. He was one of the hearing folks on the trip that new some sign language and really helped bring the hearing and deaf students together. I think of Joey fondly and know that he made a difference in the lives of all of us on the trip.

We had a wonderful experience meeting with a ballroom full of deaf Israelis--sharing information about what it's like to be a deaf person in Israel compared to in the USA. We also spent the day with other deaf folks and that was wonderful. Everyone was so kind.

YES! This is a fabulous opportunity. Don't miss it!

Rebecca Schoor
NTID/RIT

AMAZING and is still amazed at the trip when I look back! To read more about my experience, you can look back on the article issue #49 Nov/Dec 2000.

YES especially if there is a group of deaf people going along with interpreters. I think it makes the whole trip worthwhile because you get to know other deaf Jewish people too.

None that I can think of but continue providing interpreters for the deaf, at least 3 or 4.

Pamela Siebert
NTID/RIT

It was most awesome experience I ever had in my lifetime. I will NEVER forget this trip to Israel with my group. It made me feel proud to be Jewish. It just felt like I belong there and almost everyone was a Jew. Unlike America here. I definitely want to go back again. Plus, the food was unbelievable. I am trying to find the food here equal to what I had in Israel, but to no success.

Oh yes, definitely. You would not regret it.

Nah, it was pretty great for my group!

Matthew Simmons
NTID/RIT

I had an awesome experience of my life! I have learned so much about my culture and religion that I was glad to be a part of. It was very inspiring and personal for me.

Oh yes, definitely!! It's priceless and once in a lifetime opportunity to go! It is very highly recommended!!

There is nothing that I can think of. We had everything accessible such as hotels, buses, interpreters, food and interaction with the Israeli people.

Lizzie Sorkin
NTID/RIT

I had the time of my life. I experienced questioning my identity and who I was. I saw things that I had learned and heard about for years. I saw places where the Old Testament talked about. I made new friends. I kissed the western wall. I climbed mount Masada. I touched the Dead Sea. I saw Jordan. I ate challah in Israel. I cried in Tel Aviv. I saw my cousin who I hadn't seen in 10 years, finally, again. So many memories that were years ago but I remember thern as if it were yesterday. I had a good group, about 20 deaf people and 3 interpreters along with 20 or 30 other hearing people. It was a unique experience, most definitely.

Most definitely, it is not the one trip to miss.

More awareness to deaf people.

Mark (Sullivan) Schwartz
NTID/RIT

Unforgettable experience! After going there, I had a completely different perspective on Israel. I felt that the trip is was a crash course on Israel's History, Culture, and Religion. Meeting Deaf people there is a bonus! Thanks to the trip, I feel much more educated and proud and am now more involved in Judaism and Israel affairs.

Absolutely!

Maybe include Deaf Rabbi as a guide - having direct communication to the guide would be better than communicating through a third party interpreter.

Dorene Swick
Interpreter

It was a wonderful experience as an interpreter and very inspiring. To touch the ground and plant a tree was my most memorable experience and of course all the falafel!

I would recommend this trip to deaf students as well as hearing students it is an experience of a life time just open your heart and mind and it will be worth it.

As for suggestions I guess you would have to ask some of the deaf students who went. I definitely liked the 1/2 hearing and 1/2 deaf group that went in 2000.

January 2001 Participants

Raymonda Azrelyant
Gallaudet

I had a fabulous experience with other Deaf and hearing people. Moreover, I learned a lot about Israel culture and their beliefs too.

Oh definitely, I would recommend it to other Deaf people to join Birthright program.

Yes, I always wish I had a chance to visit Deaf school so I could compare from America and Israel's believes. However, I strongly recommend you to take all Deaf people to deaf school or attend Deaf event. Therefore, we could develop a network friendship.

Matthew Fisher
Gallaudet

My experience was quite unbelievable. The experience was very positive and enough for me wanting to go back sometime soon.

OF COURSE, It is once a lifetime opportunity.

I feel that many deaf people weren't aware of this special program. It needs to be more visible around the college campuses where the appropriate targets are.

Heather Schmerman
CSUN

The trip was a fabulous experience for people who have the desire to learn about their own heritage and identity. The trip was a rich experience for me because I was able to see the different perspective about Israel and people's life and Jewish heritage. I was very impressed by how the birthright program was so generous to provide interpreters. Having two interpreters was unbelievable because it made a huge difference in communication access. None of other countries would contribute to Deaf people with needs. I appreciate what the program has done for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.

I would recommend this trip to Deaf Jewish people who are serious about their identity and want to understand more about Jewish and Israeli culture. I would not recommend it for someone who is just looking for a free trip and a place to party. Birthright is for education and appreciation of the culture and rich heritage of the Jewish people.

Alise Warmund Kermisch
Interpreter

The birthright trip is a fantastic opportunity for any Jew to find or strengthen their connection to their heritage. Israel is a land that, in my opinion, every parent has an obligation to assist their children in visiting. In the past 15 years I have made 6 trips to Israel - some in times of peace, most in times of unrest, but always have I been safe and welcomed by Israeli's. One of the trips I made was in January of 2001. Interpreting the birthright trip for 4 college students would be my fourth visit, and with it held new challenges and thoughts to contemplate. The trip is organized specifically to introduce students to history, religion, culture, Israeli society and the uniqueness of being a Jew. For the four Deaf students who were on my trip I saw an amazing transformation. From knowing they were Jews to understanding and choosing to be a part of a greater Jewish community. For the students who were willing to slow down, struggle a bit- just as the hearing students did - they found the trip and the company truly rewarding.

Here are some things to consider for future trips ....

1. Hire interpreters who are experienced in traveling and interpreting for tours/trips. Trip and tours are much more demanding than an average day of interpreting work.

2. Secure the interpreters as far in advance as possible. Give them contact information for all the trip attendees so they can try to understand all the needs during the trip and make a plan A, B, & C.

3. Ensure that whoever is planning the logistics for the group adds in extra snacks or tell the interpreters to pack some -It's hard work to hike up the side of Masada Interpreting, then do a 3 hour tour with nothing to give you an energy boost.

4. Make a plan with students and set up boundaries and expectations. Unless you have unlimited funding and can take extra interpreters understand that the interpreters will be very tired by the end of the days and probably feel more tired each day as the long days go on - decide what the back up plan will be for communication between hearing and Deaf students for those who want to sit up talking until 3 am.

5. Encourage all the students, Deaf and Hearing to understand 3 things:

* To be part of the larger Jewish community you must be willing to meet people 1/2 way to communicate - and you should. Most students want to know more about the Deaf students not because they are Deaf but because they are fellow Jews with a story of their own.

* The trip is organized to create a specific experience. If you or your child is looking to go to a country and just explore this is not the trip to do that. This trip has specific goals of creating a sense of community and shared understanding.

* You as a Deaf person, you as a Jew are an ambassador. You don't get a choice in this. Everything you do and say will impact other people. Your behaviors and conversation will have a life long effect on the people traveling with you. You need to decide if you choose to be a leader who represents the Deaf Community and the Jewish Community with honor and dignity or if others will leave feeling you were snobby, unkind, and disrespectful. They will decide based on what you do and say. Choose carefully and with thought.

Finally, the last thing I would like to address is safety. As I mentioned, I have traveled to Israel in times of unrest. In fact, one of the trips I took toured the Jewish communities in west bank and formerly Gaza. Keep in mind that no organization or tour group will knowingly take your children to areas that are unsafe. There is too much liability- and in fact on many trips itineraries change. However, the Israeli Army intelligence is the best in the world. Every tour group in Israel has Army personnel traveling with them. Your children will be protected - but if you choose not to send your children will your values and traditions be protected?

Megan Youngs
Gallaudet

Awesome trip... I did enjoy my trip to Israel very much.. I definitely understood our religion even more through the trip where I got first-hand experience celebrating shabbat, attending temple services, meeting Deaf Israelis along with youth Israelis who are currently serving in the army, the museums filled with Israel history and visiting various famous landmarks (wailing wall...). I hope that more Deaf students will have the same opportunity as we did.

Maybe you can arrange for all of the four universities with a lot of Deaf students (NTID/RIT, Gallaudet, CSUN, and ASU Arizona) to attend on the trip at the same time in the same group so that they have the opportunity to interact with many other Jewish Deaf youths at once... also maybe you also can add some places like Deaf school, Deaf club or other popular Deaf events in Israel on the itinerary and you can also even incorporate some Deaf Israelis on the trip to have them explain Israel history and etc.. to the Deaf participants.

January 2002 Participants

Micah Brown
Our Way/NCSY

It was one of the most profoundly spiritual trips I've ever been on. It really made a major impact on my spiritual identity as a Deaf Jew, and I particularly loved the opportunity to meet PM Sharon upon our arrival, as well as the chance to tour the Knesset and meet one of the M Ks.

Absolutely. Birthright is one of the best programs to join in order to tour Israel, because it's free!

When I went, the deaf program toured with another "special needs" group. When the program started I felt (and still feel) that it was a mistake... better for Birthright to host a "deaf-only" tour, because our perspective is more unique than others.

Avrummy Globman
OUR WAY/NCSY

It is wonderful to go to holy land feel with your spirit.

Yes

Yes I willing to suggestion the speaker not for us who don't understand about deaf people. Make little excited for our trip let them ask question and let them feel spirit about this trip. I remember man who speaking about many different place but it too much info and too long shabbos too. Make like it fun and let them speak out themselves about those place put on a pressure not help them to feel end wow.

Mordekhai Globman
Our Way/NCSY

We liked the idea of going to Israel. We had a great time. I was glad to be able be in the Holy Land and we got a chance to go to different communities, cities and farms, oceans and rivers, kibbutzim and moshavim .... all in Israel. We got a chance to learn how people live in Israel too. All different kinds of people! I miss it a lot. I am glad you asked me for my opinion. There were some problem with this trip. We did not like the facts that we went with Yachad group. We had a rough time being mixed up with them. We were very limited in where we were allowed to go. We had a tour guide that ignored us. He did not listen to us. We tried to make ourselves happy. We were very shocked that there was such a very tight security system in place regarding where we could go and be. We were very concerned that we were treated like children. We did not want to be with the Yachad group. In the future it is not such a good idea to mix the two groups. We are deaf, there is nothing mentally wrong with us. I would only recommend the program if the service was improved and if the deaf participants were treated nicely.

I will always have good memories of this trip.

Sophie-Shifra Gold
Gallaudet

It was awe-inspiring and personal experience for me. I got to see places I never thought I would see and it was a pleasure to meet other deaf Jewish people in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It also was a return to a homeland part of my Jewish heritage. I believed that the trip was worth it, despite concerns of security. I was awestruck near the end of how much I learned and saw in the short two week period. I made friends and I took a piece of Israel in my heart to return to the states. I would desire to return one day.

Yes, definitely!

I would only recommend outreach networking and contact through Hillel directors to seek any interested future participants.

Megan Malzkuhn
Gallaudet

Very interesting trip, filled with unforgettable scenes. Israel was truly a wonderful country to visit.

Yes I'd reccomend my friends to go, just for the experience of Israel.

The interpreting services has to be stellar, and being flexible with schedule would make a ideal trip.

December 2003/January 2004 Participants

Gloria Farr
NTID/RIT

My experience there was truly incredible. The program exceeded my expectations even though I looked forward to it for years. I went on the trip more concerned about experiencing the interaction with other students to its fullest than possible communication accessibility issues. Instead, while I interacted with hearing people more than I expected, we had only three interpreters (six deaf and HOH students for two weeks generally should get four) and the service wasn't wholly great.

As far as I know, birthright israel tried their best to get four interpreters for us but ended up with three for the lack of both an interpreter and money. To make matters worse, the third interpreter was finalized at a short notice and was not even an interpreter. She just worked with deaf people sometimes and she pulled herself back on the second day of the trip because she knew the deaf students in the program couldn't understand her. Still, the two interpreters we had for the trip were fabulous and we had access to practically everything. I see that even though it is very expensive, birthright israel does their best to provide what they can. Maybe next time a better person could be in charge of getting the interpreter so the interpreting skills will be guaranteed. I believe that they improved in this area after my group, though. My Jewish educator and temple interpreter went with the next deaf birthright israel group!

Still, the interpreter issues weren't in our thoughts as we were taken to different places with detailed history and descriptions from our tour guide. The itinerary and guides in the program were beautifully picked and planned. The staff and students in the program were warm towards the deaf students. Since I came from a deaf family and didn't have much hearing experiences in my life, it is usually difficult for me to interact with hearing people. That was definitely not the case at Israel. I ended up eating several meals with hearing students from other groups and hanging out with them at night events. The 14 days went by in a breeze and I came back to the states rekindled with the Jewish culture and with enriched memories and friends.

Other than having someone monitor the interpreter selection, I would definitely encourage other deaf students to participate. I believe the experience was equally enriching for both deaf and hearing participants.

Jesse Maleh
NTID/RIT

The interpreter situation was a bit sticky because one of them didn't even know how to sign but other than that, I would totally recommend the experience to anyone, deaf or hearing. One reason for the sticky situation is because RIT withdrew their interpreters out of risk so they had to find freelance. So suggestions would be to be more prepared for interpreting service.

Michael Pearlman
NTID/RIT

Very awesome experience made me connect to my religion.

Get more deaf people to go and make sure they understand the religion.

Donald Slate
NTID/RIT

My experience was absolutely off-the-charts. The opportunity to visit Israel, and see everything that I had only just heard about was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And to meet other people who come from similar backgrounds as me as far as being Jewish, and their friendliness, was just totally awesome.

Without a doubt. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and for those deaf people who are hesitant about interacting with hearing people, let me assure you that this was one of the rare times that I interacted with hearing people without being self-conscious of my deafness. I really enjoyed myself, and everyone was just so friendly and eager to get to know everyone.

Higher quality interpreters would be the only suggestion I can think of ...and even so, the ones we had were somewhat acceptable, and I didn't really feel like I was missing out on information.

Adam Stone
NTID/RIT

The birthright israel program was awesome. We went with a larger group from RIT, and we had University of Arizona, UPenn, Drexel (could be wrong) and several other universities join us on the bus. We visited Tel Aviv (Independence Hall, the old Jaffa market, a disco, had our first authentic falafels), explored the ruins at Caesarea, stayed at Kibbutz Hagoshrim in the north of Israel, visited Medullah and Kiryat Shemona, took a jeep tour around the Golan Heights and visited one of the highest points (can't remember the name). We also experienced a Druze meal in Usafiya, visited ancient synagogues in the mystical city of Safed. Sang Shehechaynu while laying our sights on Jerusalem for the first time. Visited the Old City, prayed at the Wall. Had a Shabbaton with 400+ other birthright israel participants in Jerusalem. Went to Yad Vashem. Went to an archeological dig south of Jerusalem (which included some cave‑crawling). Spent New Year's Eve in a Bedouin outpost in the Negev, and welcomed 2004 watching a sunrise on Masada. Frolicked in the Dead Sea, and it was back to Jerusalem for a visit to that big cemetery, one last trip to the Wall and before we knew it we were flying back to New York. I'd do it all over again a million times. Israel captured our hearts; it was on that trip that Israel truly became ours and we became their people.

The birthright program has been really, really accommodating of Deaf people. They've worked with us to make sure we have interpreters, etc. When RIT backed out of providing interpreting support to our group, Birthright immediately went into fundraising mode, sending out letters to local Rochester community organizations plus our parents asking for funds to support hiring interpreters (which were Sarah and Paula). Without their effort, we wouldn't have had interpreters.

Birthright also worked with a group of Deaf Israelis to hang with us for one night in Jerusalem. They gave us a performance (which many hearing people also attended). That was a very meaningful gesture by Birthright to incorporate some Deaf elements in our experience ‑ they went "the extra mile" here, and the hearing students got a lot out of that experience as well.

January 2004 Participants

DJ Kurs
OUR WAY/NCSY

Positive and enjoyable.

Yes!

Our group had only one interpreter and it was a burden for her to interpret everything all day long. Before you commit to a group, I would suggest that you make sure that the group has at least two interpreters so they can rotate between them.

Jill Sege
Interpreter

The only suggestion I would make is to have two interpreters. I was the only interpreter, and although I enjoyed the trip immensely, it would have been better to have an interpreter that I could switch with.

June 2004 Participants

EJ Cohen
Interpreter

As a Jewish educator, I found the trip wonderful. The'kids' (sorry!) were from a variety of culturally Jewish backgrounds, some more Jewishly educated than others, and at no time did either Rabbi leading the trip make any of them feel uncomfortable. Everyone was treated respectfully and equally, and topics discussed ranged from the Holocaust to Rabin to the various wars Israel has had to endure for survival to celebrations. Ariel Sharon spoke at one of the opening ceremonies, where 5000 bri 'kids' from around the world gathered for speeches before having an evening of total fun. We had guest speakers from the editor of the Jerusalem Post, to History professors at Hebrew U, you name it. The 10 days flew by, literally, with us seeing Bedouin camps, having a fabulous meal cooked for us, riding camels (not me!!) and each day was packed with info and tour. I'd suggested after the trip that future Deaf groups be a bit more specific with their interpreting needs, as someone who needed pure ASL wouldn't have been happy on that trip; the majority of this group wanted more English based signs. I also suggested that if it was possible, to have the Dec. trip be more English based, with the June trip being more ASL. But there aren't always enough Deaf kids to warrant two such trips a year. I had to argue with one of the coordinators (NOT the terp coordinator, who backed me 100%) that having 'signers' was inappropriate; the persons on this trip need to be certified ASL interpreters (CT or CI) and that being Jewish would be another requirement. There is too much Hebrew/Jewish/Israeli vocabulary that a novice/non‑Jew would not understand; and for a 10 day trip, the other interpreter shouldn't be 'feeding signs' to the team. Three interpreters at least would have made it much easier; 4 deaf students did not always want to hang around together during side treks (there wasn't much free time) and so it wasn't always easy to have interpreters for them when they did outside group stuff. But I highly recommend the trip to all Jewish folks between 18 ‑ 26. It's an amazing experience.

Sacha Klein
Gallaudet

A terrific one, and most enlightening one. I discovered Israel under another side, one that I didn't know. This experience emboldened my Jewish identity, I will never forget this trip.

Definitely.

Not really, my experience was so perfect!

Lina Kogan
NTID/RIT

I have wonderful time in group. I learned a lot about holocaust history in Israel. Many tour to education not time on vacation. Best vegetable foods at hotel that I ever had one. You should have gone to hotel restaurant to eat. I loved it. I want go there again. Also good product high quality jewelry. It is good influence of identity Jewish culture help to deaf education. I noticed some Jews deaf are not educated enough about Judaism. They don't care to married different of religion. In my opinion hearing with group which was not good because too fast speak sometime missed what speaker say to. They should give a break and to ask question to explain about history. Hearing people speak faster if I don't understand. It is best only with deaf group who can understand communication. It should be longer 3 to 4 weeks not too early 2 weeks, it is good for hearing short time speak faster. There are lot of army suffer have to work protection our Israel Jewish community. I am impress that girls are tougher not like America girls as spoiled princess. Anyway in program should be improving for deaf education keep tradition Jewish value trip to Israel.

Felicia Roll
NTID/RIT

I heard about it through some students who went to Israel and relatives of my family who visited Israel. It was a wonderful experience to go and explore the Judaism culture. As well, the program provided a lot of places to visit and leisure time as swimming in Dead Sea spa, the holy city of Jerusalem, camel rides in south Israel and other activities on the tour. I would recommend to deaf people to join, if there was a better accommodation as interpreters and a group (more than 5 people).

I could suggest to go, with traveling group to be safe in Israel.

Nicole Welter Roffe
NTID/RIT

I loved the program and I thought it was very educational. One thing I would advise other deaf students about is that this trip is not a pleasure trip, it is a learning experience. You will definitely have fun on the trip, but don't expect to party. You will need to get up early and go to bed early and pay attention during lectures. It's not a social event. Some people don't seem to be as interested in learning as they are in having fun and if so this trip is not for them. The experience was both a culturally enriching experience as well as a break away from the norm here in the United States. I enjoyed the trip and wished it was longer but time did not permit. In addition, I came home with over 300 pictures and often find time to look through the pictures on a weekly basis. You could say I miss my second home.

I definitely would recommend it to other deaf individuals because of the enriching cultural experience that one obtains from the trip. I admit that I was somewhat disassociated with the Jewish religion after my Bar Mitzvah, but after attending Birthright, I've made a vow to allow Judaism to become a bigger part of my life.

Davina Brimmer
Gallaudet

I really enjoyed myself there and learned a lot about my heritage. I would like to go again!

YES!

Not really.

Marissa Cohen
Gallaudet

I have such a wonderful time! It's amazing trip! I really enjoyed so much, went to many different places all over Israel in just ten days! I would more than love to go there again! I really can't believe that I went to a beautiful country with full of Judaism histories... And I even swam in, well, ON Dead Sea, very salty and I really was floating! I also was really impacted when we went to see Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, I have been waiting for my whole life to see that most special wall in the world! It's really amazed to see the wall, when I touched the wall, I feel very special and honored and also amazed how much that wall have been went through for thousands of years. Really very hard to describe how I feel at that moment. I took hundreds of pictures and video camera too! And also on the trip, I met my very good new friend who is Deaf and Israeli Soldier, Suzy who was on the trip with us with several other hearing Israeli soldiers for couple of days. We kept chatting nonstop, teaching each other American and Israeli Sign Languages, I even sometimes tried my best to interpret for her what the ASL interpreter was saying! It was really amazing, we become best friend on that trip! I was really amazed to meet a smart Deaf Jewish Israeli Soldier, I have learned so much from her about what it's like to being a Deaf person in Israel. Wonderful opportunity for me to meet a person like her on the trip. I will never forget her and the trip. It was one of the most memorable experience trip I have ever bee to.

I really very very strongly recommend for any Deaf people to go there, it's wonderful trip and experiences too. The Interpreters are wonderful, they worked very hard for us, they really doing very well on the trip with us. I have learned so much on the trip. And also, I think it is the best to have a lot of Deaf people together with the group of hearing people on the trip.

I really do not have any suggestions to improve the program for Deaf participants because everything flow really well on the trip. I never have any problems related with Deafness on the trip. All I can really say to Deaf people is GO ON THE TRIP TO ISRAEL! It is really worth the experience and excitements!

Sara Halpern
Colgate University

Loved it‑ felt like home. I wanted to move there but my mother told me not to until she dies. So it's in the plans for retirement :)

Absolutely! But I recommend deaf people to be very aware of what the guide/interpreter are saying while they are signing to other people. We've had some trouble with people not paying attention because they were too busy signing and not "listening". This is very important as it is related to safety.

Joseph Nazarian
NTID/RIT

Our everyday time was shrunk to zero intervals, everything we usually do in three days is done in a day with a great energy and excitement. We woke up early, with a fresh breeze of Jerusalem air, and enjoyed a great scene, great and fresh food to eat, and gained our sightings of the world by just visiting the State of Israel. We were all stunned and thrilled as we visited new historical platforms, and at the same time too frazzled to visit more.

I would recommend anyone to visit Israel with birthright if a first timer.

Jamie Perlman
NTID/RIT

I went to Israel before with my family and did really connect with everything that I saw in the country. Yet, when I went with the deaf group within the Rochester Area colleges on Birthright Israel, I understood everything. It was a smoother process for me to grasp the meaning of what I was seeing with the support of three wonderful interpreters. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and challenged our minds. Although we did so much over little time which caused must exhaustion, I still had a blast on the trip with everyone and will not forget the experience.

YES! You will notice changes within yourself after seeing Israel.

Have an entire bus with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people with a larger number of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Israeli soldiers

Casey Pearl Przygoda
Gallaudet

It was my first and most rewarding experience that I've ever done in my Jewish life. I am really grateful and pleasant that I went and grab the opportunity that I've always wanted since I was a kid. It was also awesome meeting new Jewish deaf and hearing students from all over the states in Israel. We went to many places that I would never forget such as Western Wall, Jerusalem, Masada, Haifa, camping, shopping, visiting Holocaust museums including learning about the first Rabbi named Ben who fought for the Israel country. Also, it was a lot of fun riding the camel/donkeys and being able to watch the sunrise/sunsets. Because I never had my own BatMitzvah, I had a small one in Israel which was worthwhile and important to me I said prayers during my Bat‑Mitzvah. Visiting the Tree for Life was also interesting. I was able to plant a tree in loving memory of my mother, Susie Turk (died in 2003) and my great‑grandparents, who died during the Holocaust.

Overall, I would encourage other Jewish deaf/hearing college students to go to Israel before its too late. Going to Israel has made me understand more about my Judaism and beliefs. It would help others feel inspired more when they learn its significance, culture, and history of each Jews' background. I felt saddened to return to the States. But, I do look forward to return to Israel one day with my future husband and future children one day.

David Darby Yusupov
NTID/RIT

My experience of this trip has been benefit to my life. It will always be remembered in my mind and heart. I've learned a lot what Israel is all about. It's so much for me to explain the experience I have for you, but I'd recommend all of you to go there just for once.

Grab This Once In A Lifetime Opportunity

For more information and to learn more about the Taglit birthright israel program, visit their website at http:// www.birthrightisrael.com. Applications will become available on February 8th. The next trip will be in May/ June.

It would be nice to see all the deaf bri alumnus get together and form a chapter to outreach the Jewish deaf students all over the world.

Thanks to you that provided us a copy of the group pictures ‑as the famous quote says "a picture is worth one thousand words!"

NTID/RIT Hillel

NTID/RIT Hillel has a deaf program called, Louis S. and Molly B. Wolk Center for Jewish Cultural Enrichment for Deaf. They recently had an election for board officers. The new officers are: President: Corey Axelrod; Vice President: Jamie Perlman; Secretary: Kyle Edenzon; Public Relations: Sara Haimowitz; Treasurer: Justin Drezner; Department of Programming: Joshua Rappaport; NTID Student Assembly Representative: Corey Axelrod; Wolk/Hillel Representative: Jamie Perlman. Regina Kiperman is the Wolk Hillel advisor. To learn more about the Wolk Center, visit the website at http://www.rochesterhillel.org/sites/wolkhillel

Gallaudet Hillel

Gallaudet Hillel is the place on the Gallaudet University campus where deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing Jewish students can freely explore and express their Jewish identity without any communication barriers. As a member of Gallaudet's Office of Campus Ministries, Gallaudet Hillel provides Jewish students with the opportunity to celebrate Jewish religious life both on campus and as members of the Metro Washington Jewish community. Our goal is to provide Gallaudet students with Jewish experiences and education that may have a life‑long impact on their spiritual lives, on their Jewish identity, and as members of the Jewish community at large. Students experience Jewish culture through Israeli movie nights, Israeli dancing, Hebrew classes, guest lecturers, and trips to local Jewish community events. They attend religious services at Tifereth Israel Congregation, an egalitarian Conservative synagogue that warmly welcomes Gallaudet students. This synagogue is the only synagogue in the area that offers weekly interpreted Shabbat services.

They do not have any officers this year.

Gallaudet Hillel's Director is Paula Tucker and can be reached at hillel@gallaudet.edu.

All Taglit‑birthright israel trips must adhere to educational and logistical guidelines so there are many things common to all trips including:

Sample Itinerary for Ten Day Trip

Tel Aviv ‑ Jaffa:
Rabin Square, Independence Hall

Jerusalem:
Western Wall, Old City, Jewish Quarter

Northern Coast:
Nahal Oren/Oren River, Acco, Rosh Hanikra, Haifa

Galilee:
Tzefat, Tel Dan Reserve, Jordan River

Golan Heights:
Katzrin, Hiking

Shabbat

South:
Belt Guvrin, Bedouin Village, Camel Safari,
Mitzpe Ramon

Dead Sea:
Masada, Ein Gedi Waterfall, Ein Gedi Spa