ISRAEL HAYOM (by agreement with JNS)
Despite escalation threats, thousands of young Jews gather for Taglit-Birthright Israel event
August 4, 2026

Some 1,700 young Jews from around the world attended Taglit-Birthright Israel’s flagship summer event at Amphi Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening, in the presence of Prof. Miriam Adelson, Taglit-Birthright IsraelIsrael CEO Gidi Mark and Meir Shamir, chairman of the organization’s Israeli board. The event marked the peak of the organization’s summer season, during which approximately 15,000 Jews from 34 countries are expected to visit Israel for tours, volunteer programs and internships. Despite threats of escalation in recent days and a sharp decline in tourist arrivals to Israel, thousands of participants chose to come to the country with Taglit-Birthright Israel, experience it firsthand and see the reality beyond the news headlines. The festive evening introduced young Jews from around the world to Israeli culture and concluded with performances by Itay Galo, Netta Barzilai and Eden Golan. The event also showcased the “Spearhead” program, which integrates wounded Israel Defense Forces veterans into Taglit-Birthright Israel tours as Israeli participants alongside young Jews from around the world. READ MORE