I wish Birthright would let me apply for a diplomatic fellowship. Or non-Jews for that matter. It might actually help the brand by transforming the brand, and for my part, I know so little about Israeli society. My sense of it comes from Max Blumenthal and Roane Carey. I’ve spent only ten days there. Though I saw what Israel had done in Gaza, and had a sense of Israel’s craziness from seeing the rubble, and the people treated like animals. If Israel opened itself up to people like me, and non-Jews, it would surely help.
Anyway, here is a leaked survey from birthright (h/t Max Blumenthal) for its diplomatic fellowship veterans to take. Notice the emphasis on the willingness of the participant do do Israeli propaganda in the U.S. and also on the communal Jewish connection established. Your Jewish journey. I’m on a Jewish journey too of course, and my rabbis are people like Richard Silverstein and Magnes Zionist and Amira Hass and Emily Schaeffer. Great Jews who suggest a new way of being Jewish. Birthright:
Please complete the following statements about your confidence in talking about Israel now that you’ve finished the Fellowship. *7. My confidence when speaking about Israel among people I know has: Increased Stayed about the same Decreased *8. My confidence when speaking about Israel among people I do not know has: Increased Stayed about the same Decreased *9. My confidence in speaking about Israel when I’m faced with anti-Israel sentiments has: Increased Stayed about the same Decreased *10. Would you feel comfortable coordinating an event focused on Israel in your community?…
I feel more connected to the Jewish community than I did before I participated in the fellowship. Yes No Maybe *32. The Fellowship was a good way to meet new friends. Yes No Maybe *33. I am interested in other Birthright Israel NEXT events/programs. Yes No Maybe *34. I learned about things I can do in my community to continue my Jewish journey and connect to other Jews. Yes No Maybe *35. Do you have plans to stay connected to Israel or your local Jewish community now that the Fellowship has ended?
