Magbit Canada works together with Canada Israel Experience (CIE) to bring over 3,000 pupils, students and young Jewish Canadians annually on tailor-made trips to Israel. An international leader in Israel programming and informal Jewish and Zionist education, CIE recognizes the increasing danger of assimilation facing Canadian Jewish youth. In response, it operates an array of junior high school, high school, leadership, camping, and community trips and domestic programs for the Canadian Jewish community. In addition, CIE and Magbit Canada organize missions to Israel and volunteer programs that combine educational, social and recreational activities. Ranging from a few weeks to a few months, these missions are highlighted by Taglit-birthright israel (birthright) and March of the Living (MOL).

Taglit-birthright israel

Established in 1999, birthright offers a 10-day Israel experience (or “birthright”) – free of charge – to young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 who have never visited Israel. Having brought over 13,000 Canadian students to the country thus far, birthright strengthens participants’ Jewish identity, increases community involvement in Canada, and even spurs some youth to make aliyah.

Recognizing the value of mifgashim (encounters) between Canadian youth and their Israeli peers, CIE and Magbit Canada invite Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers to spend several days with each birthright group. This unique interaction strengthens not only the bond between Canadians and Israelis, but also the Jewish identity and sense of belonging of both sides. The impact of these mifgashim does not end with birthright – Canadian and Israeli participants often maintain contact and pay reciprocal visits long after their initial encounters.

March of the Living

Magbit Canada also works closely with CIE to bring hundreds of Canadian youth on March of the Living each year. Starting with a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camps in Poland on Holocaust Remembrance Day, MOL is followed by a trip to Israel that culminates in a gala Independence Day celebration. Beyond shaping the Jewish identity and Israeli connection of over 4,000 participants to date, MOL instills an appreciation of Jewish heritage, educates youth about the Holocaust, and teaches the importance of combating anti-Semitism and other forms of racism. The UIAC/CIE model and its accompanying educational elements have set a standard for similar trips throughout the world.