Traveling with Israelis - The Mifgash

Whether you know it or not, the Taglit-Birthright Israel trip that you have chosen is unique. It is the only Taglit-Birthright Israel program in which Israelis will travel with you for the full 10 days of the program. We call this (in Hebrew): Mifgash - the best English translation is "encounter."

The great thing about this experience is that you will leave Israel not only with a connection to the places and amazing history - but to real people as well. You will also get an insider's perspective, rather than a tourists lens. It really is seeing Israel "through the eyes of Israelis."

So what can you do to prepare for this "encounter"?

• Learn a few words of Hebrew - it's a great icebreaker. Israelis can help you use your limited vocabulary effectively and teach you new words. They'll laugh at your pronunciation... don't worry, you can laugh at theirs as well. Good-natured joking is just as much a part of Israeli society as it is American society. Here's a few useful phrases to get you started.
• Study the map of Israel - when your Israeli peers introduce themselves to you, they will be impressed when you tell them that you know where that is!
• Remember on the trip to always ask the Israelis. Ask them every question you've got - because you are only together for 10 days! Don't rely on your guides and staff for all the information (they're great, by the way - and really smart), ask the Israeli participants what they think also.
• Mingle constantly with your Israeli peers. Have lunch with one. Offer to be a roommate with someone (same sex, please!) who you are interested to get to know.
• Bring something to leave in Israel. A university sweatshirt. A Cubs hat (or Sox, Yankees, Phillies, whatever - they don't watch baseball). Something near and dear to you, or something you grabbed as you went out the door. At the end of your trip, your going to want to leave something with someone special that you met.

Mostly, just relax and have a good time - your Israeli peers are just as eager to meet you as you are to meet them!