Birthright Israel trip changes perspectives and directions for Atlanta-area participants

Rough Draft asked Atlanta-area Birthright Israel participants to tell us their stories. Here’s what they shared. 

Adrian Sasine, 49, Atlanta

“I went on Birthright just before aging out. Unfortunately, I got sick right before the trip, but I still went and tried to push through. About four days in, my body just wasn’t cooperating. While it’s not the typical positive story, I can say the Birthright team was incredibly supportive. They arranged doctor’s appointments, gave me a place to rest, and ultimately helped me return home early. Now, as a parent, I would fully put my trust in this organization to take care of my child.”
 

Jenn Handel, 40, Dunwoody 

Handel is the director of Israel Engagement for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. 

“Birthright was the first time in my life I felt ‘Jewish enough’ to be Jewish. At 24, when I participated, I was empowered to question everything – and I did (and still do). That trip didn’t just change my perspective; it changed my direction. Being surrounded by others who were equally curious, regardless of background, opened a door I didn’t know existed. Today, I’m a proud Jewish educator who has staffed 18 Birthright trips and had the privilege of helping young adults across the U.S. explore their own authentic Judaism.” 

David Ziskind, 43, Dunwoody 

Ziskind’s photos of the University of Georgia/Georgia Tech trip are used throughout this week’s Y’alla. 

“I went on Birthright from December 2001 to January 2002 through Hillel at Georgia Tech. With the trip leaving right after Sept. 11, a lot of people pulled out. My mom was not keen on me going, either. We ended up with a bus of participants throughout the southeast, as opposed to just one university or state.  It was a great experience!”

Lauren and David, 42, Atlanta  

This married couple met on a young professionals (ages 22-26) Birthright trip right before aging out of the program. 

“In December 2009, Washington, D.C. was experiencing a historic snowstorm the day the flight to Israel was scheduled. Roads were closed, and he subway shut down. David was only able to get to the airport because he had a friend with a four-wheel drive Jeep who could get him there. Meanwhile, Lauren had wanted to go on the Birthright trip for years, but her parents were concerned she’d fall in love with an Israeli soldier and never return to the U.S. 

Birthright participants on Bus 229 became very close, and continued with get-togethers and Shabbat dinners when they got back to D.C. Lauren and David began dating, moved to Atlanta in 2011, and were married at The Temple in 2013.” 

Lauren added, “My parents’ fears about her falling in love with a soldier weren’t so off-base. David had just ended his service as a US Marine Corps Infantry Captain and returned from a deployment in Iraq only a few months prior to their meeting in Israel. I met my US Marine in Israel and never looked back!”