NEW YORK—Taglit-Birthright Israel has announced that it is expanding its program eligibility to now include those young adults who had previously visited Israel as part of a peer trip when they were younger. The organization said the reason for the change in policy was based on an educational assessment that those who may have visited as a teenager would gain a significantly greater understanding and attachment to Israel through the Taglit-Birthright experience as a young adult.

Beginning with the Summer 2014 registration that opens on Feb. 19, applicants between the ages of 18-26 who had made a prior visit to Israel on an organized peer trip before they reached the age of 18 years old may now apply. The organization estimates that the expansion will allow thousands more to benefit from the Taglit-Birthright Israel’s program.  To register, visit http://www.BirthrightIsrael.com.

“I am delighted that the Taglit-Birthright Israel steering committee supports the decision that every young Jew is entitled to an educational tour of Israel,” said Taglit-Birthright Israel CEO Gidi Mark. “I believe that the decision will strengthen the ties between Israel and the Diaspora and will provide tens of thousands of young Jews the knowledge needed in their efforts to present a positive image of Israel to the world.”

Taglit-Birthright Israel offers the gift of a free, 10-day trip to Israel for Jewish adults between the ages of 18 to 26. The trip aims to strengthen each participant’s identity as a Jew; to build an understanding, friendship and lasting bond with the land and people of Israel; and to reinforce the solidarity of the Jewish people worldwide.

Taglit-Birthright Israel has sent more than 350,000 young Jewish adults to Israel from more than 64 countries and from all 50 U.S. states, including students from nearly 1,000 North American college campuses.  Attendees are immersed in an active educational experience that includes visits to Jewish historical sites, history museums, Holocaust remembrance sites, the Western Wall, arts and culture programs as well as touring, hiking, discussions, social events, camel and jeep rides in the desert, and more.  The trip focuses on three main areas: the narratives of the Jewish people, contemporary Israel, and the formative values of Judaism.

Taglit-Birthright Israel has a unique, historical and innovative partnership with the Government of Israel, thousands of individual donors and private philanthropists, and Jewish communities around the world through Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod and the Jewish Agency of Israel.  Visit http://www.BirthrightIsrael.com.