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University of Florida Birthright group lands in Israel

May 13, 2022

Alan Minkin

A University of Florida Mayanot group after their arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, the first of five UF Mayanot campus groups set to arrive this summer. 

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First 2022 Birthright Campus Trips Arrive in Israel

New York, NY (May 4, 2022) — A group of students from the University of Florida (UF) arrived in Israel this Monday, marking the first of many Birthright Campus Trips this year. The contingent is one of 28 student groups arriving this week. A total of 14,000 students from nearly 900 universities and colleges in North America are expected to land in Israel in the coming weeks.

Birthright Campus Trips are a unique opportunity for North American students to go on a life-changing trip to Israel with their college friends and meet new people from their campus. The trips are usually timed to coincide with the school’s winter or summer breaks.

The campus trips are among the first flights in Birthright Israel’s long-awaited return after a series of suspensions since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This summer Birthright expects to bring about 25,000 young people from around the world, 19,000 of which are from North America.

Colleges with the largest number of Birthright Campus Trip participants include University of Michigan – Ann Arbor (585 students); University of Florida (506 students); and University of Wisconsin – Madison (424 students). 

“After a long hiatus, we are excited to bring back so many students from North America to these important and exciting tours to Israel. Many of these students are coming from college and university campuses where incidences of anti-Semitism are increasing, leaving them feeling beleaguered and isolated,” said Birthright Israel CEO Gidi Mark. “We know that after going on a Birthright trip, these students feel more supported and prouder,” he added.

Birthright Israel offers a free, life-changing trip to Israel for young Jewish adults between the ages of 18 and 32 and, in doing so, transforms the Jewish future. Its mission is to give every Jewish young adult around the world, especially those less connected, the opportunity to visit Israel on an educational trip. Today, Birthright Israel is the largest educational tourism organization in the world that has over 750,000 journeys to the state of Israel.

Photo: University of Florida (UF) Mayanot group after their arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, the first of five UF Mayanot campus groups set to arrive this summer. Photo Credit: Alan Minkin

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Birthright Israel – Hillel and the trip of a lifetime!

Young Jewish students trip.

Birthright Israel is the gift of a free, 10-day trip to Israel designed for young adults of Jewish heritage, aged 18–32.

Many students that have experienced this trip say it is a life-changing event that helped form their own unique Jewish identity. Both of my daughters went on Birthright through UF. My older one initially had no desire to go and had put it off for 3 years, watching as her friends went after either their freshman or sophomore year. Some of her friends in her sorority convinced her to go after their junior year and she signed up. A month before, she came to me saying she wanted to cancel as she had to be in New York for her summer internship a week later and thought it would be too much. I told her that she was an adult and that would be her decision but I was concerned she would regret this decision when she saw her friends posting pictures on social media. I also told her that since this was her choice to initially go and we would lose the $250 deposit, she would need to reimburse us as a consequence of this decision. She decided not to forgo the $250 out of her pocket, went, and spent the next three months talking about this experience. For her, somewhat disconnected from her religion, this trip provided a spiritual connection and has lead to new, lifelong friendships and memories.

Her younger sister had no qualms about going and went after her freshman year of college. She too loved the experience and felt a spiritual connection visiting Israel. For me, watching my daughters both gain this spiritual connection is so meaningful.

UF Birthright Israel is the premier campus provider for Israeli adventures, tailored to the University of Florida students. Each summer and winter, we embark on multiple trips, immersing students in all things Israel. With trip options including, Israel Quest, Outdoor Adventure, and UF Greeks Take Israel we can guarantee every Gator an experience of a lifetime. Our mission is to give every Jewish Gator the opportunity to visit Israel.

This is the trip you go on with your friends from college or to meet new people from your campus. Ten extraordinary days experiencing the enriching, inspiring and exhilarating sights, sounds, and soul of Israel. Hang out with Israelis your age, hike beautiful trails, and catch breathtaking views. When you get back, you’ll have an awesome community back on campus that you formed on the trip. You’re not a tourist you’re an adventure-seeker!

Some students will sign up with friends from other colleges as well. They should check with other programs by clicking here .

Tour highlights: Camel Rides, Rafting down Jordan River, Visit the Western Wall, Float in the Dead Sea, Waterfalls of the Golan Heights, Taste Mediterranean food, Connect with Israelis your own age.

For more information on trip dates and how to apply, Visit UF Hillel here  and about Chabad birthright, click here .

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook,   Instagram,   Twitter , and Pinterest . Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com . Are you new to HaveUHeard? Here is how to best use  the site .

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Apply to staff a birthright trip

Staffing a UF Hillel Birthright Israel trip with Israel Outdoors is both a privilege and a responsibility.  We are looking for qualified leaders who are passionate about sharing their love for Israel with the Gator community. As a member of our team, you’ll help share the gift of Birthright Israel with participants in an incredibly powerful, once-in-a-lifetime way.

​To be eligible for a UF Birthright staff position, you must meet the following minimum requirements established by Birthright Israel and UF Hillel:

Age 21 or above

Extended experience in Israel on an educationally-oriented program (beyond being a participant in a Birthright Israel trip)

Leadership experience within the Jewish community

Proven leadership qualities and experience

Have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the program’s conclusion

Ideally, Birthright Israel staff will be on UF’s campus for at least one semester following the trip

Be available for staff training on Monday nights at UF Hillel beginning at 8:30pm from 3/27-4/17

​While staffing a trip can be an exciting experience, we also rely on our staff to manage multiple responsibilities, including but not limited to:

Facilitating pre-trip programming at UF Hillel

Managing the airport departure and in-flight travel

Supporting the Israeli guide in all aspects of the trip

Ensuring a smooth group experience: this may include managing logistics, social functions, and other elements of the experience

Serving as a role model for participants throughout the program

Assisting in leading educational discussion groups and informal programming

Supporting the health and safety needs of your participants

In partnership with UF Hillel staff, serving as the primary engager at UF Hillel the following year for the participants on your trip:

Checking in/meeting with all of your participants 1-on-1 during the next semester

Coordinate at least 1 reunion event for your trip participants during the following semester

Support recruitment efforts for future Israel travel opportunities (ie tabling opportunities, UF Hillel Israel events on campus)

​Our trip dates are as follows (all departures are from MIA and staff will be responsible for getting themselves there)

May 8-18, University of Florida

May 14-24, University of Florida

May 14-24, UF Greek Life

May 14-24, UF Chi Phi and Friends Road Trip

May 14-24, UF ZBT and Friends Road Trip

May 14-24, UF AEPi and Friends Road Trip

May 18-28, University of Florida (21+)

​ We want to emphasize that this role is not only leading a 10-day trip in Israel, but also includes an extended engagement opportunity for before and after the trip for participants. The follow-up that happens after the trip is just as important as the trip itself; relationships built during the trip are an extension of the Jewish community on campus. Staff members are expected to continue engagement during the following semester in order to support participants in bringing their experience to campus. Although this is not a paid position, all travel, food, and accommodations are covered for staff members. If this sounds like the job for you, please fill out the application below. 

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Feb 1, 2023.

Applicants that UF Hillel would like to move forward with will be granted an in-person interview at Hillel conducted in February.

Welcome to UF Hillel

HILLEL HIGHLIGHTS

Admitted Students

Graduation Cords & L'Chaim

Passover Seder & DIY Kits

UF HILLEL CARES

UF Hillel works hard to support students and their families when they are at their best and when they might need some additional care and attention. 

Our free, customizable Care Packages bring care and comfort to Jewish Gators when they are not feeling their very best. They include your choice of kosher matzo ball soup, Gatorade, tissues, snacks, cough drops, and other necessities to help Gators get well soon.

Friday night Shabbat dinner to-go can also be added for Care Packages delivered on Friday's only.

Visit UF Hillel

Heading to Gainesville for Preview? Are you a high school student on your college tour?Already  admitted, but still deciding if UF is the right school for you? UF Hillel would love to meet you! 

Spring 2024 HOURS Our building is open to visitors on most weekdays between 10am and 5pm. If you would like to stop by and learn more about UF Hillel, we encourage you to schedule your visit with us in advance so we can make sure we will be here to greet you. 

Please fill out the form below and a member of our staff or student ambassador team will email you within 2 business days to make arrangements for your visit.

Welcome Santa Fe Students!

Santa Fe College students are welcome at all UF Hillel programs and events. Simply check our Upcoming Events  to learn about future opportunities. 

To make this site work properly, we sometimes place small data files called cookies on your device. By choosing to continue to use this site without changing your cookie setting, we will assume that you are consenting to receive cookies.

Hillel International

Hillel: birthright israel eligibility.

Are you eligible for a 10-day trip to Israel? Read over the eligibility guidelines for Hillel: Birthright Israel.

You must be 18–26 years old and have finished high school by the trip departure date. If you’re turning 27 before May 1 (for summer trips) or Dec. 1 (for winter trips), you’re not eligible to participate in the upcoming season of trips. *UK applicants must be 18–26 years old.

Jewish Background

To be eligible for Birthright Israel, one must identify as Jewish and be recognized as Jewish by their local community or by one of the recognized denominations of Judaism. Applicants must also have at least one Jewish birth parent, or have completed a Jewish conversion through a recognized Jewish denomination.

*Young Jews in the Former Soviet Union are eligible if they have at least one Jewish birth grandparent. Their Jewish heritage must also be verified by a local consul before they can be considered eligible.

Previous Israel Experience

If you have traveled to Israel with your family or for other personal matters, you’re still eligible for the trip! You’re not eligible if…

• You’ve been in Israel for more than three months since the age of 12.
• Note: You’re still eligible if you participated in RootOne, Magen David Adom, the Maccabiah games, or Federation missions. You’re also eligible if you participated in the Maccabee Task Force and Fact Finders programs prior to 2020. 
• You were born in Israel or are an Israeli citizen and you didn’t leave before the age of 12.
• You’ve served in the Israeli Army or volunteered on an Israel Army base after the age of 18.
• If you don’t hold an Israeli passport, but have Israeli parents, you must obtain army exemption papers from your local Israeli consulate.

For more information on trip eligibility, read Birthright Israel’s eligibility FAQs .

This trip is a gift from Birthright Israel

This trip is a gift from Birthright Israel. The gift of a Birthright Israel trip is made possible thanks to tens of thousands of donors including individual donors and foundations, and alumni and their families that support Birthright Israel Foundation in the United States as well as the people of Israel through the Government of Israel, and Jewish communities and Federations around the world.

University of Florida professor to conduct research on Blue Origin space flight

A University of Florida professor will fly as part of a commercial space crew on an upcoming suborbital mission to conduct research, using a rocket by space flight company Blue Origin .

Rob Ferl, distinguished professor and assistant vice president for research in horticultural sciences , will be the first NASA-funded academic researcher to conduct an experiment as part of a commercial space crew, a news release said. He will fly on the New Shepard rocket by Blue Origin, a company created by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, which has a mission of increasing access to space through reusable rockets.

Ferl is also director of UF's new Space Institute and, throughout his career, has studied how biology responds to spaceflight. A news release said Ferl’s work progressed from experiments in his Gainesville lab, to parabolic flight tests, to projects on the space shuttle and the International Space Station.

Prepare for launch: University of Florida announces plans for space research institute

A grant from NASA’s Flight Opportunities program is giving Ferl the chance to continue his work and “personally conduct experiments on how the transition to and from microgravity impacts gene expression in cells and, more broadly, to develop protocols for future ‘researcher-tended’ suborbital flights,” a news release said.

He said the program aims to leverage the commercial spacecraft community by having scientists and technologists fly experiments, payloads and a new advancement: people on vehicles to accomplish more in space. NASA has collected a group of flight providers that offer multiple avenues of access to space, such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic , the first commercial spaceline, among others, Ferl said.

"I get to go to space after putting in a whole career — decades — into trying to get this experience as a part of what a scientist can do," said Ferl in an interview with The Sun. "What I hope, and feel, is that by my going to space, doors will open up earlier to many, many more scientists who wish to experience space as part of their work in space. In the new commercial space economy, the ability to get into space for all kinds of reasons — for industry, for research, for the pure experience — is going to continue to rise... We're going to see more and more people going to space and the chances for scientists to go to space to do their own experiments, rather than have somebody else do them for them, is going to be there. Going to space is going to be a lot like going on a sea voyage to work on the sea."

Ferl and his colleague Anna-Lisa Paul — both professors of horticultural sciences with involvement in the UF Space Plants Lab — have pursued the understanding of plant gene expression in microgravity throughout their careers. However, most of their experiments have been done by astronauts in space.

A news release said, as Paul explains it, science is done “in space” and not “on the way to space.” This is because on launches to the space station, astronauts now generally fly separately from science payloads.

Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket allows scientists the opportunity to conduct science throughout the change from gravity to microgravity, and back.

"Our program at the University of Florida has leveraged as many vehicles, as many opportunities and as many experiences as we can to try to understand what happens to terrestrial organisms when we go to space," Ferl said. "Interestingly enough, all the work that we've done over the past 20 years, 25 years, with the space shuttle program and the International Space Station has involved, for the most part, things that have been in space for a while, compared to things that have been on the ground. We actually know very little about the transition from the earth to space. And these shorter, suborbital trips actually offer a wonderful platform for us to understand... the biological process of adapting to living in one gravity here on the earth to living in microgravity up there in space."

Both Ferl and Paul helped develop experimental devices called Kennedy Space Center Fixation Tubes (KFTs), which are often used on the space station to safely and effectively handle solutions in a microgravity environment.

KFT devices preloaded with plants will mix test materials (for this mission, Arabidopsis thaliana , a plant used in multiple extreme-environment experiments) and preservative solutions to “freeze” a moment of gene expression so researchers can study what was happening at different stages of the flight.

"Our experiment is both the technology and science demonstration of... how to biochemically freeze samples — biology samples — at various portions of the flight," Ferl said. "What I'll do is actuate those experimental containers at various parts of the flight. So the idea, then, is to understand what happens before flight; what happens after the rocket is done and you're boosted into space; what happens after you float for a few minutes in space; and what happens when you come back to the ground. My job is to take samples during all those periods of the flight."

Ferl will activate KFTs at four different points during the mission: prior to launch, when reaching microgravity, at the end of the weightless period as the vehicle begins to descend and upon landing. From the ground, members of the UF Space Plants Lab team along with Paul will receive information from the flight that will trigger four identical “control” KFTs. The team will bring all the plant samples back to its lab in Gainesville for analysis after the mission.

New Shepard reaches a point in orbit (formally known as an apogee) past the Kármán line, which is the internationally recognized boundary of space (62 miles above the planet's surface). Additionally, it is designed for the purpose of taking astronauts and research payloads past the Kármán line.

The flight will be suborbital with around 15 minutes in space. Ferl said he has trained to prepare his mind and body for the experience through flying in fighter jets, simulations and practicing how to successfully complete the experiment during the flight, among other things.

According to Blue Origin, the New Shepard capsule , named after Alan Shepard (the first American to go to space) is an autonomous, environmentally controlled crew capsule. This means there are no pilots controlling the spacecraft. The website also says the spacecraft's entire system is designed for operational reusability and minimal maintenance between flights, which decreases the cost of access to space and reduces waste.

The full crew as well as the target launch date for Ferl’s flight have not yet been announced by Blue Origin. The New Shepard flight launches from Blue Origin’s Launch Site One near Van Horn, Texas.