3-Time World Swimming Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist Named 200,000th Taglit-Birthright Israel Participant
Taglit-Birthright Israel December 22, 2008
Photo: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images
Olympian Ben Wildman-Tobriner speaks to the press at the USA house about his medal winning swim, August 23, 2008 in Beijing, China.
(NEW YORK, NY) -- Taglit-Birthright Israel, the program that sends Jewish young adults, ages 18-26, to Israel for free, today announced that three-time World Champion swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Ben Wildman-Tobriner will serve as the program's 200,000th participant on a trip arriving in Israel on December 29, 2008.
"Ben Wildman-Tobriner is a shining star among American Jewish young adults," said Gidi Mark, international CEO, Taglit-Birthright Israel. "An athlete, a scholar, a person who has overcome a tremendous challenge to achieve his dream, he is a role model for young Jews everywhere. We are privileged to have him represent Taglit-Birthright Israel, and are confident that the trip will prove to be a transformative experience for him--as it is for nearly all who have had the opportunity to participate."
Wildman-Tobriner was selected as Taglit-Birthright Israel's 200,000th participant in recognition of his tremendous accomplishments, and also because he personifies elements integral to the organization and to the State of Israel itself--a commitment to a dream, a willingness to overcome obstacles, and ultimate success.
The founding and continued strength of the State of Israel, as history shows, is an odds-defying miracle. Similarly, renowned philanthropists and co-founding chairmen, Michael Steinhardt and Charles Bronfman defied the odds in starting Taglit-Birthright Israel. When they suggested sending every American young person on a free trip to Israel, few believed that it could be done. And yet, less than 10 years later, the 200,000th participant is about to depart--all this despite the difficult economic situation.
And 3-time world champion swimmer, Wildman-Tobriner, who suffered a catastrophic, potentially career-ending injury in December 2007, went on--a mere six months later--to win a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, swimming in the heats of the 4x100m freestyle relay that broke a world record. His contributions in Beijing helped lead the U.S. team to its climactic victory. Like Taglit-Birthright Israel and the State of Israel, Wildman-Tobriner, who devised methods of training with one-arm--including designing a wet suit with a sling--defied the odds through strength, ingenuity, and determination.
As a graduate of Stanford University and a medical student at the University of California San Francisco, Wildman-Tobriner also exemplifies the Jewish commitment to academic excellence and to helping others. As a volunteer at the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, he shows a commitment to the Jewish value of tikkun olam--improving the world.
"Although I grew up proud to be Jewish, and I've traveled the world to compete, I've never had the opportunity to go to Israel." said Wildman-Tobriner. "I'm extremely excited about going and grateful to Taglit-Birthright Israel for the opportunity."
As a member of a group of travelers from California, Wildman-Tobriner will participate in the inspiring and educational activities that have made Taglit-Birthright Israel a rite of passage for Jewish young adults since the program's inception in December 1999. Among the highlights of the trip will be a "Mega-Event" in Jerusalem on January 1, 2009, which will bring together all Taglit-Birthright Israel participants currently in Israel. During the event, which is expected to draw 3,500 people and will feature performances by Israeli musical artists, Wildman-Tobriner will greet Israeli President Shimon Peres and present philanthropists Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson with a special gift in recognition of their remarkable support of Taglit-Birthright Israel, which has helped the organization reach the 200,000 milestone.
About Taglit-Birthright Israel
The Taglit-Birthright Israel gift is available to Jewish young adults, ages 18-26, who have never been to Israel on an organized educational trip. Taglit-Birthright Israel, launched in 2000, is a partnership between leading philanthropists, the State of Israel, and Jewish communities around the world. Its mission is to strengthen participants' Jewish identities and connection to Israel and the Jewish people. The gift covers roundtrip airfare to Israel, transportation, most meals, lodging, guides and any additional ground expenses.
"Ben Wildman-Tobriner is a shining star among American Jewish young adults," said Gidi Mark, international CEO, Taglit-Birthright Israel. "An athlete, a scholar, a person who has overcome a tremendous challenge to achieve his dream, he is a role model for young Jews everywhere. We are privileged to have him represent Taglit-Birthright Israel, and are confident that the trip will prove to be a transformative experience for him--as it is for nearly all who have had the opportunity to participate."
Wildman-Tobriner was selected as Taglit-Birthright Israel's 200,000th participant in recognition of his tremendous accomplishments, and also because he personifies elements integral to the organization and to the State of Israel itself--a commitment to a dream, a willingness to overcome obstacles, and ultimate success.
The founding and continued strength of the State of Israel, as history shows, is an odds-defying miracle. Similarly, renowned philanthropists and co-founding chairmen, Michael Steinhardt and Charles Bronfman defied the odds in starting Taglit-Birthright Israel. When they suggested sending every American young person on a free trip to Israel, few believed that it could be done. And yet, less than 10 years later, the 200,000th participant is about to depart--all this despite the difficult economic situation.
And 3-time world champion swimmer, Wildman-Tobriner, who suffered a catastrophic, potentially career-ending injury in December 2007, went on--a mere six months later--to win a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, swimming in the heats of the 4x100m freestyle relay that broke a world record. His contributions in Beijing helped lead the U.S. team to its climactic victory. Like Taglit-Birthright Israel and the State of Israel, Wildman-Tobriner, who devised methods of training with one-arm--including designing a wet suit with a sling--defied the odds through strength, ingenuity, and determination.
As a graduate of Stanford University and a medical student at the University of California San Francisco, Wildman-Tobriner also exemplifies the Jewish commitment to academic excellence and to helping others. As a volunteer at the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, he shows a commitment to the Jewish value of tikkun olam--improving the world.
"Although I grew up proud to be Jewish, and I've traveled the world to compete, I've never had the opportunity to go to Israel." said Wildman-Tobriner. "I'm extremely excited about going and grateful to Taglit-Birthright Israel for the opportunity."
As a member of a group of travelers from California, Wildman-Tobriner will participate in the inspiring and educational activities that have made Taglit-Birthright Israel a rite of passage for Jewish young adults since the program's inception in December 1999. Among the highlights of the trip will be a "Mega-Event" in Jerusalem on January 1, 2009, which will bring together all Taglit-Birthright Israel participants currently in Israel. During the event, which is expected to draw 3,500 people and will feature performances by Israeli musical artists, Wildman-Tobriner will greet Israeli President Shimon Peres and present philanthropists Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson with a special gift in recognition of their remarkable support of Taglit-Birthright Israel, which has helped the organization reach the 200,000 milestone.
About Taglit-Birthright Israel
The Taglit-Birthright Israel gift is available to Jewish young adults, ages 18-26, who have never been to Israel on an organized educational trip. Taglit-Birthright Israel, launched in 2000, is a partnership between leading philanthropists, the State of Israel, and Jewish communities around the world. Its mission is to strengthen participants' Jewish identities and connection to Israel and the Jewish people. The gift covers roundtrip airfare to Israel, transportation, most meals, lodging, guides and any additional ground expenses.
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