Birthright Israel, officially known as Taglit-Birthright Israel, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999 that provides free 10-day educational heritage trips to Israel for young Jewish adults aged 18-26 (or up to 32 in some cases) from around the world. The program aims to strengthen participants' connection to Jewish heritage, culture, and the State of Israel, fostering Jewish identity, community, and solidarity. Trips typically include visits to historical sites in Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, and other key locations, combining sightseeing, educational sessions, and interactions with Israeli peers. The initiative is a partnership between private philanthropists (including major donors like the Adelson Family Foundation, which has contributed over $400 million, Michael Steinhardt, and Charles Bronfman), the Israeli government, and Jewish organizations, with the goal of countering assimilation among Diaspora Jews and encouraging future ties to Israel. Since its inception, Birthright has sent over 800,000 participants, making it one of the largest organized Israel experience programs. The program operates globally, recruiting from North America, Europe, Latin America, and other regions with significant Jewish populations, and collaborates with local Jewish federations and campus organizations. It has faced criticisms for its perceived pro-Israel bias, including visits to settlements in the West Bank, allegations of sexual misconduct by staff in the late 2010s (leading to internal reforms), and accusations of serving as a tool for Israeli hasbara (public diplomacy). Despite controversies, it remains a cornerstone of Jewish outreach efforts, with research showing increased attachment to Israel among alumni. Financially robust, it relies on an annual budget exceeding $200 million, subsidized almost entirely by donors to keep trips free for participants.