And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon because of the name of the LORD…And she came to Jerusalem… (1Kings 10:1-2)
Israeli Tourism Minister Uzi Landau (Yisrael Beiteinu) hopes to establish a program for Evangelical Christian youth parallel to the current Taglit-Birthright program that has brought more than 330,000 young Jewish adults to Israel over its 13 years.
According to the program website, “Taglit-Birthright Israel aims to change the course of Jewish history and ensure the continuity of the Jewish people by strengthening Jewish identity, Jewish communities, and solidarity with Israel via an educational trip to Israel for Jewish young adults around the world.” Taglit-Birthright offers Jewish men and women, between the ages 18-26, an opportunity to see Israel for the first time. It is open to eligible applicants who have not attended a formal program in Israel before. Some 51,000 participants arrive each year from 62 different countries.
Minister Landau believes, “The Christians have a problem with their next generation too,” Ynet reported. “We are looking to get closer to this public in order to generate tourism and support for Israel when they return to their homeland, become our ambassadors and view Israel not through CNN’s eyes.”
Minister Landau hopes that like Taglit-Birthright, the Christian trip will be funded by private philanthropists, as well as by the Christian community.
