As if it wasn’t enough to offer Jews around the world a trip to Israel totally free of charge, the Birthright industry is now marketing “the only skateboarding trip to Israel” and a “hip hop” trip. This is in addition to the already popular “niche” tours that include those catering to the LGBT community, food enthusiasts and wheelchair-bound Jews.
The American Zionist youth movement Young Judea hosting these flyers on its website explains the skateboarding trip as “Based on the core Israel Now itinerary, this program is specially offered to people who board. No posers. No pushers. Go to explore and to skate. Sessions in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem!”
The hip hop trip is defined as “specifically offered to hip-hop heads. Ciphers and Passports – it can’t get better. What does that mean? It is entirely unclear what these trips actually entail, but they are sponsored by Artists 4 Israel, an organization that describes its mission thusly: “We are the security fence against cultural terrorism.”
If you ask me, these flyers are committing some cultural crime. But anyway, why are these trips being offered? Is there a shortage of Jews going on Birthright trips? According to the website, Birthright has taken “over 340,000 young Jewish people from 62 countries.” Is there a specific demand by skateboards and hip hoppers?