On April 25- 30th, Ezra was hosted at the 4-day intensive Taglit Birthright Israel leadership training program for madrichim in Jerusalem. The focus of the seminar was, first and foremost, to train and prepare the young leaders to take student groups on Birthright Israel trips this summer, as well as strengthen their Jewish roots, and bonds to modern Israeli culture. The seminar was generously supported by Genesis Philanthropy Group and Taglit Birthright Israel. 

The seminar was specially designed for Russian speaking individuals from the former Soviet Union and represented four major organizations - Ezra, Hillel, Nativ, and JAFI. EZRA uniquely included together madrichim from all over the globe: Germany, North America, Israel, and FSU. The educational training was provided by the Institute of Informal Education headed by Dr. Dima Zicer. For the madrichim from Ezra, this seminar was more than just about training of a madrich, but also offered a wonderful opportunity to connect and make friendships with young leaders from other organizations. Participants were able to share experiences and goals and to grow in the process. Most importantly, madrichim from Ezra had a full week to practice working together with one another and learn to operate as individuals within a team to achieve a common goal. Additionally, madrichim from Ezra met with leaders from the Ezra organization and tour guides who offered advice and answers to some important questions, and all worked together to design and improve the Birthright itineraries for the upcoming summer season. Ezra madrichim came back with new knowledge, experiences, friendships and a deeper connection to Ezra - realizing that collaboration and friendships are possible even across the Atlantic.