Tulane University’s Chabad hosts numerous Jewish students for Birthright Israel, a program that offers free educational trips to Israel for young Jewish adults. However, participation has seen a significant decline as concerns surrounding conflict in the region rise.
Experts describe the conflict as one of the most significant in the region in decades, with rapidly evolving conditions and ongoing uncertainty surrounding safety and stability. Government travel advisories have also warned against travel to the region, citing unpredictable security situations that could worsen without notice.
Despite some trips being just weeks away, students have already begun canceling or reconsidering their plans.
Reagan Bernstein, a sophomore at Tulane, said she canceled her Birthright trip two weeks ago.
“I was really excited to go to Birthright so that I could … explore more of my religion on the other side of the world,” Bernstein said.
Bernstein said her and her parents’ concerns about traveling during the ongoing conflict led her to cancel.
“I was also worried about my safety, and it just did not feel like the right decision at the end of the day,” she said.
While she expressed disappointment, Bernstein said she remains hopeful about participating in the future.
“I hope to go next summer,” she said. “I think the experience will be the same, if not even better, because there will be more anticipation and excitement built up.”
While some students have chosen to cancel, others remain committed to their plans.
Eli Pournazarian, a sophomore at Tulane, said he has been planning to attend a Birthright trip since his childhood.
“I’m most excited to go to the different historical sites and get to learn about stuff that happened in the Torah,” Pournazarian said.
Despite the current conflict, Pournazarian said he feels confident in his decision to attend.
“If we have brothers and sisters that are living over there with constant fear [and] they have to do that, what’s going to hold me back from doing that?” Pournazarian said. “I’m not going to let terrorism stand in the way of me getting to know more about my history and my people.”
Rabbi Leibel Lipskier, head of Tulane’s Chabad, said the program offers students a unique opportunity to connect with their identity in ways that extend beyond the classroom.
“As a Jewish person coming to visit Israel, a lot of the Jewish things that you learn come to life,” Lipskier said. “Instead of learning about Jerusalem or Jewish history or everything through books, you actually get to see the sights.”
Lipskier acknowledged that, while concerns about safety are valid, the program continues to operate with flexibility and close attention to changing conditions.
“Birthright has been running for over 20 years, and safety and security was always a priority,” Lipskier said. “They go above and beyond … to make sure participants are safe.”
He added that current itineraries are being adjusted in response to ongoing conflict, with trips expected to focus on areas considered lower risk.
“Most trips will likely be centered around Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and [the southern regions],” Lipskier said. “They’re in touch with the security establishment, and if there’s any threats or any concerns, the trips will be changed in real time as needed.”
Lipskier said that, in his view, students who feel comfortable should not be discouraged from participating.
“If Birthright opens the trips and allows travel, I personally believe it is safe to go,” he said. “Each student has to make that decision with their families, but I would feel comfortable traveling.”
Birthright has implemented flexible cancellation options for participants, allowing students to withdraw from trips ahead of departure.