Why I Give Back to Shorashim

It wasn’t long ago that I re-connected with Shorashim, almost 20 years after my “Shoresh” trip to Israel and Poland. I was amazed to learn of all the things that they were doing - from Taglit-Birthright Israel to Club Israel, and of course, the summer program. I couldn’t believe it: Anne and Yossi were still there and the program had sent thousands of kids to Israel. They had a high school program reaching out to thousands more, ran an Israeli-American summer camp, and had launched many other successful projects and programs.

I felt pretty guilty. After all this non-profit organization had given me, and was now doing for thousands of others, it had not once called upon me for help. I started wondering if other alumni felt the same way and were interested in getting involved and reconnected, so I helped put together the reunion last Spring. Many of us were so fortunate to experience Shorashim or CCP because we had parents who understood the impact this program would have, and also could afford to send us.

The reality is, many parents, both American and Israeli, want their children to have the same Shorashim experience we had, but will never have the opportunity because they simply cannot afford it. As we all know, Shorashim is not about a trip to Israel, it is about a life experience. An experience that helps shape the foundation, roots, of many kids and one which undoubtedly will transcend for generations to come. Many have asked how to help or what you can do to “give back." Shorashim really needs the help of its alumni, friends, and families.

If each alumni could make even a small donation, it would be a meaningful way to give back to other kids who otherwise will not have the same opportunities afforded to us. Here are some things you probably don’t know…

• Israelis on the Shorashim/CCP High School Program cannot afford the cost of their participation, yet - as you know - they are the heart and soul of the program. This summer, it will cost approximately $1,800 to subsidize the cost of each Israeli on the Shorashim program.
• This year, because of the economic situation, many American families will not be able to afford the program fee which is now over $7,000. Anne Lanski founded Shorashim on the premise that an Israel experience should be a privilege for anyone and has since made sure that scholarships were available to anyone who needed it. We can help Shorashim meet the larger need that will exist this year.
• Shorashim has spearheaded amazing programs for high school students through Club Israel - and they now reach over 1,000 high school students a year. These programs are all reliant on foundation and individual funding.
• When there is an urgent need and a meaningful educational moment, Shorashim is always there. Take for instance, last summer's addition of participants from Sderot, and - in the summer of 2006 - the creation of a day camp for children whose fathers were serving in the Lebanon War (if you haven't seen the video for this, you must see it). All of these projects were made possible by gifts from alumni, families, and friends.

I know that this year is a difficult one for everyone, but as you are planning your end-of-the-year giving, consider giving to Shorashim. We have a goal this year to raise $50,000 from our alumni to be matched by our Board and community partners. If we succeed, we will be able to make the Shorashim experience available to anyone who wants it! We hope to offer other ways for you to get involved so stay tuned. We are also planning some future events, and if you are interested in joining a committee, or help planning, please let us know. Thank you for all of your continued support.