CIE Alumni Testimonies:

• In only ten action-packed days, we traveled through 3000 years of Jewish History learning about David, Soloman, Herzl, and the Holocaust. This free trip to Israel was an experience I will never forget and let me tell you, ten days wasn't nearly enough.
  
  Phil Rabin, Halifax
  
  
  
• Those ten days spent in Israel gave me a lot of what I had unknowingly been searching for. Growing up, I attended Hebrew day school, and participated in activities through a youth organization and my synagogue. I learnt how to speak Hebrew and understood my religion from both a historical and practical perspective. While I had all the tools, I really was lost when it came to using them and how they should come together as I begin my life as a young adult. And then I was given the gift of birthright israel.
  
  Leah White, Toronto
  
  
  
• I enjoy traveling on my own, however, the benefits of being exposed to Israel through the birthright israel program allowed for an absolutely amazing experience. Our guide was able to show Israel's beautiful and complicated story, her triumphs and her troubles, in such an incredibly powerful and provoking way. From sunrise to sunset, the events (lectures and various activities) asked me to contemplate the meaning of Judaism, Israel and my role in the grand scheme of Israel and Judaism.
  
  Ravi Boudin, Toronto
  
  
  
• The ten days I spent in Israel were some of the best days of my life. I quickly made friends with people I has just met as we experienced Israel together. Whether dancing at the Kotel on Shabbat, experiencing Yad Vashem, or meeting IDF soldiers who were the same age as us, it was great to be able to share my emotions with my new friends. birthright israel is an excellent program because it gives you the opportunity to experience Israel with your peers.
  
  Ian Goodman, Vancouver
  
  
  

Safety and Security:

• The safety and security on CIE birthright israel exceeded my expectations. I never expected to feel as comfortable and at ease as I did on my trip.
  
  Arielle Branitsky,
  Toronto- Taglit-birthright israel: CIE alumnus
  Winter 2004-2005
  
  
  
• Every protocol was fulfilled and at no time did I feel in danger, CIE took all of the precautions and I commend their efforts in providing an incredibly safe trip.
  
  Michael Vineberg,
  Montreal- Taglit-birthright israel: CIE Extreme Adventure alumnus
  Summer 2004
  
  
  
• My expectations of safety were surpassed during my CIE Taglit-Birthright Israel trip. I can’t say there is anything else CIE could have done to improve the safety. I felt safer in Israel than I do walking around my home city.
  
  Steve Reed, 
  Vancouver- Taglit-Birthright Israel: CIE alumnus
  Winter 2004-2005
  
  
  
  

Madrichim (Leaders):

• Our wonderful Madrichim were caring and supportive and where as excited to be there as we were. It was important to me that they were open to discussion about the politics and loyalties and contradictions thrown at us – for those things are hard to handle on your own. Our tour guide brought so much joy and knowledge to our days. Our driver was always joking and smiling with us, our medic and guard were our friends. I cannot imagine having better staff.
  
  Avia Moore,
  Edmonton- Taglit-birthright israel: CIE alumnus
  Winter 2005
  
  
  
• Our madrichim were fantastic! They went out of their way to make our trip fun and memorable. In fact, it was my birthday while we were on the trip. I didn’t plan on celebrating it since I was on vacation, but our madrichim made sure that it didn’t go unnoticed. They had the entire bus sing happy birthday to me (in Hebrew and English) and gave me a piece of cake! The trip wouldn’t have been the same without them.
  
  Amy Webber,
  Vancouver- Taglit-birthright israel: CIE alumnus
  Winter 2005