Abraham’s Tent Welcomes Guests in the Holy Land

Statistics show that Jewish young adults who visit Israel and have a Jewish experience are a lot more likely to marry Jewish and support Israel.

Over one billion dollars has been invested in programs such as Birthright and MASA, which bring hundreds of thousands of Jewish young adults to Israel for ten-day trips and long-term programs.

Unfortunately, the assimilation rate is still rising. In the US over 50% of Jews assimilate (according to the National Jewish Population Survey) and only 20% of Jews under the age of 35 are supporters of Israel (according to Knesset Aliyah Committee data). “150,000 Jews assimilate every year and are lost to the Jewish people,” said MK Danny Danon, Chairman of Keneset committee for immigration and Diaspora affairs.

These statistic show that there is still a major piece of the puzzle missing.

Young adults who go to Israel on Birthright trips and the like become very inspired, however when the trip ends they go home and the inspiration often fades.

A small fraction of these young adults extend their stay in Israel; some join the IDF, volunteer or study. As a result their lives are transformed. They either move to Israel or go back home with a stronger Jewish Identity and as passionate advocates of Israel. They become integral to their Jewish communities and Israel.

Many more would like to extend their Israel trip but don’t have a place to go, or a support system to help them integrate their Israel experience into their lives.

Seeing the great need, two brothers, Yosef and Mendel Eichenblatt, decided to fill the gap.

They moved to Israel and opened “Abraham’s Tent.” Abraham’s Tent is an open home and hostel for young adults coming off trips and tours that would like to extend their stay in Israel.

Like its ancient namesake, Abraham’s Tent offers young adults from all backgrounds and affiliations the opportunity to experience Judaism and Israel in an open-minded, fun and meaningful way, and to explore Israel as a local.

It’s unique in its all-encompassing approach – providing homey and affordable accommodations with a large array of low-cost services such as meals, tours, workshops, Shabbat programs, social events, Wi-Fi, laundry and travelers’ information – all designed to help these “visitors” quantify their Israel experience.

Abraham’s Tents’ network center offers a combination of tools, resources and programs available by Jewish organizations in Israel and abroad. This empowers them with the information necessary for integrating into a future life inclusive of a critical contribution to the Jewish people and Israel.

The Old City location, a one minute walk from the western wall with roof top views from the Temple Mount to the Dead Sea, puts the final touch on a great formula to capitalize on the most impressionable time of a Jew’s life and help Young adults connect to their heritage and homeland.

This past summer over two thousand Jewish young adults have taken part in Abraham’s tents programs. The effect and testimonials are overwhelming.

Abraham’s Tent is a young organization that has been a major hit and seen overwhelming success. While there is a great need for it year round, until they are financially able Abraham’s Tent is focusing the majority of its resources to capitalize on the peak tourist and birthright season.