WEST HARTFORD, CONN. (January 25, 2017) – A new social group has formed to connect former participants in the Taglit-Birthright Israel program, which offers free trips to Israel for young Jewish adults ages 18 to 26. The Hartford Birthright Alumni Network aims to help them meet new friends, strengthen their connection to Israel and explore Greater Hartford's vibrant Jewish community. 

“The Birthright trip to Israel is really a life-changing trip for so many Jewish young adults – it definitely was for me,” says Abbey Cohn, Director of Young Adults and Special Affinities at Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. “The Hartford Birthright Alumni Network will give us an opportunity to build on those amazing experiences and connect with Birthright alumni locally.”

The network’s first public event will be a bowling party on Thursday, February 9, 2017, from 7 to 9 pm at Ducks on the Ave, 572 Farmington Avenue, Hartford. An $18 admission fee includes two hours of bowling, shoes, and snacks. A portion of the ticket price will be donated back to Birthright Israel. A cash bar will also be available. Maddy Shakun and David Steinberg are co-chairing the party. To register, visit bit.ly/BirthrightBowling.

The Hartford Birthright Alumni Network is a joint effort of Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and the Mandell Jewish Community Center. All Birthright alumni are welcome to participate, regardless of their trip date and trip provider. To learn more about Taglit-Birthright Israel, click here or contact Abbey Cohn at acohn@jewishhartford.org or 860.727.6131.