With security concerns at the forefront of students’ thoughts on traveling to Israel, Joshua Kahn found a way to spark conversation about Birthright.
Birthright is a free 10-day trip to Israel for Jewish young adults ages 18 to 26.
The 28-year-old Jewish agency Israel fellow at UF’s Hillel ordered 500 condoms adorned with the phrase “Israel: it’s safe to come” and 300 Ping-Pong balls with the saying “Israel: let’s bounce,” in hopes of raising registration numbers.
UF anthropology sophomore Gavin Casper, 19, noticed the promotional items Kahn was handing out.
“I just think it’s really funny,” he said. “I think it definitely spreads the word, but I’m surprised that they’re doing something so out there.”
That’s what Kahn was hoping for.
“When people see us they say, ‘Wait, you guys are giving out condoms?’ At the bare minimum, it gets people to talk about Israel and gets some people on the website,” Kahn said.
Today and Wednesday, UF Hillel staff members will continue handing out items on Turlington Plaza and Plaza of the Americas.
Kahn has already noticed an increase in hits and pre-registration numbers at www.UFIsrael.org.
“Anything that’s a little edgy is definitely going to make some people a little uncomfortable,” he said. “I think that it’s great because it pushes people outside their comfort zone and gives them the ability to look at Israel in a different light.”
