This is absurd. I staffed Birthright twice - with the OU’s (Orthodox-run, right-wing leaning) Israel Free Spirit. Not a single time were we staffers instructed to say “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank.” 
At staff orientation, we were actually given little instruction in this regard - which I interpreted as free reign. So much of this “Birthright debate” is SO SPECIFIC to staffers. (Pic from trip, from my Insta then.)
Sure, a zealot can somehow get accepted as a staffer & then will dismiss any questions from participants. That zealot ought to be complained about - for doing a disservice to participants - directly to Birthright, as any HR complaint....
...instead of being manufactured into an international crisis of Zionist conspiracists who obfuscate history.
Birthright staffers are young volunteers, passionate about Israel/Judaism, incentivized by a free trip. They’re not Middle Eastern affairs professors forheavenssake.
Birthright staffers are young volunteers, passionate about Israel/Judaism, incentivized by a free trip. They’re not Middle Eastern affairs professors forheavenssake.
A few times on that crazy Birthright bus, I was asked by participants about the conflict.
I loved those questions. I was thrilled they cared to ask. I admitted my own bias, encouraged them to go tour the other side too after this trip, and gave them reading recommendations.
I loved those questions. I was thrilled they cared to ask. I admitted my own bias, encouraged them to go tour the other side too after this trip, and gave them reading recommendations.
