A Place: Abraham's Tent

‫ב”ה‬

A Place

What is Abraham’s Tent?

a Place TO MEET TO TRAVEL

TO ENJOY

TO STAY TO PLAY TO TO GROW

FEEL

AT HOME

Our Mission: To maximize the long-term benefits of young people’s time in Israel by providing meaningful opportunities and experiences that strengthen Jewish identity, foster Jewish continuity and affiliation, and make Jewish life more relevant and attractive on a personal level.

To connect with each visitor on a personal level; to help visitors find the knowledge, opportunities, and activities that makes their Jewishness more meaningful to them as individual.

To be a networking center that provides visitors with the tools, resources and connections to integrate an inspired and lasting relationship with Judaism, Israel and the Jewish people.

Dear Friends, A few years ago, we had a dream. While spending time in Israel, studying and seeking, we looked around and saw thousands upon thousands of fellow students and young adults doing the same thing. Some were on Birthright trips, some were studying in Universities, some were on internships and other programs, and some were just here, wandering in the steps of their ancestors. One thing we all had in common: We were all looking for a meaningful connection to our Jewish heritage in the Land of Israel.

In Israel, inspiration abounds. Almost everyone who comes here as a young person has an uplifting experience. The question is, what can we do to capitalize on this most inspirational time to make it lasting?

That’s where our dream comes in: Abraham’s Tent is a place where the inspiration becomes integrated and grounded. Our programs are designed to maximise the long-term benefits of young people’s time in Israel by providing meaningful opportunities and experiences that strengthen Jewish identity, foster Jewish continuity and affiliation, and make Jewish life more relevant and attractive on a personal level. Our open, laid-back environment ensures that everyone feels at home. Participants are encouraged to ask the question: What does Judaism, the Jewish people, and the Land of Israel mean to you?

At Abraham’s Tent, some find the answer in Torah, some find it in friendship, some in Shabbat, some in music, some in nature… But all are enriched by the idea that they are on a Jewish journey, and encouraged to make that journey a permanent part of their life.

Our aim is to build on the unbelievable success we’ve had so far and continue our work at Abraham’s Tent to facilitate greater engagement among Jewish young people. We have already empowered the thousands of participants who have come through our doors, and with your partnership we look forward to expanding our programs to serve thousands more future leaders in the years to come.

With Blessings,

Yosef & Sorale Eichenblatt

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A PLACE

TO COME HOME THE PROBLEM: ASSIMILATION, APATHY, LACK OF IDENTITY

The problem of Jewish identity in the modern world is getting worse. Consider the following: 150,000 Jews assimilate every year and are lost to the Jewish people.

— MK Danny Danon, Chairman of the Knesset Aliyah Committee

80% of Jews under 35 are not pro-Israel.

— Knesset Aliyah Committee

58% of Jews assimilate by intermarriage (in 1970, it was 17%) 66% of Jews are not affiliated with any synagogue 33% of Jews had a Christmas tree in their home 22% of Jews describe themselves as having no religion — Pew Research Center, 2013

THE CHALLENGE: TIME & MONEY

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in programs such as Birthright and MASA, which bring Jewish young adults to Israel in an effort to curb this trend. Unfortunately assimilation and intermarriage rates are still on the rise. The challenge is not just inspiring young adults in Israel, but empowering them to bring that inspiration back home with them. For that to happen, they need to spend more time in Israel.

ABRAHAM’S TENT PARTICIPANTS

PLACE OF RESIDENCE:

78% North America 11% Europe 4% Israel 3% South Africa 4% Other

But only 30% of Birthright participants extend their trip.

THE OPPORTUNITY: PROVIDE A FUN & AFFORDABLE SOLUTION

People don’t extend their trip because it is daunting (and expensive) to remain in a foreign country, even if it is your homeland. Abraham’s Tent provides a familiar place that is fun, inspirational and affordable so they can spend more time in Israel — and get more out of it.

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A PLACE

TO EXPLORE What does one find at Abraham’s Tent?

Abraham’s Tent is unique in its approach that nurtures the body, heart, mind and spirit.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Comfortable and affordable lodgings and meals Laundry facilities Open Lounge with refreshments and free Wifi Low cost tours and travel services Central old-city location, next to the Kotel Next to Jewish Quarter shops and restaurants Network Center & Travelers information Rooftop terrace with amazing views

What we do, like our namesake suggests, is offer young adults from all backgrounds and affiliations the opportunity to enjoy Judaism and Israel by offering a forum for discovery and integration that strengthens Jewish identity and builds confidence. At Abraham’s Tent, travelers find space for quiet reflection, as well as social interaction and exciting events.

PROGRAMS

Birthright extension Weekend and Shabbat programs Daily workshops and activities Drop-in program for large groups Organized tours Events, concerts, parties, and BBQs

ABRAHAM’S TENT PARTICIPANTS

PURPOSE OF TRAVEL TO ISRAEL: 38% Birthright Trip 30% Traveling/Backpacking 27% Study Abroad program 5% Volunteering

It is a place to meet, to find, and to be found.

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A PLACE

TO CONNECT What is the impact of Abraham’s Tent? What do our participant walk away with?

At Abraham’s Tent, students become more sensitive to the realities of life in Israel, becoming Israel advocates. They develop connections, and find a sense of belonging to the Jewish people.

They see an example of Jewish kindness and hospitality, fall in love with it, and want to bring it into their own lives.

When surveyed as they arrive, the sense of Jewish affiliation paints a bleak picture. Abraham’s Tent strives to flip this chart around, so that the majority of those who come feeling unaffiliated leave with a strong sense of connection to the Jewish people, with a desire and ability to continue building that connection.

ABRAHAM’S TENT PARTICIPANTS

REPORTED AFFILIATION UPON ARRIVAL: 74% Unaffiliated 26% Affiliated

ABRAHAM’S TENT IS A BRIDGE

The single greatest achievement of Abraham’s Tent is its unique ability to demonstrate the relevance and importance of Jewish life in the modern world, and to serve as a bridge between the high of the Israel experience and “real” life back home.

SYNAGOGUE & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS ATTENDANCE COLLEGE

JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS, CLUBS, AND ISRAEL ADVOCACY

TRAVEL & VOLUNTEERING

TRAVEL/STUDY PROGRAMS AND INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ISRAEL AND ABROAD

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A PLACE

TO INSPIRE We want to inspire even more young people. Here are some of our Future Plans:

PROGRAM EXPANSION

Extend our seasonal operation, with the eventual goal of being a full-year operation. The demand is there. Abraham’s Tent has been booked solid from the beginning. Being open all year will streamline our operations, and open new opportunities for long-term programs and group visits.

DEVELOP STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Abraham’s Tent is already working with several large, established Jewish organizations, including Birthright and several educational institutes. We are working to develop more relationships both in Israel and abroad to create cross-promotional and funding opportunities. These partnerships open channels through which participants can be referred to Abraham’s Tent by their local Jewish organization or their Israel trip provider, receive subsidies and incentives for their stay, and be referred to organizations at their next destination.

BUILDING CAMPAIGN

Owning our own location will enhance our presence and provide long-term stability. It will also be an economically sound move that will lower our costs both short-term and long-term, since the mortgage payments will be lower than our rent, and will be a capital investment and asset for Abraham’s Tent. Most importantly, having our own facility will enable us to make the necessary investments to grow so that even more participants can benefit from Abraham’s Tent.

If you have any ideas or connections that can help move any of these initiatives forward, please be in touch.

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Abraham’s Tent sits at the vortex of the Jewish universe: It is located in Jerusalem, the heart and soul of our people, and it connects with young people at the peak of their Jewish inspiration, which can quickly fade if not nurtured.

We consider our work pivotal to the successful realization of a dream conceived by dozens of organizations spending millions of dollars to bring young Jews to Israel.

Abraham’s Tent is a game-changer in this equation, a sound investment with a guaranteed return in a stronger future for Jewish communities around the world.

Please review our current Annual Report for details about recent activities and upcoming sponsorship and dedication opportunities.

Thank you for your friendship and support.

Yosef & Sorale Eichenblatt, Co-Directors Office: 9 Diskin, Suite 40, Jerusalem, Israel 96440 | Center: Misgav Ladach - Old City, Jerusalem

US: 818-666-8237 | info@AbrahamsTentinJerusalem.com | Israel: 972-52-361-7703

www.AbesTent.com