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U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Swimmer Returns From Israel Determined to Engage His Generation in Philanthropy

New York, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- When three-time world champion and Olympic gold medal winning swimmer, Ben Wildman-Tobriner was selected as Taglit-Birthright Israel's 200,000th participant, he expected that he would have a life-changing experience. What he did not anticipate, however, was having the opportunity to change other people's lives by sharing his own experiences overcoming adversity.

"Taglit-Birthright Israel gave me the opportunity of a lifetime," said Wildman-Tobriner, who recently returned from a 10-day trip toIsrael. "Seeing Israel for the first time is an unforgettable experience, and despite the conflict I felt safe touring the country and met incredible people that are filled with strength, determination, and hope for the ability to live in peace.Israel is a great model of how each person can do their small part to accomplish the impossible, even make the desert bloom."

"When we selected Ben Wildman-Tobriner to serve as our symbolic 200,000th participant, we did so, in part, because we felt that his story, which is one of overcoming obstacles and triumphing over seemingly insurmountable odds, was akin to the story of theState of Israel and that of our organization itself," said Gidi Mark, CEO of Taglit-Birthright Israel. "He is a great role model to his peers, demonstrating how each one of us can do our part and use our own talents to contribute to the causes we care about."

A world champion swimmer, Wildman-Tobriner suffered a potentially career-ending injury in December 2007, but was determined to overcome it. He devised methods of training with one-arm -- including designing a wet suit with a sling, and went on a mere eight months later to win a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, swimming in the heats of the 4x100 meter relay that broke a world record. His contributions inBeijing helped lead the U.S. team to its climactic victory.

Wildman-Tobriner was able to use his experiences to show support to the people ofIsrael. During his trip, he took some time off from touring to share his experience and knowhow with disabled Israeli soldiers at the Bet Halochem pool inTel Aviv.

"Meeting and speaking with wounded Israeli soldiers who are fighting to improve their swimming abilities in spite of their injuries was extremely moving for me, particularly because they are young people my age," Wildman-Tobriner said. "Their bravery is truly inspirational. I'd always felt comfortable with my Jewish identity, but I never felt especially connected toIsrael. Now, after my Taglit-Birthright experience, I realize how important it is for us to keep the connections we established with theState of Israel and our culture strong. I'm grateful to Taglit-Birthright Israel for the opportunity they gave me, and I think every young Jewish adult should have this experience."

Taglit-Birthright Israel was founded in 2000 by renowned philanthropists Michael Steinhardt and Charles Bronfman. Many were skeptical that their vision of sending every American young Jewish adult toIsrael could ever become a reality. Yet less than ten years later, the organization has sent 200,000 people from around the world, ages 18-26, on all-expense paid trips toIsrael.

The milestone was marked during Taglit-Birthright Israel's "Mega-Event" inJerusalem, which brought over 3,500 people together to celebrate. On behalf of all participants, Wildman-Tobriner greeted Israeli President Shimon Peres and presented philanthropists Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson with a special gift in recognition of their support of Taglit-Birthright Israel and their help in reaching the 200,000 milestone.

About Taglit-Birthright Israel

The Taglit-Birthright Israel gift is available to Jewish young adults, ages 18-26, who have never been toIsrael on an organized educational trip. Taglit-Birthright Israel, launched in 2000, is a partnership between leading philanthropists, theState of Israel, and Jewish communities around the world. Its mission is to strengthen participants' Jewish identities and connection toIsrael and the Jewish people. The gift covers roundtrip airfare toIsrael, transportation, most meals, lodging, guides and any additional ground expenses.

SOURCE Taglit-Birthright Israel