This summit allowed a new generation of Jewish leaders, artists and entrepreneurs to network amongst themselves in an attempt to create a powerful new activist synergy. Sponsored by the Schusterman Foundation, Taglit birthright-israel, The Israel Democracy Institute and the Marcus Foundation, ROI also connected activists, usually grounded in a DIY ethos, with more established institutional partners, so as to benefit from their assistance and advice.

Summer 2006 was an auspicious time for this inaugural meeting. Taglit-birthright israel, in operation for 6 years, has sent over 120,000 participants on free Israel trips. In doing so, Taglit-birthright israel has managed to emphasize the centrality of Israel in every notion of Jewish identity. This birthright spirit was much in evidence during the conference and affected even those who had never been on a Taglit-birthright israel trip.

View photos from the 2006 ROI Summit here:

ROI120