To the Editor:

Re “Growing Cultural Rift Disrupts a Time-Honored Trip to Israel” (front page, June 12), about Jewish activists who have objected that the trips don’t include Palestinian perspectives:

Birthright trips are not an entitlement. They are a gift. Young Jews reserve the right to participate, or not. Of course, a free trip, partly funded by the Israeli government, will seek to further certain goals. It is a compelling interest of the Israeli government to engender community and camaraderie among Jews — as well as to facilitate a connection to the one and only Jewish state.

But the programming is apolitical. It doesn’t speak about Israeli military or political history, and doesn’t delve into the details of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Birthright is not the place for this. It’s more about building bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Although these activists may be well intentioned, their protests are irresponsible. Should they wish to venture into the Palestinian territories, they can do so on their time and money. Or, better yet, if they wish to bring about change to the Israeli political system, they can move to Israel and vote.

Daniel G. Dolgicer

New York

To the Editor:

While I was glad to see The Times reporting on Jewish-led protests against Birthright, there were two glaring holes.