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Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

September 9, 2026

I Boarded the Plane to Change Their Lives. Instead, They Changed Mine.

by Stacey Weiss , 2026 Birthright Israel Volunteer Madricha
Six weeks ago, I was asked if I would staff a Birthright Israel volunteer trip to Israel for adults with disabilities. I hesitated. I had never worked with this population...
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August 27, 2026

VIDEO: Elias Saratovsky on MS NOW Morning Joe

by Birthright Israel Foundation
As Birthright Israel approaches one million participants, including more than 60,000 Jewish young adults who have traveled to Israel since October 7, Elias spoke about what those numbers represent: 25 years of giving Jewish young adults the opportunity to experience Israel for themselves and come home with a stronger Jewish identity, a deeper connection to Israel, and a greater understanding of their place in the Jewish story. 
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On Nantucket, One Story Reflects Nearly a Million More

August 7, 2026

On Nantucket, One Story Reflects Nearly a Million More

by Birthright Israel Foundation

At the evening hosted by Danielle and Gregg Darish on July 30, Gregg opened to a growing community of Birthright Israel Foundation supporters on the island, a room full of longtime friends and many who are new to Birthright Israel. Birthright Israel Foundation President & CEO Elias Saratovsky spoke to why this moment matters, reminding everyone that "by investing in...

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A Night to Remember: Birthright Israel Foundation in Aspen

July 22, 2026

A Night to Remember: Birthright Israel Foundation in Aspen

by Birthright Israel Foundation

On July 14, Birthright Israel Foundation brought together 150 supporters in Aspen for an unforgettable evening of community, conversation, and commitment to the next generation. Event Chairs Jodie & Steven J. Fishman and Leslie & Russ Robinson set the tone for the evening, joined by Birthright Israel Foundation President & CEO Elias Saratovsky for a night centered on Israel's resilience...

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Picking Up My Own Sword for Birthright Israel

July 20, 2026

Picking Up My Own Sword for Birthright Israel

by Maya Ohcana , Birthright Israel Madricha

I was born and raised in Highland Park, on Chicago's North Shore. My dad was Israeli, so Israel and Judaism were a huge part of my upbringing. I went to private Jewish school from kindergarten through fourth grade — I spoke Hebrew, I read Torah, I did it all. But I don't do my best learning in a classroom —...

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Reclaiming My Nigerian Jewish Heritage with Birthright Israel

July 15, 2026

Reclaiming My Nigerian Jewish Heritage with Birthright Israel

by Ike Amadi , 2026 Birthright Israel Alumnus

I was born in East Hollywood and grew up in LA. I'm studying communications at Cal State University, Northridge. My interests are finance, art, music, and film, and my hope is to build a career as a financial advisor. I didn't grow up Jewish. My family is from Nigeria, specifically Igbo. Four years ago, I began to get curious about...

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From a Queens Housing Project to Jewish Leadership with Birthright Israel 

June 23, 2026

From a Queens Housing Project to Jewish Leadership with Birthright Israel 

by Michelle Rojas-Tal , 2004 Birthright Israel Alumna

It was January of 2004, and I was nineteen years old, rolling my luggage out of Ben Gurion Airport for the first time. Something tumbled off the top. A young Israeli security guard bent down to pick it up. Our eyes locked, and the bells rang — at least for me. I looked at him and said, with all the...

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A Historic Night for Birthright Israel on Long Island

June 16, 2026

A Historic Night for Birthright Israel on Long Island

by Birthright Israel Foundation

The Long Island Jewish community gathered on June 11 for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and commitment to the Jewish future. The event was held to honor Jon Held, whose advocacy, leadership, and philanthropic investments have helped send thousands of young people on Birthright Israel trips. National Board Member and event co-chair Scott Jaffee opened the program alongside Long Island...

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Birthright Israel Is the Greatest Gift of All

June 11, 2026

Birthright Israel Is the Greatest Gift of All

by Michael Benzadon , 2026 Birthright Israel Alumnus and Onward Participant

I'm from Miami, and a biochemistry pre-med student at the University of Florida. My dream is to become a cardiovascular surgeon. My parents are Orthodox and Sephardic, so I grew up passionate about our traditions and customs. I had been hearing about Birthright Israel my whole life. My friends and I had been talking about it since we were in...

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