In 2001 when David Rak signed up for Birthright Israel, he could not have imagined how lasting and profound of an impact the journey would have on his life. "I can't emphasize enough how the Birthright Israel experience still resonates with me to this day," said David as we began our conversation. In the 20 years since his trip, David… Read More
In today’s world, mothers are superwomen doing everything from taking care of the home and kids — all while juggling careers. More so, if you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish mom, you’re tackling all of the above while ensuring your children are proud Jews. Giving our children a strong connection to…
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April 27, 2021
Information on Birthright Israel Trips Resuming & COVID‑19
On April 26, 2021, Birthright Israel announced it will resume providing the gift of an educational trip to Israel beginning in May. The decision to allow entry for tour groups was made by the government in wake of a successful nationwide vaccination campaign that has already reached more than…
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Leadership & Supporters
Trip Highlights
Birthright Israel to resume trips for vaccinated Americans in May
Birthright Israel announced on Monday that it will resume trips to Israel beginning in May for all eligible adults from the United States who are vaccinated or fully recovered from the coronavirus. According to Birthright, dozens of trips are expected in May and June with more than 400 tour groups planned for July, August and October. The decision to allow… Read More
Imagine going about your everyday life. Then someone tells you something fascinating, for instance, like being told about an opportunity to go to a new country completely free with this organization called Birthright Israel. It almost sounds too good to be true, right? However, after doing some research, I realized it was good and true! Most of all, I realized… Read More
Melissa and Dor Flayshman met on January 9, 2009, a few days into their Birthright Israel trip. Dor was one of the Mifgash (Israeli soldiers) and Melissa remembers he spoke fluent English and was very funny. She specifically remembers being instantly drawn to him and by that first evening, the pair was inseparable. It was hard saying goodbye once their… Read More
Sara Armet is a 2012 Birthright Israel alumna who went on to found the luxury chocolate brand, Lady & The Chocolate. Having honed a career in specialty retail at Barneys New York and Bergdorf Goodman, Sara Armet woke up one day with a calling to make ‘the best chocolate you ever had'! Amidst a global pandemic, designing chocolate bark with… Read More
For most young Jewish adults who participate in Birthright Israel trips, it is their first time visiting Jerusalem. For possibly all of their life, Jerusalem was a dream, a place they heard about in school or the synagogue. That is until the generosity of Birthright Israel Foundation's nearly 40,000 annual donors make the dream of visiting Jerusalem a reality. To… Read More
Leadership & Supporters
Donald M. Ephraim on Why Birthright Israel Should Be On Everyone’s Charitable Giving List
Birthright Israel Foundation is proud to count Donald M. Ephraim among its most generous donors in Palm Beach. His name for many in Palm Beach and the Chicago area will be familiar - Donald has been and is a very generous, active leader in both Jewish communities. For decades he has philanthropically supported numerous Jewish and secular causes, from the… Read More
Spring has sprung. Passover is here and you’re already thirsting for the four promises of redemption. Although it’s tempting to think about reclining, everything will fall flatter than the bread of affliction without a little Passover planning. On Passover, we like to mingle the holiday’s greatest hits with a few contemporary recipes. Bubbe’s Matzah Ball Soup is a keeper, of… Read More
Israel is a young country with a flourishing modern culture. You probably already knew that, but it comes as a surprise to some Birthright Israel participants. Many of these Jewish young adults, aged 18-32, don’t give much thought to life in Israel or Jewish living. After the educational and experiential Birthright Israel journey, they enthusiastically embrace their Jewish roots. “Unless… Read More
For nearly all 20-plus years of Birthright Israel, Palm Beach area philanthropists and alumni have played a significant role in the organization. Nestled in Florida's Gold Coast, Palm Beach is home to one of America's largest Jewish communities making it an ideal place for nonprofits, such as Birthright Israel to thrive. Since the program's founding, over 4,000 young Jews from our Palm… Read More
I am Michael Messinger and I am proud to serve as Chair of the Los Angeles Leadership Council for Birthright Israel Foundation. This past year, 2020, began my first full year in this role and I’m humbled by the dedication of the Greater Los Angeles community to partner with me and all our council members, to generously support Birthright Israel… Read More
