Like so many young Jewish adults, I was raised in a mixed-faith family. With my mother identifying as Presbyterian and my father identifying as Jewish, it was up to them to decide how both my brother and I would be raised. Judaism is hugely important to my father’s side of the family and my parents decided that the best way… Read More
November 25, 2020
Video: Birthright Israel Alumni are Thankful for You
Since we are in the month of giving thanks, we want to share a message of gratitude. Thank you for believing in Birthright Israel through these uncertain times. Thank you for your unwavering support of what this educational trip can do for young Jews worldwide. In the video below, you’ll…
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Brian Shaw, member of Birthright Israel Foundation’s Chicago Leadership Cabinet, supports the program to combat misinformation about Israel. When Brian was in college, he did his thesis on the fall of the Ottoman Empire, a part of Middle East history many people are unfamiliar with. Brian feels very few people…
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Birthright Israel Foundation has helped more than 750,000 Jewish young adults claim their birthright. From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, and many destinations in between, those who sign up for this free trip are wholly immersed in Israeli life, values, culture, history, and heritage. While there is much to do and see in Israel, one of the biggest eye-openers for participants… Read More
Julie and Asher’s love story began in Israel in 2015 on a Birthright Israel trip when a nice American girl met a nice Israeli boy. After the trip, Julie returned to New Jersey and Asher moved to Munich, Germany but the distance couldn’t keep them apart. Asher soon caught a flight to New Jersey to celebrate Thanksgiving and to hang out with… Read More
When you grow up in an observant family or community, Birthright Israel is something that’s on everyone's radar. So naturally, when I was an undergrad at the University of Michigan, I signed up for a Birthright Israel trip with the campus Hillel. The trip was really my first touchpoint to Israel and engagement in Jewish life as an adult. When I first arrived in Israel with my Birthright Israel group, I knew there was more I… Read More
The Birthright Israel experience equally benefits young Jewish adults from the Diaspora and Israeli participants, known as Mifgashim. For many young Israelis, Birthright Israel provides an opportunity to understand Jewish life outside of Israel. More so, the 10-day experience allows them to see their country through someone else's eyes, which furthers their appreciation for their home. To date, more than 115,000 Israelis have participated… Read More
If it wasn't for Birthright Israel, I don't know if I'd still be Jewish ten years down the road. After being Bar Mitzvah'd, there was little that still linked me to Judaism besides food. For instance, eating latkes every April, fasting on Yom Kippur, and suffering through Shabbat services on the rare Friday night, I visited my grandparents and great-grandma… Read More
We often kvell about the impact of Birthright Israel on Diaspora participants like you, but did you know that you’re not the only ones who benefit from this transformational journey? Over the past two decades, we’ve also given 115,000 Israelis the opportunity to claim their birthright. The participants, known as Mifgash (Hebrew for encounter), are mostly young soldiers in the… Read More
Within Atlanta’s bustling Jewish community of 130,000 people, Birthright Israel Foundation is fortunate to have captured the hearts of many. The impact of Birthright Israel Foundation’s work and the Atlanta leadership inspired Sara and Stuart Meyers to become avid supporters. We were fortunate enough to get to know the couple and speak with them about their excitement for the program. Here is what they had to say: Why do you believe in the Birthright Israel experience? Sara: We’ve… Read More
Since it was founded over 20 years ago, more than 750,000 Jewish young adults from around the world have joyously claimed their birthright as part of a global movement to ensure a strong and vibrant future for the Jewish people. This educational and life-changing trip to the Jewish homeland is known as Birthright Israel. In the US, Birthright Israel Foundation… Read More
When I realized that reading did not come easily to my oldest daughter Yahel, who is now 7, my heart broke just a little. I knew with the right support she could catch up. It was never about her being the brightest in class. Or a competition of who could read fastest. I was sad for the world I wanted… Read More
It may seem like Israeli and American Jews are worlds apart, but as Mifgash Shavit Rootman learned during Birthright Israel, we actually have a lot in common. When he stood with his group at Mt. Herzl, where fallen soldiers are buried in Jerusalem, he met another participant, an American Navy veteran. The two bonded over their reasons for service (Rootman… Read More
