It was always a question of "when," not "if" I were to go on Birthright Israel. As a Chinese, Jewish, autistic, adoptee, with a single Ashkenazi mom (a mouthful!), I'm constantly exploring my intersectional identity. Being Jewish was a core part of my identity, and I wanted to connect with the diverse, international Jewish tribe – and eat a lot… Read More
August 16, 2022
Pop Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Jewish Rituals & Traditions
If you are Jewish, you had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah when you were a child. If you are a parent, you may have even hosted a Brit Milah or a Simcha Bat. Whatever Jewish tradition or ritual you participated in, they all have significant meanings and play essential roles…
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How do you go from being a 19-year-old soldier in the IDF to becoming an international Jewish and Israel educator, an author, and a public speaker on some of the world’s largest events within ten years? The answer is simple: You just go on a Birthright Israel trip, and sooner…
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Ted Rosner is a 2022 Birthright Israel alumnus from Westchester County, New York. He grew up in an interfaith family and was excited to participate in the program to learn more about his Jewish roots. Before his Birthright Israel trip, Ted worked at the Cato Institute as a Development intern, which he enjoyed very much. He graduated from Sacred Heart… Read More
On July 10, 2022, Birthright Israel Foundation kicked off our 2022 Mission, bringing the magic of Birthright Israel to life for our 50 donors who joined us from the United States, Canada, and South Africa. From the moment we landed in Israel, the excitement was incredible. Our donors came from all over the United States to experience the gift they so… Read More
Under a beautiful Aspen sky on Tuesday, July 26th, Barbara and Michael Gamson hosted more than 60 guests in their home in support of Birthright Israel Foundation. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the incredible impact of the Birthright Israel experience and discovered how 10 days can change a life. Alumna, National Board Member, and Co-Founder & CEO… Read More
Alumni
Trip Highlights
Mike Boulrice Takes a Deep Dive Into His Jewish Heritage & More on Birthright Israel
Alumnus Mike Boulrice did not discover his Jewish heritage until adulthood and through Birthright Israel's targetted advertising, learned of the trip's pilot program for 27-32-year-olds. Mike quickly signed up, despite opposition on social media for traveling to Israel, and began a deep dive into his Jewish heritage. Q&A with Mike Boulrice What inspired you to sign up for a Birthright… Read More
Alumni
Trip Highlights
Video: Accessibility Participant Adam Shapiro Shares His Birthright Israel Experience
Adam Shapiro is a 2022 Birthright Israel alumnus who participated in an accessibility trip for those on the Autism spectrum. In the video and interview below, you'll meet Adam and hear why he loved his Birthright Israel experience and what he learned while in Israel. My name is Adam Shapiro. I live in Huntington, Long Island, New York. I am… Read More
More than 3,000 enthusiastic attendees gathered on Wednesday for an extravaganza, known as the Birthright Israel Mega Event, which caps each summer’s gathering of the organization’s trips to Israel. Yet this event was more special than usual, marking as it did the return, after a two-year break due to the coronavirus crisis, of the free summer trips to Israel for… Read More
Alumni
Leadership & Supporters
Meet Aaron Leff: Birthright Israel Alumnus, Staffer & Los Angeles Lay Leader
For many of our more than 800,000 alumni, Birthright Israel is often the first independent Jewish decision they make. Some of our participants come to the experience with little connection to Judaism or Israel and some come to the experience with a hunger to learn more about their history, their homelands, and themselves. For 2008 alumnus, Aaron Leff, Birthright Israel… Read More
On Thursday, July 7th, members of the South Jersey community joined to learn about Birthright Israel Foundation's important work. The event was held at a private home in Longport, NJ. Miriam Feldman and Anat Cohen chaired the evening. National Board Member and Philadelphia Regional Council Co-Chair Margie Honickman spoke about the enormous impact of Birthright Israel and how young Jews… Read More
Birthright Israel Foundation has officially launched the Birthright Israel Legacy Society to ensure young Jewish adults from around the world will be able to fulfill their birthright and explore their ancestral homeland for generations to come. Birthright Israel is founded on three values that are central in the Jewish world: Unity, Community, and Mutual Responsibility. The educational experience is a… Read More
Noah Friedman is a 2022 Birthright Israel alumnus from San Antonio, TX. He is currently a sophomore chemistry major at Texas A&M University. At campus, Noah is a leader at the Hillel and is also involved with MOVE Texas, a progressive grassroots student organization focused on increasing voter registration. Noah is outspoken on issues that face the Jewish community, and… Read More
