Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

The Jewish High Holy Days, also known as the 10 Days of Repentance or Awe, are approaching faster than three blasts of a ram’s horn. It’s time for us to let go of the old as we embrace the Jewish New Year. A time of reflection and renewal, the High Holy Days kick off with Rosh Hashanah, Hebrew for “head… Read More 

At the beginning of 2022, Birthright Israel announced its merger with Onward Israel. Onward Israel is an immersive 6-10 week internship program in Israel that provides college students with a resume-building experience. The internship also allows participants to build relationships with their Israeli peers. What to Know About Onward Israel Onward Israel's Goal Onward Israel aims to provide its participants… Read More 

A parent whose children will join an upcoming Taglit-Birthright Israel trip asked Zohar Raviv, the program’s international vice president for educational strategy, “What are my kids going to get out of this trip?” “I don’t know what your kids are going to get,” Raviv replied. “I know what I intend for them to get.” The criteria for success, he said… Read More 

What do you get when three brothers claim their birthright and have the experience of a lifetime in Israel? You get triple the effect of what we at Birthright Israel Foundation like to call "the Birthright Israel bounce". The Birthright Israel bounce is when the trip's impact passes from the child to the parent and leaves an everlasting impression. And,… Read More 

Having attended Jewish day schools in the Atlanta area through high school, I learned all about Israel in the classroom — the history of the Western Wall, the wonders of the Dead Sea, and occasionally the complexities of Middle Eastern conflict. I even had the chance to visit the typical Israeli attractions during each of my two visits before summer… Read More 

Abbie Barkan was fortunate to participate in Onward Israel this past summer. Recently, Birthright Israel announced its merger with Onward Israel. Birthright Israel Foundation is lucky to make experiences like Abbie's possible for young Jews in Atlanta and around the country. Below you will learn more about Abbie's Onward Israel internship and time living in Israel. Q&A with Abbie Barkan… Read More 

Sarah Fels and Corey Dicker have an inspirational Birthright Israel love story that spans beyond the 10 days of the trip. It is because of connections the two made from prior Birthright Israel experiences that they are married today. More so, the young couple has made Birthright Israel Foundation one of their top philanthropic priorities. The article below, written by… Read More 

Birthright Israel Foundation is thrilled to bring you another inspiring Atlanta donor story. It will make you proud of your community and excited about the Jewish future. We had the pleasure of speaking with long-time supporter and native Atlantan Viki Freeman from her summer home in Aspen, CO. It was only the night before she attended the first-ever Birthright Israel… Read More 

My name is Zoe Newman, and I am a Kindergarten teacher in Cincinnati, OH. I am originally from Cleveland, but I went to the University of Cincinnati for college, got a job after graduating, and decided to stay! Coming back from Birthright Israel, I would say without a doubt that I had the best ten days of my life. I… Read More 

Eric Kenyon is a 2022 Birthright Israel alum currently living in Columbus, Ohio, who wanted to take advantage of a free trip to Israel. However, like countless others, Eric quickly realized this trip was turning out to be life-changing. Eric’s wife and son convinced him that spending two weeks away was a good idea, and he is grateful that they… Read More 

On the evening of Thursday, August 18, 2022, Birthright Israel Foundation supporters gathered at the home of Ivan Kaufman for our annual Hamptons event. Guests had the pleasure of hearing remarks from Birthright Israel alum and activist Erin Schrode, who shared how Birthright Israel helped change her life. We were also fortunate to hear from our Co-Founder Charles Bronfman, whose vision… Read More