A Historic Night for Birthright Israel on Long Island

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 Cabinet Chair Rachel Podell, who welcomed 300 guests to the largest event Birthright Israel Foundation has ever held on Long Island. Birthright Israel Foundation National Board Members Larry Cohen and Barry Swidler joined guests who heard remarks from IDF soldiers who traveled from Israel for the occasion.

Alumni Michelle Rojas-Tal and Rachel Rose each shared deeply personal stories about how their Birthright Israel trips transformed their lives, and an IDF soldier offered remarks on what the Mifgash — the encounter between young American Jews and their Israeli peers — means from the other side. National Board Member David Horowitz spoke about why supporting Birthright Israel Foundation has never been more urgent. Past Long Island Cabinet Chair Amy Jaffee and event co-chair Steven Cooper led the evening's pledge moment, during which the Cooper Family, the Held Family, and the Jaffee Family each offered matching gifts of up to $100,000 — quadrupling every new or increased commitment made in the room. The evening raised $2 million — enough to send 400 young Jewish adults on a life-changing Birthright experience. We are deeply grateful to our co-chairs, our Cabinet, our host committee, and every guest who gave so generously to ensure the next generation finds their way to Israel and to Jewish life.