On Wednesday, November 3, 2021, nearly 100 Miami donors joined Sharon and Howard Socol, Miami Leadership…
For nearly 20 years, Birthright Israel has partnered with the Gift of Life Marrow Registry, encouraging the young Jews who participate in trips to Israel to register and potentially help those with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood-related diseases.
The groups recently hit a milestone: 100,000 who have offered to serve as donors. The 100,000th is 20-year-old Mitch Linefsky of Fairlawn, N.J.
“An incredible one in eight Birthright participants have joined Gift of Life’s registry. That’s 100,000 out of 800,000 Birthright participants,” said Jay Feinberg, founder and CEO of Gift of Life. “Four-hundred-thirty-three donors have saved the lives of patients battling blood cancer. As a transplant recipient myself, thank you to every donor who has joined our registry to make a difference in the world.”
According to transplant centers, donors between 18 and 35—a demographic that also describes those who go on Birthright—tend to produce the best outcomes for patients.
The above was originally published by JNS on June 8, 2023.
What Birthright Israel Participants Say About Gift of Life
Why did you swab for Gift of Life on your Birthright Israel trip?
Billy Richman: “I never questioned it. There are not many Jews in the world, and it can be very hard for a Jewish person to find another with matching DNA. Anything I can do to help others, Jewish or not, is a no-brainer. I was just telling my friend about my experience and that I matched. She’s getting a bone marrow transplant and is fortunate to have found a match. So I think of people like her, and it is one of those things you do because you know you have to be there for one another.”
What does it feel like to save a life?
Benjamin Kanas: “The feeling is overwhelming and humbling to know you are saving someone’s life with such a simple action. At the same time, I am overcome with love and a greater appreciation for those I have in my own life. This opportunity would not have been feasible if not for the generous contributions from the Adelson Family to both Gift of Life and Birthright Israel Foundation.”
