On Wednesday, November 13, 2019, 45 members of the Jewish community of Palm Beach Gardens and…
Lily Kanter will be honored at Birthright Israel Foundation’s annual San Francisco fundraiser, Shaping Our Jewish Future: The Voices of Birthright Israel. Following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel and the ensuing war, the program will focus on standing in solidarity with Israel. We look forward to happier times when the war concludes and when the streets of Israel will be filled with Birthright Israel participants, showing our strength as a community and people.
In the spirit of resilience, we would like to share with you more about Lily Kanter and the incredible work she is doing on behalf of Israel, young Jewish adults, and the entirety of the Jewish people. We hope that by reading this article, you will feel her passion and dedication, and it will inspire you to follow in her footsteps.
Lily Kanter is a distinguished leader who has championed Birthright Israel in the Bay Area and beyond.
Fellow supporter Nancy Grand, chair of the evening, said, “Lily leads the way and inspires her fellow philanthropists to make a substantial gift to Birthright Israel a top priority. This is the kind of leadership we need at this moment, which ensures that even after this war, Birthright Israel will be a glimmer of hope to young Jewish adults and Israel.”
Lily’s passion for Jewish education fueled her sense of purpose in carrying the baton as chair of Birthright Israel Foundation’s Northwest Ambassador Council since 2021. During the uncertain times of COVID-19, Lily co-chaired “Birthright Israel – Back on the Ground,” a virtual gala.
Lily and her husband, Marc Sarosi, subsequently hosted three inspirational parlor meetings at their home, featuring Dr. Zohar Raviv, Birthright Israel’s International Vice President of Education, to educate others about the strategic importance of scaled educational visits to Israel and the profound thinking behind Birthright Israel, the milieu of its participants, and the program’s impact over 23 years.
“Lily walks the walk,” her friend Tina Sharkey observed. “She’s an all-in person. She shows up for people and communities. In a Jewish context, she’s passionate about passing along our treasured traditions, wisdom, and history.”
As an experienced entrepreneur with five start-ups behind her, Lily was the co-founder of Serena & Lily, founder of Good Mvmt, and most recently, co-founder of Averylily. She is a Wexner Heritage Fellow as well as a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute. Her family’s philanthropic interests span from food insecurity in Hawaii and Maui to poverty relief in Africa, Brothers for Life, Cambodia Children’s Fund, to Jewish education and community building. In recent years, Lily chaired the Diller Teen Awards and “Day of Philanthropy” at the San Francisco Jewish Community Federation and Endowment.
Howard Zack, a close friend of Lily’s and her predecessor as chair of Birthright Israel Foundation’s Northwest Ambassador Council, shared that “Lily exudes ‘kehillah’ (community). Connecting people and building community define her persona. She is impelled to share the joy she derives from Judaism; in the hope it will resonate with others. Her instincts are outward facing: to share as generously, as creatively, and as openly as possible.”
“It makes sense that Birthright Israel found its way into her heart,” shared Tiny Sharkey. “Israel is the homeland of the Jewish People, and Lily knows there’s no educational substitute for a multi-sensory, immersive experience on the ground. Birthright Israel provides a core educational experience that’s proven to make a huge impact on Jewish continuity, one trip at a time,” Tina continued.
As a parent herself, Lily has witnessed the challenges facing Jewish young adults today. Lily believes that experiencing Israel firsthand is crucial to dispelling misconceptions and fostering a greater appreciation for Israel’s complexities. In 2021, Lily described Birthright Israel as “an incredible platform that allows participants to make their own observations, come to their own conclusions, and define their own journey as proud Jews.”
Rabbi Sydney Mintz at Congregation Emanu-El describes Lily as an “intergenerational thinker and bridge.” Rabbi Mintz is also the founder of 13th Tribe, and has produced several creative community-building projects in close partnership with Lily.
Rabbi Mintz elaborated, “Lily’s passion for Israel comes from a place of heart that goes back to conversations at her parent’s kitchen table, where her voice was welcome. Lily’s spirit is intergenerational because she is curious and allows her children to guide her as much as she guides them. She understands that if we want our kids to connect with Jewish values, we need to include them, bring them into conversation early, and respect their voices.”
Last year, 13th Tribe hosted “floating sukkah” parties on a ship that sailed the San Francisco Bay during the intermediate days of Sukkot. Lily was a key investor and promoter. When asked if the effort and outcome were worth it, Rabbi Mintz reflected that “Lily understands that, in business, you focus on ROI — return on investment. In community building, we’re dealing with souls, so the language of ROI doesn’t make sense. Lily believes in the value of bringing people together both for making meaning and making connections. She has an expansive vision and doesn’t limit herself in how to be Jewish.”
Rabbi Mintz described Lily as someone who doesn’t like to be the center of attention. “By honoring her, we have an opportunity to shine a light on her spirit and how she lives her life as a businesswoman, a wife, mother, friend, and Jewish leader.”
Discover more about our upcoming San Francisco event and hear from the young adults whose lives you’ve changed.
Get Involved
Lily Kanter and Marc Sarosi’s heartfelt dedication to the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and the next generation fuels their support for Birthright Israel Foundation. Their advocacy, philanthropy, and voices are respected in the Bay Area and beyond. On November 12, 2023, at our annual event, we will gather as a community in solidarity with Israel and look forward to advancing our mission. Our hope is to expand our network of supporters and bring thousands of young Jewish adults to Israel. Join us for an evening of inspiration and solidarity!
