Growing up in Massachusetts, my family went to temple every so often. I started going less and…
Since 2018 Karen and Mark Holzberg of Atlanta have made Birthright Israel Foundation a priority for their philanthropic endeavors. The couple is part of our committed and growing Atlanta community of over 1,000 donors. In the past year, especially since the pandemic broke out, the Holzbergs, like so many others, have stepped up their involvement with Birthright Israel.
When many organizations paused efforts, Birthright Israel Foundation’s Atlanta community went full speed ahead. Of course, events were no longer in person, and everyone became a regular on Zoom. However, none of this stopped the momentum in hopes of giving the gift of Birthright Israel to every eligible young Jewish adult when it is safe.
The Holzbergs joined us at every opportunity to navigate this new normal and assist Birthright Israel. For example, at the beginning of the pandemic, they joined us for an Israel update with Birthright Israel Foundation’s Israel Liaison, Benji Davis. Benji, a Jerusalemite, spoke about what life was like in Israel and shared program updates from our colleagues in Israel.
Mark & Karen’s Commitment to Birthright Israel
The kindness the Holzbergs show the Jewish community and Birthright Israel Foundation is heartwarming. We had the opportunity to speak to them about their commitment to Israel, being ‘Birthright Israel parents‘, and the program. Like so many Atlanta supporters, their involvement began with a personal passion and connection to board member Doug Ross.
Mark shared with us that although their kids participated in the trip, they left the philanthropy side alone for some time until he developed a friendship with Doug. Both Doug and Mark sit on the Advisory Council for the Gateway Center in Atlanta. “It was when he invited us to an event for Birthright that I realized the program aligned with our values. As Jews, we want our Jewish heritage to continue. The trip broadens one’s perspective of Judaism and helps them make it their own” shared Mark.
The long-term impact of Birthright Israel
Once the Holzbergs became avid supporters of the trip, it is the program’s continuous impact that keeps them coming back. Birthright Israel celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2020 and to date has brought 800,000+ young adults from 68 countries to Israel. More so, Brandeis University continues to conduct studies on the effectiveness of this immersive experience. Mark and Karen value the ongoing research to back up the program. “Amazingly, we seem to be as big as we are even after 21 years. It proves Birthright has made a difference. It’s been noted time and time again, it’s a life-changing experience.” According to Brandeis, 85% of participants report Birthright Israel was a life-changing experience.
Mark and Karen also value that Birthright Israel gives and asks nothing in return from its participants. This is the vision that co-founder Charles Bronfman had when he created the program two decades ago as a gift from one generation to the next.
The couple shared that they feel young people go and are comfortable letting their guard down and being present in the moment. “On Birthright they go and get immersed in Israeli life, institutions, art, and meet people in the military, celebrate Shabbat…it all makes them realize their Judaism is not a little thing they had at home. It shows them they are part of something bigger.”
Supporting Israel’s Economy
Another selling point of Birthright Israel for Mark and Karen is the program’s impact on the Israeli economy. Since Birthright Israel’s inception in 2000, the program has contributed over $1.5 billion to Israel’s economy. This is an insight many are not familiar with and is a huge player in the Israeli tourism industry.
In 2019, Israel welcomed over 44 million tourists which was an 11% increase from the previous year. We also must note, it was a record-high year for participation in Birthright Israel. Since the pandemic began though, Israel has reported losing billions from its tourism industry. This is one reason so many are eager to get trips up and running when the time is right. Aiming to provide 50,000 young Jews with a Birthright Israel trip means more nights booked in hotels, more dining out, and a boost in employment for those in the hospitality industry.
Join Birthright Israel Foundation’s Atlanta Community
At the end of the day, Karen and Mark Holzberg have become a crucial part of our Atlanta community. Most of all, in times of need, Atlanta has delivered thanks to this robust and dedicated group of philanthropists. Because of supporters like them, more people understand just what an investment in Birthright Israel is, and no one can say it better than Mark.
“It’s the biggest bang for your buck if you care about Judaism and Israel. How many things can you give to where 85% of people have a life-changing experience? How many things can you give to where you make a direct impact on the Israeli economy? This is a feel-good investment and it’s a positive.”
Join our Atlanta supporters and make a tax-deductible donation to Birthright Israel Foundation today.
