Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

Brett Cooper is a 2009 Birthright Israel alum and Birthright Israel Foundation donor. He learned from his grandfather, Milton Cooper, that philanthropy is a must, as is taking care of the Jewish people. As parents, Brett and his wife Michelle hope that by paying it forward and helping other young Jews claim their birthright, they are making the world a… Read More 

In 2004, Noa Tadmor was an IDF solider serving in Gaza when she was asked to join a Birthright Israel group as part of the Mifgash. Like many soldiers who are invited to join a trip, Noa was excited to have a few days off from her base and meet young Jews from the US. Noa felt a connection to… Read More 

Growing up, my family practiced Reform Judaism. I went to Sunday school and Hebrew school, attended high holiday services and observed other Jewish traditions. I have fond memories of dropping ping pong balls from the top of the staircase with my cousins. At the same time, we acted out the ten plagues during the Passover seder, going apple picking to… Read More 

My name is Jordy Goldstein, and I am a junior at Kent State University with a major in human development and family studies. I have loved traveling ever since I can remember. Throughout high school, I took every opportunity to travel, which was amazing. Everything always felt like a vacation. I honestly never knew one trip could change my life… Read More 

My name is Sammy, and I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I graduated from High Point University with my Master’s Degree in Communication and Business Leadership, as well as receiving a Bachelor’s in Human Relations with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. In my free time, I love to volunteer, work out, and spend time with friends… Read More 

It’s the day of my Bat Mitzvah, and I’m nervous. For all the usual reasons – What if I mess up the Hebrew? What if I open my mouth and nothing comes out? – and also because we’re running late. In more ways than one. I am 21 years old, going into my senior year of college. My sister and… Read More 

Sivan Brodo-Abo is a 2023 Brithright Israel alum who is half-Israeli. Prior to her trip, Sivan had visited family in Israel but never had the opportunity to dive into the rich history of the Jewish homeland until this immersive experience. Q&A with Sivan What inspired you to sign up for a Birthright Israel trip?  Sivan Brodo-Abo: "I am half Israeli,… Read More 

My name is Grace, and I am a freshman studying biomedical engineering at Cal Poly and am originally from the Chicago suburbs. In my free time, I enjoy running, weight lifting, crocheting, watching Youtube, listening to music, and spending time with friends. For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to go on Birthright Israel because it… Read More 

Sarah Feldman is a 2022 Birthright Israel alum who lives in the heart of the Silicon Valley tech hub. She studied computer science engineering and holds an MBA in Finance. She presently works at Google, where she drives their engineering programs. She is involved with J Leaders and the local Nob Hill Moishe House. Outside of her Jewish passions. Sarah… Read More 

Rachel and Justin Fishman met on their Birthright Israel trip in 2006. Neither of them thought they'd fall in love in a mere ten days. However, they did, and their experience still impacts them years later. Today, Rachel and Justin live in the Queen Village section of Philadelphia, PA, with their three children. All three of their kids play travel… Read More 

I was given the foundation of a strong Jewish identity in my small but tight-knit Jewish community in San Antonio, Texas. Wherever I go, I am proud to wear my Magen David because I am grounded in my beliefs. I knew I wanted to make my connection to Israel my own, though, and that is why I embarked on my… Read More