Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

Growing up around Holocaust deniers and anti-Semites, Cole Keister often felt different because he was Jewish. The kids at his rural Oregon school called him a “kike” or a “dirty Jew.” One even gave him a bible and invited him to church to be “saved.” Upon returning from Birthright Israel in college, Keister no longer felt different. Instead, he said… Read More 

Since it was founded over 25 years ago, more than 900,000 Jewish young adults from around the world have joyously claimed their birthright as part of a global movement to ensure a strong and vibrant future for the Jewish people. This educational and life-changing trip to the Jewish homeland is known as Birthright Israel. In the U.S., Birthright Israel Foundation… Read More 

As the US fundraising arm for Birthright Israel trips, Birthright Israel Foundation aims to raise nearly $57 million every year to help nearly 50,000 Jewish young adults claim their birthright. This year, in celebration of our 25th anniversary, we've made a commitment to bring a minimum of 200,000 new participants to Israel by 2030. To help achieve this ambitious goal,… Read More 

My name is Laura Fasman, and I’m from California. I am a yoga teacher, a nature and animal lover, and a Reform Jew. I went on my Birthright Israel trip in September of 2024. Before I visited, my connection to Israel was based upon the experiences of others, from my older cousins’ Birthright Israel trips to the lives of Israelis… Read More 

On February 10, the Birthright Israel Foundation Board Reception in Sunny Isles Beach, FL, brought together supporters, alumni, and leaders to celebrate Birthright Israel’s 25th anniversary and its lasting impact, recently confirmed by Brandeis University’s Jewish Futures Project. Hosted by Leslie Dezer and her family at the Bentley Residences Gallery, the evening featured inspiring remarks from Birthright Israel Foundation National… Read More 

My name is Adina Fridman. I am originally from Toronto, Canada, but am currently a sophomore at New York University. I am majoring in Politics with minors in Public Policy and Hebrew and Judaic Studies. Naturally, I am interested in current events and government, with a focus on international relations and international politics. I have always attended Jewish schools, where… Read More 

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, in Highland Park, which is a very Jewish community—about 50% Jewish. I came from an interfaith household, and my Jewish experience was more cultural than religious. My mom’s whole family, the Jewish side, had come over from Eastern Europe, but they had passed away before I was born. Judaism wasn’t something I… Read More 

My name is Amberley Gin, and I am from Delray Beach, Florida. I am a recent Spring 2023 graduate from Florida State University, and I currently work as a public relations specialist at an agency in Tallahassee, FL.  My passions include singing, dancing, art, fashion, etc. – basically anything creative. I love animals, nature, traveling, and going to EDM music… Read More 

This year, Birthright Israel proudly celebrates 25 years of life-changing programs, and what better way to kick off this milestone than with an incredible alumni event in Miami? This past Saturday night, we marked this historic occasion in the vibrant Miami Design District. Thanks to DACRA’s generous venue donation, the stage was set for an unforgettable evening. The event brought… Read More 

In the aftermath of the October 7th attacks, Birthright Israel was one of the few bridges connecting Israelis to Jews in the Diaspora. Although the signature 10-day trips were paused, Birthright Israel quickly launched its Volunteer Program, offering participants like me a way to support kibbutzim affected by the war. Birthright Israel’s pivot deeply inspired me, prompting a career pivot… Read More 

“People who don’t know their past—their present is vague, and their future is a mystery,” my Birthright Israel madricha told us at Ben Gurion Airport. This not only became the theme of my trip, it resonated as the theme of my life and the enduring story of the Jewish nation. I was born in France to a traditional Sephardic family,… Read More