Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

Six months ago, our world was forever changed.  We woke up on October 7 to the news that 1,200 innocent Israelis were murdered and 234 were kidnapped by Hamas.  Homes and families were destroyed as our homeland was under attack. Quickly, we understood the substantial impact these horrific attacks would have on Israeli society, its economy, and Jews around the world.… Read More 

My name is Talia Dror. I'm a student at Cornell studying Industrial and Labor Relations, with minors in business and legal policy. Like many of you who are reading this publication, I'm the child of a brave woman who fled her home country due to religious persecution. A story shared by so many Jewish people. I was raised as a… Read More 

Roberta and Stanley Bogen generously opened their doors for Birthright Israel Foundation's annual Palm Beach event. Guests were treated to inspiring remarks by Roberta Bogen, Birthright Israel co-founder Charles Bronfman, and alumni, highlighting the program's profound impact. From Waitlist to Deep Friendship Chloe Bogen, a University of Texas at Austin graduate, captivated the audience with her story. Initially waitlisted for… Read More 

Curious about what draws a young Jewish adult to volunteer in Israel right now? In our interview below, we met Mollie Falk, who was eager to help Israel tangibly during this time. Mollie is a testament to the strength of the next generation. Tell us what initially drew you to volunteer in Israel with humanitarian efforts. Did you have specific… Read More 

I always knew that I was going to go on a Birthright Israel at some point in my life. Growing up, Hebrew school instilled in me the importance of Israel, but something deeper always stirred within. Even practicing for my Bar Mitzvah couldn't quench my thirst for understanding. I currently attend Tulane University, whose vibrant Jewish community kept me connected,… Read More 

Sam Permutt, a 2005 Birthright Israel alum, never felt a true connection to Israel or his Jewish heritage. In our interview with Sam below, he shares how a desire to learn more about the geopolitics of the region drove him to participate in a Birthright Israel trip. Little did he know the trip would catapult his involvement in Jewish life… Read More 

When people talk about their Birthright Israel success stories, you’ll usually hear about someone who had no previous connection to Israel returning with a newfound love for their homeland. My Birthright Israel experience, however, only intensified my existing love for Israel, so much that it led me to make the life-changing decision of making Aliyah all on my own two… Read More 

I was 22 years old when I went to Israel for the first time on a Birthright Israel Onward program for two months in Haifa. I volunteered with the children of Eritrean asylum seekers at an NGO called Aleph. My relationship with Israel waxed and waned throughout the years, from being immensely proud of the only Jewish nation to being… Read More 

My Jewish identity has always been complex, but my experience with Birthright opened my eyes to more joy than I could have prepared for. In Israel, I found a sense of independence and a deep connection to the land and people. I also found a friend who would become my husband and the father of our two boys. My introduction… Read More 

When Alon Fishman visited Israel in early January on a group trip, it wasn’t his first time in the country. But Fishman, 23, had never seen Israel like this before. When his Birthright Israel group arrived at the Western Wall, they found it uncharacteristically empty, and the plaza featured a new memorial with the names of the 1,200 victims of… Read More 

Who knew a Birthright trip could lead to happily ever after? Not Amanda and Eric! Their story began amidst the sun-kissed landscapes of Israel, where a casual bus seat conversation blossomed into a love that would change their lives. Fast forward, and they're now a Seattle-based family with two bouncing sons and a furry friend named Penny, all thanks to… Read More