Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

In December 1999, as the entire world was preparing for the impending doom of Y2K, I received a phone call that changed my life. A new, innovative idea had just launched with the goal of reversing the decades long trend of young Jews feeling less connected to their Jewish identity and to Israel. On the other end of the phone… Read More 

On Thursday, September 13, 2023, Vice Chair Lori Komisar and Morrie Silverman warmly welcomed guests to a special event at their home dedicated to celebrating and supporting Birthright Israel Foundation (BRIF). The gathering brought together generous donors and newcomers eager to learn about the organization's mission. Lori Komisar began the evening with heartfelt remarks, sharing her and Morrie's strong support for Birthright… Read More 

On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, St. Louisans Stacy and Greg Siwak hosted a gathering that brought together dedicated Birthright Israel Foundation donors, as well as those enthusiastic about getting involved. Stacy and Greg kicked off the event with heartfelt remarks, expressing their deep commitment to Birthright Israel and highlighting the profound impact these journeys have on young Jewish adults, such… Read More 

On Thursday, August 10, 2023, philanthropists Allison Koffman & Jeff Lipsitz hosted Birthright Israel Foundation's annual Hamptons event at their home. It was a spectacular evening celebrating and supporting Birthright Israel's programs. Guests enjoyed hearing from Jeff Lipsitz, who shared important updates regarding the classic 10-day trip and why his family has made the program a philanthropic priority. Jeff also… Read More 

On Thursday, July 27, 2023, philanthropists Barbara & Richard Silverman opened their Chicago home to fellow Birthright Israel Foundation supporters and those interested in the program. The event focused on rallying support for Birthright Israel programs and the 20,000 young Jewish adults waitlisted for the classic 10-day trip. MAKE A GIFT NOW Barbara & Richard began the evening with beautiful remarks about why they… Read More 

Birthright Israel tour educator Moshe Linetsky will be visiting the US on behalf of Birthright Israel Foundation this year to meet with supporters regarding the educational programming of the classic 10-day trip. Moshe is a licensed Israeli Tour Educator, geopolitical speaker, and former IDF Officer who has years of experience in helping young Jewish adults better understand Israel. His involvement… Read More 

On Monday, July 24, 2023, philanthropists Jill & Jay Bernstein hosted Birthright Israel Foundation donors from across the country for an evening of support in Aspen, CO. Jill & Jay Bernstein have been staunch supporters of Birthright Israel Foundation in Palm Beach for years and were joyed to rally support for the program in Aspen. They were joined by fellow… Read More 

The Schneider Lesser family is making a transformational endowment gift to the Birthright Israel Foundation to fund the Birthright Israel Social Diversity Module, a program that educates tens of thousands of Jewish young adults each year about the true face of Israel, in which Jews, Arabs, and other ethnic groups live and work together. The gift is part of a… Read More 

A fundraising campaign of the North American lodges of the Hebrew Order of David International, a Jewish fraternal organization, will enable 80 young Jewish adults — the equivalent of 2 buses — to participate in Birthright Israel, a 10-day experience in the Jewish state. It costs $4,500 to send each participant and $180,000 to send an entire bus (40 participants).… Read More 

From June 12-14, 2023, Birthright Israel Foundation's Board of Directors gathered in Israel for a retreat where they had the opportunity to see our mission come to life. The Board enjoyed hearing those leading the educational strategy for Birthright Israel and meeting senior Israeli staff. Participants from Onward joined the Board for dinner, helping to build greater connection and understanding… Read More 

Birthright Israel Foundation today named Elias Saratovsky its next president and chief executive officer. Saratovsky will assume the role on September 1 after 21 years at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), where he served in successive leadership roles across the organization. He will succeed Israel “Izzy” Tapoohi, who is retiring at the end of the year. Saratovsky is… Read More