Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

How do you go from being a 19-year-old soldier in the IDF to becoming an international Jewish and Israel educator, an author, and a public speaker on some of the world's largest events within ten years? The answer is simple: You just go on a Birthright Israel trip, and sooner or later, your life will never be the same. Because… Read More 

On July 10, 2022, Birthright Israel Foundation kicked off our 2022 Mission, bringing the magic of Birthright Israel to life for our 50 donors who joined us from the United States, Canada, and South Africa. From the moment we landed in Israel, the excitement was incredible. Our donors came from all over the United States to experience the gift they so… Read More 

More than 3,000 enthusiastic attendees gathered on Wednesday for an extravaganza, known as the Birthright Israel Mega Event, which caps each summer’s gathering of the organization’s trips to Israel. Yet this event was more special than usual, marking as it did the return, after a two-year break due to the coronavirus crisis, of the free summer trips to Israel for… Read More 

For many of our more than 800,000 alumni, Birthright Israel is often the first independent Jewish decision they make. Some of our participants come to the experience with little connection to Judaism or Israel and some come to the experience with a hunger to learn more about their history, their homelands, and themselves. For 2008 alumnus, Aaron Leff, Birthright Israel… Read More 

Birthright Israel Foundation has officially launched the Birthright Israel Legacy Society to ensure young Jewish adults from around the world will be able to fulfill their birthright and explore their ancestral homeland for generations to come. Birthright Israel is founded on three values that are central in the Jewish world: Unity, Community, and Mutual Responsibility. The educational experience is a… Read More 

On Wednesday June 15, 2022, nearly 150 of our friends and supporters gathered at the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn Harbor, NY, for our annual Birthright Israel Foundation Long Island event. The evening honored Arlene and David Horowitz for their leadership and dedication to Birthright Israel. MAKE A GIFT NOW The evening featured remarks from Long Island Leadership Cabinet Chair Amy… Read More 

On June 14, 2022, Birthright Israel Foundation donors and supporters joined for an intimate gathering with Birthright Israel alumni at the beautiful Chicago home of Lori Komisar & Morrie Silverman. Attendees had the pleasure of hearing remarks from Dr. Zohar Raviv, International Vice President of Educational Strategy at Birthright Israel, and Birthright Israel Alumnus Billy Steinberg, who shared how a 10-day… Read More 

On Tuesday, May 17th, 2022, Birthright Israel Foundation hosted its 22nd Anniversary Gala honoring the program's Co-Founder Charles Bronfman, and celebrating his 90th birthday. Charles shared his vision and passion for transforming the Jewish future and gave us an inside glimpse into how Birthright Israel became a reality. His stepson, Tony Cohen and his children, Stephen Bronfman and Ellen Bronfman-Hauptman,… Read More 

For long-time St. Louis donor Greg Siwak, Jewish philanthropic causes have always been of the utmost significance. Growing up, Greg's parents and grandparents were his role models for giving back to the Jewish community. His mother, Nancy Siwak, even served as Board Chair of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and is now on their Council of Life. "Supporting the… Read More 

Rabbi Jordan Gerson is a 14-time Birthright Israel trip staffer, a Birthright Israel Fellow and serves as a rakaz for Hillel International Birthright Israel trips. Originally from St. Louis, Rabbi Jordan landed his dream job when he took the position of Campus Rabbi at Washington University and was glad to be back in his hometown. Most recently, Rabbi Jordan staffed… Read More 

Birthright Israel dads are some of the program's most devoted supporters and best fans. They know just how important it is for young Jews to see Israel for themselves and form bonds with the land and people. That is why we're giving out a shoutout to Birthright Israel dads everywhere on Father's Day and sharing a few reasons why they… Read More