Leadership & Supporters

“If we’re not living for our children, who are we living for?”: A Birthright Israel Legacy Gift Story

Lori Komisar has long been a force in Jewish philanthropy. As Vice Chair of Birthright Israel Foundation, she brings both strategic leadership and a fierce commitment to ensuring every Jewish young adult has the opportunity to visit Israel. But her dedication goes far beyond boardroom decisions — it’s deeply personal, and now, everlasting. Lori and her life partner, Morrie Silverman,… Read More 
Alums Leadership & Supporters

Birthright Israel Sparked My Path to Jewish Leadership

I live in Manhattan, where I’m part of the leadership team at a software infrastructure and technology company. My family is originally from Kyiv, Ukraine. They fled after Chernobyl, first to Israel, and then finally to Toronto, Canada, where I was born and raised. I’ve walked a path that’s taken me deeper and deeper into Jewish life, something that truly… Read More 
Events Leadership & Supporters

Powerful Reflections from Birthright Israel Foundation’s Guardians Society Mission

Last week, Birthright Israel Foundation’s Guardians Society returned from an unforgettable mission to Israel. In just a few days, they experienced the solidarity, resilience, and hope that define this moment in Jewish life — and saw firsthand the power of Birthright Israel in action. The mission began in the Golan Heights, with a helicopter tour and meetings with IDF officers… Read More 
Alums Events Leadership & Supporters

NYC Birthright Israel Alumni Gather to Celebrate, Reflect & Give Back

On May 14, Birthright Israel alumni, supporters, and friends gathered at The Ivory Peacock to celebrate the program’s 25th anniversary and launch a new era of alumni leadership. From cocktails and conversations to inspiring remarks and a stirring alumni spotlight, the evening was a testament to what’s possible when young Jews step up to lead—and give back. Together, we raised… Read More 
Events Leadership & Supporters

New Jersey Community Sends 142 Participants on Birthright Israel

On May 7, the New Jersey Jewish community gathered at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club for an evening in support of Birthright Israel Foundation. Together, attendees raised enough to send 142 Jewish young adults to Israel — thanks in part to a generous anonymous matching gift. At an intimate VIP reception prior to the event, Dr. Zohar Raviv, International VP… Read More 
Events Leadership & Supporters

Detroit Hosts Powerful Evening in Support of Birthright Israel Foundation 

On April 23, 2025, Michigan’s Jewish community gathered for a meaningful evening in support of Birthright Israel Foundation. Hosted by Cathy and Charlie Schwartz together with Allie and Andrew Sherman, the event marked the 25th anniversary of Birthright Israel and celebrated its enduring impact on Jewish identity and community resilience.  Charlie Schwartz opened the program with a moment of silence… Read More 
Events Leadership & Supporters

Charles Bronfman Hosts Birthright Israel Celebration in Palm Beach

On March 27, supporters of Birthright Israel gathered for a powerful evening at the Palm Beach home of Co-Founder Charles Bronfman and his wife Rita, celebrating 25 years of one of the most transformative Jewish initiatives in modern history. Ronnie Pertnoy, Chair of Birthright Israel for Palm Beach, spoke about the program’s global reach — more than 900,000 Jewish young… Read More 
Leadership & Supporters

Birthright Israel Changed My Life – And Transformed My Generation

This op-ed by Elias Saratovsky, Birthright Israel Foundation’s President and CEO, was published in eJewishPhilanthropy on March 11, 2025. I am honored to hear the same five words all the time: “Birthright Israel changed my life.” I can relate. I grew up in a home with no Shabbat candles and no Passover Seder. As a teenager, I felt disconnected from the… Read More 
Leadership & Supporters

How Birthright Israel Helps Ensure Jewish Continuity

This op-ed by Adela Cojab, Birthright Israel Foundation's Director of Strategic Engagement, was published in The Jerusalem Post on March 19, 2025. Like so many in our community, I woke up on October 7 to a nightmare. I spent hours scrolling through updates, watching in horror as innocent Israelis were slaughtered, kidnapped, and brutalized. But what shook me even more… Read More 
Leadership & Supporters

A Ripple Effect: The Reach of Your Support of Jewish Nonprofit Organizations

We’re the first to admit there are countless Jewish causes worthy of your support.  As a charitable entity, Birthright Israel Foundation is fortunate to have strong relationships with a variety of these Jewish nonprofit organizations. Not only does some of the funding for Birthright Israel come from them, but alumni often go on to support valuable Jewish nonprofits professionally and… Read More 
Leadership & Supporters

A Charitable Gift Annuity Supports Organizations You Love and Your Loved Ones

Supporting a Jewish organization that aligns with your core beliefs and values is an extremely rewarding proposition, but not if it comes at the expense of your children and grandchildren. Fortunately, at Birthright Israel Foundation, we offer a financial solution that lets you realize your philanthropic aspirations and support your family. With our Fund for the Jewish Future, you can… Read More 

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