Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

Birthright Israel Foundation is proud to count Donald M. Ephraim among its most generous donors in Palm Beach. His name for many in Palm Beach and the Chicago area will be familiar - Donald has been and is a very generous, active leader in both Jewish communities. For decades he has philanthropically supported numerous Jewish and secular causes, from the…   Read More 

I am Michael Messinger and I am proud to serve as Chair of the Los Angeles Leadership Council for Birthright Israel Foundation. This past year, 2020, began my first full year in this role and I’m humbled by the dedication of the Greater Los Angeles community to partner with me and all our council members, to generously support Birthright Israel…   Read More 

When my husband Ed became involved in Birthright Israel Foundation, I was less of a participant and more of a spectator. It wasn’t until several visits to Israel culminating in their 18th Anniversary Mission which took place in 2018, that I “felt it.” It was on that mission; I understood the passion that evolves from Birthright Israel Foundation. I have…   Read More 

Since 2018 Karen and Mark Holzberg of Atlanta have made Birthright Israel Foundation a priority for their philanthropic endeavors. The couple is part of our committed and growing Atlanta community of over 1,000 donors. In the past year, especially since the pandemic broke out, the Holzbergs, like so many others, have stepped up their involvement with Birthright Israel.   When many organizations…   Read More 

On December 29, 2020, the world lost a gem with the passing of Bob (Robert) Beleson. He was a beloved brother, husband, and a dear friend to so many. When Bob’s brother Rick and husband Steven were looking to honor his legacy, they wanted to ensure that whatever contribution they made would be everlasting, just like the mark Bob left…   Read More 

The majority of Americans polled in a recent study by Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) believe that the Holocaust, or something like it, could happen again. Even so, 72 years after Israel was declared a state, many in the Diaspora still confront falsehoods and misinformation about the Jewish homeland. With assimilation and the changing times, some…   Read More 

Today is a sad day for the Jewish people, the State of Israel and Birthright Israel for we have lost our dear friend and most generous supporter, Sheldon Adelson (z”l).  There are few people in this world who can compare to Sheldon and his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson, when it comes to their generosity and dedication to our people and our homeland.  …   Read More 

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 

How do you decide what organizations your philanthropic dollars will support? For Jill Roberts, Chair of Birthright Israel Foundation's New England Council and Birthright Israel parent, the choice of supporting the program is simple. Jill, like so many of us, wants a world free of hate and antisemitism. She’s a firm believer that the gift of Birthright Israel provides a…   Read More 

In 2004, a Birthright Israel trip inspired Marina Yudborovsky to reconnect with her Jewish identity, something it has done for 750,000+ young Jews worldwide. Marina, a Soviet Jewish émigré to the US, was then motivated to join the Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG) in 2009 to help in its mission to strengthen the Jewish identity of Russian-speaking Jews around the world.…   Read More 

Birthright Israel Foundation’s donors all have their own special and unique reasons for supporting the program. Many of our supporters grew up only dreaming of visiting Israel. Birthright Israel to them is almost a miracle. For others, giving to Birthright Israel Foundation fulfills their philanthropic priorities in supporting educational experiences for the next generation. Long-time Michigan donors Andi and Larry…   Read More