Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

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 

As the US fundraising arm for Birthright Israel trips, Birthright Israel Foundation aims to raise nearly $57 million every year to help nearly 50,000 Jewish young adults claim their birthright. While it’s clear why the Jewish State and major US Jewish organizations would help fund this educational, life-changing trip, you may be wondering what’s in it for our individual donors.…   Read More 

Brian Shaw, member of Birthright Israel Foundation’s Chicago Leadership Cabinet, supports the program to combat misinformation about Israel. When Brian was in college, he did his thesis on the fall of the Ottoman Empire, a part of Middle East history many people are unfamiliar with. Brian feels very few people understand the relationship between the fall of the Ottoman Empire…   Read More 

Within Atlanta’s bustling Jewish community of 130,000 people, Birthright Israel Foundation is fortunate to have captured the hearts of many. The impact of Birthright Israel Foundation’s work and the Atlanta leadership inspired Sara and Stuart Meyers to become avid supporters.   We were fortunate enough to get to know the couple and speak with them about their excitement for the program. Here is what they had to say:  Why do you believe in the Birthright Israel experience?  Sara: We’ve…   Read More 

It began as a casual conversation about his desire to support the State of Israel. Now, Ron Eichel has gifted over 400 Jewish young adults the opportunity to claim their birthright.  Eichel is a strong supporter of Jewish organizations like The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and AIPAC. He added Birthright Israel Foundation to that list because it’s a “tangible”…   Read More 

Something magical happens when Jewish young adults decide to claim their birthright. They journey to Israel with few or no ties to their Jewishness, yet return with a powerful connection to their homeland and heritage. Most U.S. alumni end up embracing Jewish American culture in their daily lives. The cultural landscape of American Jewry looks different today than it did…   Read More 

Close your eyes. Imagine you are in Israel. Breathe in the smell of the spices in Machne Yehuda. Hear the Hebrew chatter coming from the crowded streets. In the hustle and bustle you can’t help but notice the dozens and dozens of young adults walking together, smiling, laughing, taking photos and wearing Birthright Israel name tags and t-shirts. As they…   Read More