Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

When Jennifer Gruber first heard of Birthright Israel, the only words she could say to her daughter were, "you have to do this." Earlier that evening, Jennifer and her husband Brad attended a UJA event where they heard an alumnus of Birthright Israel speak. They were stunned that they had only just heard of the trip. Jennifer was then gung-ho… Read More 

Each February Jewish organizations worldwide unite to raise awareness and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities and mental health conditions. In 2009, the Jewish Special Education International Consortium announced that February would officially be Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM). Birthright Israel Foundation is proud to celebrate JDAIM and its endeavors. How to Take Part… Read More 

When Lisa Philipson was growing up in Atlanta involvement in the Jewish community was seamless. She recalls the JCC being a center point of her childhood and BBYO the thing that every kid did. Plus, synagogues were always bustling with the young and the old. However, as the years went on, the Jewish community evolved and the younger generations became… Read More 

Many of the names below may surprise you but, with 750,000+ trip participants, several of them have risen to fame, and with fame comes a podcast. The Birthright Israel alumni below cover various topics from entrepreneurship to art and comedy. We also have a roundup of the best Jewish and Israel-themed podcasts on the planet if you're looking for even… Read More 

Two organizations that provide Israel experiences for Jewish young adults, Birthright Israel and Onward Israel, are announcing their merger this week with the goal of strengthening the relationship between Diaspora Jews worldwide and the Jewish state. “Since its inception, Birthright has evolved from solely the traditional 10-day trip to cater to the growing needs and interests of our participants, such… Read More 

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since we lost Sheldon (z’l).  As we observe the yahrzeit (anniversary) of his death, while we are saddened by his absence, we must celebrate his life and the impact he has had on the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Nothing would make Sheldon Adelson prouder than watching the next… Read More 

On Tuesday, December 7, 2021 Birthright Israel Foundation supporters joined us for our first event at The Polo Club in Boca Raton, FL. The evening was generously hosted by South Palm Beach County Leadership Cabinet Member Roz August. Those in attendance had the pleasure of hearing remarks from Dr. Zohar Raviv, International Vice President of Educational Strategy at Birthright  Israel, as… Read More 

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that helps people and organizations transform their communities and worlds. That is why I'm partnering with Birthright Israel Foundation to help transform our Jewish world and the future of our people this Giving Tuesday. As many of you know, eight years ago, when I volunteered to lead a Birthright Israel trip, I met… Read More 

On Thursday, November 11, 2021,  Birthright Israel Foundation hosted a spectacular event, chaired by Alyce & Philip de Toledo, Dorit & Shawn Evenhaim, and Lexie & Michael Messinger, to benefit our mission in Los Angeles. We were honored to have as our keynote speaker, Ambassador of Israel to the United States and the United Nations, Ambassador Gilad Erdan on his first visit to Los Angeles. Ambassador Erdan is a huge proponent of Birthright Israel and shared that the program "does not… Read More 

On Wednesday, November 3, 2021, nearly 100 Miami donors joined Sharon and Howard Socol, Miami Leadership Council Co-Chairs, for a virtual event about the importance of Birthright Israel. The event was an evening of insight with Dr. Zohar Raviv to benefit Birthright Israel Foundation's mission. Dr. Raviv, International VP of Educational Strategy at Birthright Israel, in conversation with Howard Socol,… Read More 

On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, Birthright Israel Foundation hosted an evening of inspiration featuring alumna Erin Schrode and world-renowned Israeli classical violinist Sergiu Schwartz. Ron Eichel, local philanthropist and member of our Atlanta Leadership Cabinet, generously hosted the event. Nearly 80 Birthright Israel Foundation supporters heard Sergiu perform and Erin speak about her life-changing journey with Birthright Israel. MAKE A GIFT NOW Our warmest thanks… Read More