Alums Trip Highlights

Birthright Israel Showed Me A Country That Refuses to Be Broken

My name is Adina Fridman. I am originally from Toronto, Canada, but am currently a sophomore at New York University. I am majoring in Politics with minors in Public Policy and Hebrew and Judaic Studies. Naturally, I am interested in current events and government, with a focus on international relations and international politics. I have always attended Jewish schools, where… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

How Birthright Israel Helped Me Opt In to Judaism

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, in Highland Park, which is a very Jewish community—about 50% Jewish. I came from an interfaith household, and my Jewish experience was more cultural than religious. My mom’s whole family, the Jewish side, had come over from Eastern Europe, but they had passed away before I was born. Judaism wasn’t something I… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

I Left a Piece of My Heart in Tel Aviv, Thanks to Birthright Israel

My name is Amberley Gin, and I am from Delray Beach, Florida. I am a recent Spring 2023 graduate from Florida State University, and I currently work as a public relations specialist at an agency in Tallahassee, FL.  My passions include singing, dancing, art, fashion, etc. – basically anything creative. I love animals, nature, traveling, and going to EDM music… Read More 
Alums Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

Why I Became Birthright Israel’s Newest Regional Director

In the aftermath of the October 7th attacks, Birthright Israel was one of the few bridges connecting Israelis to Jews in the Diaspora. Although the signature 10-day trips were paused, Birthright Israel quickly launched its Volunteer Program, offering participants like me a way to support kibbutzim affected by the war. Birthright Israel’s pivot deeply inspired me, prompting a career pivot… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Yesterday’s Seedling is Tomorrow’s Tree

“People who don’t know their past—their present is vague, and their future is a mystery,” my Birthright Israel madricha told us at Ben Gurion Airport. This not only became the theme of my trip, it resonated as the theme of my life and the enduring story of the Jewish nation. I was born in France to a traditional Sephardic family,… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Help Us Celebrate Our 25th Anniversary and Share Your Story!

Since 1999, Birthright Israel has served its mission to bring Jewish young adults to Israel at absolutely no cost to them—regardless of their means, background, religious beliefs or practices, political views, sexual orientation, racial or gender identity, or disability status. All we ask of our participants is curiosity, an open mind, and an interest in exploring Israel and their Jewish… Read More 
Alums Love Stories Trip Highlights

Falling In Love With Israel—And Each Other

Dating in New York City in your mid-twenties is no easy task. People are looking for different things. It’s difficult to make a meaningful connection last longer than a few dates. We—Dana and Zach—both wanted to find someone who felt a strong connection to Israel and wanted to pass it on to their future family. We've loved Israel deeply throughout… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Why Would I Not Be Here?

October 7th happened and honestly, what else could I do but help? I mean, really. I tried the whole tech company thing first. Remote support, helping companies whose employees got called up. It made sense on paper. I have the skills, they needed the help. But it felt... distant. Theoretical. Like I was playing at helping instead of actually helping.… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Reclaiming My Path Back to Judaism

“Purpose of visit?” the Israeli customs agent asked. “Taglit,” I said, smiling. I was the last person from my UJA Birthright Israel group to head to baggage claim. As I stared at the young thirtysomething, his eyes lit up with pride, beaming that I was heading into the Holy Land. “Welcome home,” he said. Upon hearing this, I almost cried.… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Embracing Israel as My Own

Though I was raised in a Christian household, I always felt a pull toward Judaism. From childhood Shabbat dinners at my best friend Sigal’s house, to my admiration for Barbra Streisand, Judaism always felt familiar, even comforting. But it wasn’t until I met my boyfriend, David, that my connection to Judaism truly deepened. At the time, I was at a… Read More 
Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

Thank You to Our Donors for a Transformative 2024

While the High Holidays felt different this year, we hope you were able to spend meaningful time with loved ones, as we pray for a peaceful year ahead. We at Birthright Israel Foundation are more committed than ever to ensuring the health and vitality of the Jewish people by investing in the younger generation. We cultivate proud, resilient, conscientious young… Read More 

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Without your donations to Birthright Israel Foundation, this gift isn’t possible. Secure the Jewish future today by investing in this transformational trip for Jewish young adults.