Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

Seeing Strength and Purpose in Times of Conflict: Irwin Siegel Revisits his Time in Israel

Israel holds a special place in the hearts of Irwin and Faye Siegel, supporters of Jewish causes. So, when their grandchildren returned from Birthright Israel trips over the years with eyes alight and stories of the vibrant Israeli culture and its unwavering spirit, it was like watching a familiar flame bloom brighter. The Siegel's recognized the transformative power of the… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

“Israel stitched friendships and memories forever woven into my Jewish identity”

My name is Nicole Lucas; I am a Junior at Washington University in St. Louis (originally from Chicago) studying Global Health and Biology, hoping to become a physician. I am President of WashU’s AEPhi chapter, a research intern at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and a volunteer at senior centers running improv workshops with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. My parents have been involved… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Hineini: My Quest to Embody and Find Humanity in War-Torn Israel

On October 7th, inhumane acts were committed against Israelis who, as a Jew, I consider extensions of my own family. These atrocities took place in a land that I consider a second home, the place where my soul resides. We have all experienced loss and heartbreak in our lives but on this day, something much deeper within me was broken,… Read More 
Alums Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

United Under the Israeli Sun: How Birthright Israel Became a Beacon of Solidarity in 2023

In 2023, Birthright Israel witnessed an extraordinary outpouring of connection and resilience. Over 27,000 young Jewish adults embarked on transformative journeys, immersing themselves in Israel’s vibrant culture and rich history through our programs. These programs, be they the classic 10-day trip, Onward or Excel, were more than just sightseeing; they sparked personal growth and ignited a sense of belonging to… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Video: Inside Birthright Israel Onward’s Volunteer Program

Following the horrific October 7th attack, Birthright Israel Onward invited alums of all Birthright Israel programs and any young Jewish adult aged 18-40 to apply to volunteer in Israel. This program invites Jewish young adults to participate in the shared value of Arvut Hadadit (mutual responsibility) through volunteerism. In the video below, we invite you to meet several of the… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Video: How Young Jewish Adults Are Assisting Food Rescue Operations in Israel

Birthright Israel Onward launched a volunteer program, the first of its kind, to assist Israel's food rescue operations during the Israel-Hamas war. Young Jewish adults, ages 18-40, are volunteering for two-week periods on Israeli farms and in agriculture centers. Within the first two weeks of launching the program, thousands of young Jewish adults applied. Many of the applicants are Birthright… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Birthright Israel Taught Me About Jewish Unity and Connection

Just a few months ago I was in Israel for the semester during a fraught time in Israeli history with the democratic debate and protests surrounding judicial reform. You see, participating in Birthright Israel inspired me to live and study in a Jewish environment that met how I identify with Judaism: an Israel that is bright, boisterous, and confident. Birthright… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Birthright Israel Invites Alumni to Volunteer in Harvesting Abandoned Fields

NEW YORK — After sending 850,000 Diaspora young adults on free educational trips to the Jewish state, Taglit-Birthright Israel has invited alumni to return to Israel in order to harvest crops in the country’s center, the organization announced Monday. With the infrastructure to register masses of volunteers already in place, Birthright is recruiting alum for kibbutzim and moshavim in need… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Physician Alums Volunteer with Magen David Adom in Israel

Birthright Israel alums have been standing up for the Jewish community and showing their solidarity with Israel in many ways. It was no surprise to us to learn that when Magen David Adom Israel sought volunteers from the United States to assist with the war in Israel and help best equip the country’s needs through IL-USDocAID, that three out of… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Birthright Israel Worked

As I doom-scrolled social media after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, in between photos of kidnapped and dead Israelis, I saw my Facebook friends showing their solidarity with Israel by posting grainy photos of their youthful faces and physiques in front of touristy backgrounds from their Birthright Israel trips. I suddenly realized what Birthright Israel’s founders knew all… Read More 
Alums Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

A Video of Connection & Support from Alum Jenna Barricklo

Birthright Israel Foundation remains completely heartbroken and devasted since the October 8th terrorist attack in Israel. As an organization, our primary focus is the safety and security of the State of Israel and the humanitarian concerns on the ground. During this time, we are so proud of our alums who are our alums are doing all they can to stand… Read More 

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