Detroit Hosts Powerful Evening in Support of Birthright Israel Foundation 

On April 23, 2025, Michigan’s Jewish community gathered for a meaningful evening in support of Birthright Israel Foundation. Hosted by Cathy and Charlie Schwartz together with Allie and Andrew Sherman, the event marked the 25th anniversary of Birthright Israel and celebrated its enduring impact on Jewish identity and community resilience. 

Charlie Schwartz opened the program with a moment of silence in observance of Yom HaShoah, honoring the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. “Birthright Israel is a living response to that loss — a powerful antidote to the challenges facing Jewish communities today,” he said. He also shared that his daughter Claire is a Birthright Israel alumna and his son Joey is scheduled to participate this summer. 

Andrew Sherman reflected on his own Birthright Israel experience nearly two decades ago, recalling the friendships he formed with Israeli soldiers on his trip. Allie Sherman added, “Birthright Israel began as a right. It became a responsibility,” expressing how the journey deepened her understanding of Israel’s role in safeguarding Jewish continuity. 

Ariel Weiss, the Foundation’s Regional Director in the Midwest, closed the evening with a personal story about her husband’s grandmother, Eva Weiss, a Holocaust survivor. “I have four boys who are here because of her,” she said. “They — and every Jewish young adult — deserve the chance to discover their identity through Birthright.” She shared that more than 900,000 Jewish young adults have participated in the program to date, including 15,000 from Michigan, and announced a regional matching challenge to help fund future trips. 

Among the notable guests were Lori Komisar, Vice Chair of the National Board and Co-Chair of the Midwest Cabinet, visiting from Chicago, and Lisa Broder, Detroit’s representative on the Midwest Cabinet — both recognized for their exemplary leadership and dedication.