Brett Cooper is a 2009 Birthright Israel alum and Birthright Israel Foundation donor. He learned from his grandfather, Milton Cooper, that philanthropy is a must, as is taking care of the Jewish people. As parents, Brett and his wife Michelle hope that by paying it forward and helping other young Jews claim their birthright, they are making the world a better place for future generations. And, of course, we are grateful to Brett, Michelle, and the Cooper Family Foundation for their generous support of our mission.

Q&A with Brett Cooper

What inspired you to sign up for a Birthright Israel trip?

Brett Cooper: “At the time, I didn’t know if it was a pre-requisite, but I had never been to Israel, and as a Jew, it is your birthright to visit the Jewish homeland. I saw Birthright Israel as an opportunity to go abroad with my close friends, and it really gave us something to look forward to for our summer break.”

Why did you choose to participate in the trip instead of visiting Israel on your own?

Brett Cooper: “Birthright is a great opportunity. If you travel alone, you will most likely miss things and not get the full Israel experience. It’s an appealing opportunity, and of course, traveling with a bunch of your peers is fun. It’s a chance to meet new, like-minded people who aren’t in your bubble.”

Did you grow up with a connection to your Jewish identity?

Brett Cooper: “No one in my family is religious, in the sense of going to synagogue often. For the most part, I think we are all very proud to be Jewish and support our tribe. I’d say I had Friday night dinners every week growing up, which instilled in me the importance of being together. I worked under my grandfather for eight years, and hearing his experiences and stories about philanthropy made a mark on me. As a family, we support Jewish and non-Jewish causes. Especially for me, I am the next generation, and we have to instill hope and pride for Judaism and Israel.”

Tell us why Birthright Israel is a priority for your family.

Brett Cooper: “We have a family foundation, The Cooper Family Foundation. My uncle Todd, my cousin Zach and I are the decision-makers. My cousin and I see that our generation is not as involved Jewishly, and we know it can sometimes be harder to feel that connection to your culture and religion. So, we think getting young people to Israel at an early age is very important. We view Birthright as a springboard that encourages our generation and those younger to step up and do more for Israel and the Jewish people. We also focus our philanthropy on grassroots organizations on college campuses that focus on Israel too.”

Why should those younger than you take advantage of Birthright Israel now?

Brett Cooper: “There are preconceived notions, an agenda, and bias about Israel that are untrue. You need to see Israel for yourself and make your own opinion. Plus, you’ll have a great time and meet new friends. You’ll be friends years later. Right before Hanukkah, I was walking and ran into one of my bus mates on Park Avenue, and we’re getting lunch next week!”

What would you say if you could meet the donors who made your experience possible?

Brett Cooper: “At the time, it didn’t make sense why I was given this free trip to Israel, but as I have matured, I get it, and I owe you a huge thank you. You helped fund this great program, and now, as a donor, I really get it and see why you do it.”

You are both a Birthright Israel alum and a donor. Why should other alums pay it forward?

Brett Cooper: “We have a responsibility to ensure the strength of our people for our generation and future generations. I don’t think people are as pious as they once were. I would guess that the number of people sending their kids to Jewish Day School and Hebrew school is down — meaning we are losing community connections, and Birthright Israel gives people a newfound connection and a strong foundation.”

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