Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

I was 22 years old when I went to Israel for the first time on a Birthright Israel Onward program for two months in Haifa. I volunteered with the children of Eritrean asylum seekers at an NGO called Aleph. My relationship with Israel waxed and waned throughout the years, from being immensely proud of the only Jewish nation to being… Read More 

My Jewish identity has always been complex, but my experience with Birthright opened my eyes to more joy than I could have prepared for. In Israel, I found a sense of independence and a deep connection to the land and people. I also found a friend who would become my husband and the father of our two boys. My introduction… Read More 

When Alon Fishman visited Israel in early January on a group trip, it wasn’t his first time in the country. But Fishman, 23, had never seen Israel like this before. When his Birthright Israel group arrived at the Western Wall, they found it uncharacteristically empty, and the plaza featured a new memorial with the names of the 1,200 victims of… Read More 

Who knew a Birthright trip could lead to happily ever after? Not Amanda and Eric! Their story began amidst the sun-kissed landscapes of Israel, where a casual bus seat conversation blossomed into a love that would change their lives. Fast forward, and they're now a Seattle-based family with two bouncing sons and a furry friend named Penny, all thanks to… Read More 

As a third-year law student at the University of Florida, I am constantly facing existential crises. Why am I here? What career path is best for me? What will my future be? But amidst the swirling doubts, one desire shines brightly: the yearning to help my Jewish community and make a difference in our world. Law school seemed like the… Read More 

Birthright was my first time in Israel, and in 2016, it changed my life. Since then, Birthright has become a vital organization in my life. Here's why: I embarked on my Birthright Israel journey when I was 19 years old with two close Jewish friends and 40 new lifelong friends I had not met yet. What I didn’t expect when… Read More 

On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Wendy & Elliot Koolik generously hosted Woodfield Country Club's first event in support of Birthright Israel Foundation. The Kooliks, deeply connected to the cause, have seen two out of their three children embark on Birthright Israel's classic 10-day journey. Their youngest son, Justin, not only participated in the program but also secured a coveted spot… Read More 

Jared Firestone, a 33-year-old former track athlete from Miami Beach, has traded his running shoes for a skeleton sled on a remarkable journey toward the 2026 Olympics. His passion for representing Israel ignited in his youth and rekindled by a Birthright Israel trip, now takes him down exhilarating and treacherous ice tracks head-first at 80 miles per hour! Jared's athletic… Read More 

Birthright Israel is thrilled to welcome 350 young adults from primarily the U.S. on our classic 10-day trip this month, marking the program’s welcomed return after a temporary hiatus following the October 7th terrorist attack. These participants will join the vibrant community of 850,000 Birthright Israel alums who have discovered their heritage and deepened their connection to Israel since the… Read More 

Following the October 7th attack, siblings Ally and Daniel Rodnunsky turned to music as a refuge and a way to express their solidarity with the Jewish community and Israel. "Only One Home," their powerful song born from pain, brings awareness to the tragedy while offering solace to those affected. "Israel has always held a special place in my heart," shares… Read More 

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