Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

California-based real estate developer and investor Michael Koss has dedicated much of his life to supporting Jewish organizations and causes, with a clear, foundational philosophy guiding his leadership and charitable giving along the way. "My primary interest is in supporting efforts that sustain Jewish continuity," he said. As the principal and founder of Koss Real Estate Investments, Michael has served as… Read More 

On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Birthright Israel Foundation hosted its Annual Philadelphia Regional Event at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, overlooking Independence National Historical Park. Upon entrance, guests were invited to grab a can of spray paint and contribute a design or message on our “graffiti wall,” a blank canvas evoking urban art in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, where… Read More 

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 

I had been to Israel twice before. But not since October 7th. I wanted to strengthen my bonds with my sorority sisters, but never realized it would connect me so deeply to others. This time visiting Israel was different. On the fourth day of Birthright Israel, we went to Har Herzl. There I stood on what used to be a… Read More 

Activist and mother Michelle Ahdoot is an alumna of one of Birthright Israel’s very first pilot trips in the mid 1990s, when founders and philanthropists Charles Bronfman and Michael Steinhardt first conceived of the program. Fast-forward a few decades, and it’s “full circle,” said Ahdoot, now Director of Programming and Strategy at End Jew Hatred, a grassroots Jewish civil rights… Read More 

On Tuesday, September 18, 2024, we gathered together in Scarsdale at the home of Robin & Jerry Silk for a spectacular evening in celebration and support of Birthright Israel Foundation. The energy and passion were truly inspiring! It was a great reminder of how important it is for us to continue to pass the torch of Jewish resilience from one generation… Read More 

Birthright Israel Foundation plays a crucial role in providing life-changing experiences for young Jewish adults around the world. Our dedication to fostering connections to Jewish heritage and the land of Israel has impacted countless lives. But how much do you really know about our work and the programs we support? This quiz will test your knowledge on Birthright Israel Foundation's… Read More 

The horrors of October 7th and the fallout since have changed Jews and Jewish life in ways both tangible and intangible. This is of course true also of the Birthright Israel program: it’s different now – and, like Israel and the Jewish people, still going strong. In the summer of 2024, Birthright Israel brought 13,500 participants from across the diaspora… Read More 

On Friday, August 2, Birthright Israel Foundation hosted an exclusive event at a private home in the Hamptons, gathering donors for an evening focused on the impact and future of Birthright Israel. The evening featured special remarks from Charles Bronfman, co-founder of Birthright Israel. Guests also heard inspiring stories from Birthright Israel alumni. Isabel Allard, a 2021 Birthright Israel alum,… Read More 

Mention a Birthright Israel trip in today’s climate, and you may be met with surprise. They’re sending buses now? During the war? And young Jews are choosing to go, even with all the protests, the blatant antisemitism? Yes to all of the above, and yes because of all of the above. Now more than ever it’s crucial for Jewish young… Read More 

Imagine a summer program that ignites the spark of leadership in young Jewish business minds. A program that propels them toward successful careers and building a vibrant, global network dedicated to supporting the Jewish future and the State of Israel. This is the reality of Birthright Israel Excel. Birthright Israel Excel is an exceptional program that brings together 64 outstanding… Read More