Birthright Israel Foundation’s donors all have their own special and unique reasons for supporting the program. Many of our supporters grew up only dreaming of visiting Israel. Birthright Israel to them is almost a miracle. For others, giving to Birthright Israel Foundation fulfills their philanthropic priorities in supporting educational experiences for the next generation. Long-time Michigan donors Andi and Larry… Read More
As the US fundraising arm for Birthright Israel trips, Birthright Israel Foundation aims to raise nearly $57 million every year to help nearly 50,000 Jewish young adults claim their birthright. While it’s clear why the Jewish State and major US Jewish organizations would help fund this educational, life-changing trip, you may be wondering what’s in it for our individual donors.… Read More
When I started as a freshman in 2017 at Michigan State University, I had no idea how big of an impact my Jewish identity would have on my experience. During my sophomore year, I signed up for a May Birthright Israel trip through the MSU Hillel. I had never been to Israel before, and I was eager but nervous. I had… Read More
Since we are in the month of giving thanks, we want to share a message of gratitude. Thank you for believing in Birthright Israel through these uncertain times. Thank you for your unwavering support of what this educational trip can do for young Jews worldwide. In the video below, you'll hear why 10 Birthright Israel alumni are thankful to you!… Read More
Like so many young Jewish adults, I was raised in a mixed-faith family. With my mother identifying as Presbyterian and my father identifying as Jewish, it was up to them to decide how both my brother and I would be raised. Judaism is hugely important to my father’s side of the family and my parents decided that the best way… Read More
Leadership & Supporters
Meet Brian Shaw, member of Birthright Israel Foundation’s Chicago Leadership
Brian Shaw, member of Birthright Israel Foundation’s Chicago Leadership Cabinet, supports the program to combat misinformation about Israel. When Brian was in college, he did his thesis on the fall of the Ottoman Empire, a part of Middle East history many people are unfamiliar with. Brian feels very few people understand the relationship between the fall of the Ottoman Empire… Read More
Birthright Israel Foundation has helped more than 750,000 Jewish young adults claim their birthright. From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, and many destinations in between, those who sign up for this free trip are wholly immersed in Israeli life, values, culture, history, and heritage. While there is much to do and see in Israel, one of the biggest eye-openers for participants… Read More
Julie and Asher’s love story began in Israel in 2015 on a Birthright Israel trip when a nice American girl met a nice Israeli boy. After the trip, Julie returned to New Jersey and Asher moved to Munich, Germany but the distance couldn’t keep them apart. Asher soon caught a flight to New Jersey to celebrate Thanksgiving and to hang out with… Read More
When you grow up in an observant family or community, Birthright Israel is something that’s on everyone's radar. So naturally, when I was an undergrad at the University of Michigan, I signed up for a Birthright Israel trip with the campus Hillel. The trip was really my first touchpoint to Israel and engagement in Jewish life as an adult. When I first arrived in Israel with my Birthright Israel group, I knew there was more I… Read More
The Birthright Israel experience equally benefits young Jewish adults from the Diaspora and Israeli participants, known as Mifgashim. For many young Israelis, Birthright Israel provides an opportunity to understand Jewish life outside of Israel. More so, the 10-day experience allows them to see their country through someone else's eyes, which furthers their appreciation for their home. To date, more than 115,000 Israelis have participated… Read More
If it wasn't for Birthright Israel, I don't know if I'd still be Jewish ten years down the road. After being Bar Mitzvah'd, there was little that still linked me to Judaism besides food. For instance, eating latkes every April, fasting on Yom Kippur, and suffering through Shabbat services on the rare Friday night, I visited my grandparents and great-grandma… Read More
