We often kvell about the impact of Birthright Israel on Diaspora participants like you, but did you know that you’re not the only ones who benefit from this transformational journey? Over the past two decades, we’ve also given 115,000 Israelis the opportunity to claim their birthright. The participants, known as Mifgash (Hebrew for encounter), are mostly young soldiers in the… Read More
Within Atlanta’s bustling Jewish community of 130,000 people, Birthright Israel Foundation is fortunate to have captured the hearts of many. The impact of Birthright Israel Foundation’s work and the Atlanta leadership inspired Sara and Stuart Meyers to become avid supporters. We were fortunate enough to get to know the couple and speak with them about their excitement for the program. Here is what they had to say: Why do you believe in the Birthright Israel experience? Sara: We’ve… Read More
Since it was founded over 20 years ago, more than 750,000 Jewish young adults from around the world have joyously claimed their birthright as part of a global movement to ensure a strong and vibrant future for the Jewish people. This educational and life-changing trip to the Jewish homeland is known as Birthright Israel. In the US, Birthright Israel Foundation… Read More
When I realized that reading did not come easily to my oldest daughter Yahel, who is now 7, my heart broke just a little. I knew with the right support she could catch up. It was never about her being the brightest in class. Or a competition of who could read fastest. I was sad for the world I wanted… Read More
It may seem like Israeli and American Jews are worlds apart, but as Mifgash Shavit Rootman learned during Birthright Israel, we actually have a lot in common. When he stood with his group at Mt. Herzl, where fallen soldiers are buried in Jerusalem, he met another participant, an American Navy veteran. The two bonded over their reasons for service (Rootman… Read More
I am reminded of my Birthright Israel experience every day at work when I meet with donors and share my story. I attribute my passion for Israel and desire to do something for Israel to my Birthright Israel experience. It was during my trip that I found my life's purpose. It was those 10 days in 2015 that led me to a… Read More
Birthright Israel is truly a gift that keeps on giving. The Jewish young adults who we send on this free trip to the holy land return with a lifetime connection to their Jewish heritage. “I fell in love with Israel, the people, the culture, and what it stands for,” said Birthright Israel alumna Holly Millet. “I made Israeli friends, saw… Read More
It began as a casual conversation about his desire to support the State of Israel. Now, Ron Eichel has gifted over 400 Jewish young adults the opportunity to claim their birthright. Eichel is a strong supporter of Jewish organizations like The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and AIPAC. He added Birthright Israel Foundation to that list because it’s a “tangible”… Read More
Something magical happens when Jewish young adults decide to claim their birthright. They journey to Israel with few or no ties to their Jewishness, yet return with a powerful connection to their homeland and heritage. Most U.S. alumni end up embracing Jewish American culture in their daily lives. The cultural landscape of American Jewry looks different today than it did… Read More
Growing up in Massachusetts, my family went to temple every so often. I started going less and less after my Bar Mitzvah, even though we still celebrated Hanukkah. I heard about Birthright Israel through my mom and I was reluctant, but I was still interested. Initially, I looked at a general Birthright Israel trip, but as I talked with the organizers, they told me… Read More
Close your eyes. Imagine you are in Israel. Breathe in the smell of the spices in Machne Yehuda. Hear the Hebrew chatter coming from the crowded streets. In the hustle and bustle you can’t help but notice the dozens and dozens of young adults walking together, smiling, laughing, taking photos and wearing Birthright Israel name tags and t-shirts. As they… Read More
