Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

My name is Nicole Lucas; I am a Junior at Washington University in St. Louis (originally from Chicago) studying Global Health and Biology, hoping to become a physician. I am President of WashU’s AEPhi chapter, a research intern at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and a volunteer at senior centers running improv workshops with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. My parents have been involved… Read More 

On October 7th, inhumane acts were committed against Israelis who, as a Jew, I consider extensions of my own family. These atrocities took place in a land that I consider a second home, the place where my soul resides. We have all experienced loss and heartbreak in our lives but on this day, something much deeper within me was broken,… Read More 

In 2023, Birthright Israel witnessed an extraordinary outpouring of connection and resilience. Over 27,000 young Jewish adults embarked on transformative journeys, immersing themselves in Israel’s vibrant culture and rich history through our programs. These programs, be they the classic 10-day trip, Onward or Excel, were more than just sightseeing; they sparked personal growth and ignited a sense of belonging to… Read More 

On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, Lynne and Howard Halpern opened their home to fellow Boca Raton philanthropists and St. Andrew's residents for a night of support for Birthright Israel Foundation. The event showcased Boca Raton's dedication to Birthright Israel's mission and commitment to Birthright Israel's educational impact on the next generation. MAKE A GIFT NOW Furthermore, the Halperns are committed supporters of the… Read More 

Following the horrific October 7th attack, Birthright Israel Onward invited alums of all Birthright Israel programs and any young Jewish adult aged 18-40 to apply to volunteer in Israel. This program invites Jewish young adults to participate in the shared value of Arvut Hadadit (mutual responsibility) through volunteerism. In the video below, we invite you to meet several of the… Read More 

As I write this, I’m looking at my hand, where scattered flecks of cobalt blue trace the outline of a Magen David. While this could be an ad for waterproof blue eyeliner – the pigment clinging on for dear life four days later – I find myself now wishing to retrace the lines when I get home. After all, for… Read More 

I’m listening to a guided meditation, back straight, eyes closed, when the deep, soothing voice in my headphones says, “if you’re feeling agitated, if you’ve got lots of thoughts and feelings today, that’s OK.” This is not a reference to the war in Israel. But of course that’s the source of my agitation, of my endless thoughts and feelings. The… Read More 

On Thursday, November 9, 2023, hundreds of Los Angeles Birthright Israel Foundation supporters gathered to honor lay leader Steven J. Fishman and hear the incredible news of the Arline & Buddy Pepp $1,000,000 match. We are grateful to our co-chairs, Lynn & Les Bider, Caroline & Michael Hackman, and Janice Kamenir-Reznik & Benjamin Reznick. The evening represented the community's unwavering support for Israel and demonstrated the… Read More 

Two weeks after the October 7th terrorist attack in Israel, I took to a stage in Miami and in front of 500 people screamed into the microphone, “My name is Julia Pratt and I am proud to be Jewish.” The events of October 7th shook me to my core. It was only two weeks after the bloodiest attack on the… Read More 

Birthright Israel Onward launched a volunteer program, the first of its kind, to assist Israel's food rescue operations during the Israel-Hamas war. Young Jewish adults, ages 18-40, are volunteering for two-week periods on Israeli farms and in agriculture centers. Within the first two weeks of launching the program, thousands of young Jewish adults applied. Many of the applicants are Birthright… Read More 

Just a few months ago I was in Israel for the semester during a fraught time in Israeli history with the democratic debate and protests surrounding judicial reform. You see, participating in Birthright Israel inspired me to live and study in a Jewish environment that met how I identify with Judaism: an Israel that is bright, boisterous, and confident. Birthright… Read More