Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

Israel is a young country with a flourishing modern culture. You probably already knew that, but it comes as a surprise to some Birthright Israel participants. Many of these Jewish young adults, aged 18-32, don’t give much thought to life in Israel or Jewish living. After the educational and experiential Birthright Israel journey, they enthusiastically embrace their Jewish roots.  “Unless… Read More 

For nearly all 20-plus years of Birthright Israel, Palm Beach area philanthropists and alumni have played a significant role in the organization. Nestled in Florida's Gold Coast, Palm Beach is home to one of America's largest Jewish communities making it an ideal place for nonprofits, such as Birthright Israel to thrive. Since the program's founding, over 4,000 young Jews from our Palm… Read More 

I am Michael Messinger and I am proud to serve as Chair of the Los Angeles Leadership Council for Birthright Israel Foundation. This past year, 2020, began my first full year in this role and I’m humbled by the dedication of the Greater Los Angeles community to partner with me and all our council members, to generously support Birthright Israel… Read More 

When my husband Ed became involved in Birthright Israel Foundation, I was less of a participant and more of a spectator. It wasn’t until several visits to Israel culminating in their 18th Anniversary Mission which took place in 2018, that I “felt it.” It was on that mission; I understood the passion that evolves from Birthright Israel Foundation. I have… Read More 

My name is Matthew Labkovski, and I currently live in Boca Raton, Florida. I'm a 2019 alumnus of Birthright Israel, currently in a Post-Bacc program, preparing to go to med school (Jewish doctor, am I right?) and working at overnight camps during the summer. I love anything to do with kids (I want to be a pediatrician), sports and exercise,… Read More 

Brady Crane is a 2018 Birthright Israel alumnus originally from Boca Raton, FL. After Brady's Birthright Israel trip he decided to make Aliyah and join the Israel Defense Forces. He now serves in the Nahal unit, one of the IDF's main infantry brigades, and lives at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak in the Negev. Here is a little bit about Brady and… Read More 

What do Birthright Israel and charitable trusts have in common? They’re both gifts that keep on giving.  The gift of Birthright Israel has changed the lives of more than 800,000 Jewish young adults since 1999, helping secure a vibrant future for generations of Jews to come. Charitable trusts offer you a financial solution that supports your values and your legacy. … Read More 

We both fell in love with Israel from our first trips, me at 15 and Matthew at 20. As we got older, we wanted to share that love with others and both began staffing travel programs to Israel, including Birthright Israel trips and we are both Birthright Israel Fellows (from different cohorts). In December of 2016, we were both staffing… Read More 

Risa Cohn is a 2007 Birthright Israel alumna from New York City. She is the Founder of Resume Maven, a company dedicated to working with college students and young professionals on resume design and interview preparation. When she isn't helping college students she is the Director of Student Activities in Higher Education. She also enjoys coaching student startups from New… Read More 

Growing up, my Jewish identity was important to my family, so it was important to me. However, as a young adult, I decided that I wanted to discover what Judaism meant to me. More so, I wanted to define what role Judaism would play in my life as an adult. This longing, combined with my sense of wanderlust, inspired me… Read More 

Since 2018 Karen and Mark Holzberg of Atlanta have made Birthright Israel Foundation a priority for their philanthropic endeavors. The couple is part of our committed and growing Atlanta community of over 1,000 donors. In the past year, especially since the pandemic broke out, the Holzbergs, like so many others, have stepped up their involvement with Birthright Israel.   When many organizations… Read More