Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

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. More so, his support of Birthright Israel Foundation is inspiring. Eichel is a strong supporter of Jewish organizations like The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and AIPAC. We are grateful… 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 

In college, Nikki found community in her Birthright Israel family. So much so, when her class voted for superlatives, they named her most likely to be CEO of Birthright Israel. Although Nikki isn't the CEO, she did become a madricha for a Chicago Professionals trip. It was during this trip she met Joey, who she'd soon find out was her… Read More 

Over the past two decades, Birthright Israel Foundation has helped send more than 750,000 Jewish young adults to Israel. The vast majority returned with a newfound connection to their homeland and a lifelong commitment to their Jewish heritage. That’s why we call Birthright Israel a gift that keeps on giving. The trip itself is a gift, but it also gives… Read More 

Dear Friends, In decades to come, we will look back on 2020 as a watershed moment. The COVID-19 pandemic has already changed so much. We are in the midst of a public health crisis, an economic crisis, a race crisis, a law and order crisis, the ripples of which have been felt around the world. To rebuild what we have… Read More