Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

It began over 20 years ago with a bold idea from Jewish philanthropists: A trip to the Holy Land will enhance and strengthen the Jewish Diaspora for generations to come.  Thus, Birthright Israel was born, and Birthright Israel Foundation came soon after. You may have heard about Birthright Israel from friends, family, or media, but you’re likely less familiar with… Read More 

The first time I attended Birthright Israel was towards the end of my army service. It was an amazing five days of tours, activities, the sea, Masada, camels, and guitar singing until the wee hours of the night, both in our rooms and sitting by the side of the bonfire. But one thing was not clear to me, “who are the people I joined on their tour, and thanks to them I have five days… Read More 

When I was born, my father wanted to name me Sunshine. My mother compromised and named Meira Shleifer, which translates to illuminate. I grew up in a small Orthodox Jewish community in Waterbury, CT, attended a religious Jewish day school through eighth grade, and an all-girls Orthodox Yeshiva high school. Traditionally, after high school, Yeshiva students go to Israel for… Read More 

The year is 1969, and a young Ron Eichel has decided to make his way South to Atlanta after finishing a pediatric dental residency in Indiana. Little did he know that the city he would learn to call home and the Jewish community he came to adore would look up to him as an incredible role model for decades to… Read More 

As a child, being Jewish was easy– mostly because it was gently forced upon me by my loving parents and grandparents. However, what really did not come easy to me was figuring out what my Jewish identity meant to me once I flew out of the nest and later on in my professional career. Figuring out what my Jewish identity… Read More 

Tzedakah is a Hebrew word that resonates for most American Jews. Perhaps you remember collecting coins in a blue and white pushke as a kid. Or maybe you learned about mitzvot as a young adult on a Birthright Israel trip. The closest English translation is philanthropy, but tzedakah also ties into justice and righteousness. Pursuing social action through mitzvot like… Read More 

When Arlene Kaufman and Sandy Baklor married over two decades ago, they both not only shared an undeniable love for each other but an undeniable love for Israel and Jewish people. Anyone who has had the pleasure to meet Arlene and Sandy knows firsthand their focus is on securing the Jewish future - whether through Birthright Israel Foundation, Masa Israel… Read More 

In summer 2014, there was ongoing rocket fire from Hamas into Israel, and like many Jewish people, this was weighing heavily on my heart. Sure, being in the US as this was happening, it's easy to sort of tune it out since quickly, these situations in Israel can become like any other news cycle. However, for me, this was different… Read More 

This past year Atlanta natives and best friends Jared Siegel and Sam Baroff decided it was time to claim their birthright. During their junior year at the University of Georgia, they signed up for a Birthright Israel trip together, hoping to further their understanding of Israel. Like many, Sam had initially heard of Birthright Israel through his mom. While Jared heard of the trip through his… Read More 

Ashley Horine was taught about Israel and claiming her birthright by her grandfather, a Holocaust survivor she affectionately refers to as Poppy. Even so, for much of her life, she considered her Jewish heritage a “thing” without meaning. After Poppy passed away, however, Horine spoke with his rabbi who reiterated Poppy's desire to see his granddaughter go to Israel, sharing… Read More 

Before I went on Birthright Israel, the organization seemed just like any other Israel travel company. To me, Israel was Israel and just the country of the Jewish people. However, this all changed after my trip. I can now say, Birthright Israel was an incredible experience, and Israel is home. It also prepared me for my year in seminary, which… Read More