Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

Did you recently learn that your child or grandchild is interested in a group trip to Israel? You’re likely thrilled that someone you love is eager to embrace their heritage, but you may also wonder if they’re in safe and suitable hands. When the trip is organized through Birthright Israel, there’s no need to worry. You may not know much… Read More 

The Covid19 period has forced Jewish organizations worldwide to reassess and reimagine their mission and operational strategies. While Birthright Israel is no exception, it is nonetheless important to clarify the nature of such reassessments and situate them in an appropriate, chiefly positive, context. Research has conclusively shown the tremendous impact of Israel educational tourism in general, let alone that of… Read More 

There are many different reasons to go on Birthright Israel. However, to me, they are all secondary to the honest answer: it’s a free trip to Israel! My father always told me nothing in this world comes completely free, so I figured there was a sales pitch coming my way. I was a half-Jewish free agent of the religious world.… Read More 

I participated in Birthright Israel one year ago. I remember there was something special about our group, in the connections that were created, especially in the sense of "togetherness." So, it's been a year now, but the magic of the tour and those special memories accompany me to this day, and I'm sure they will in the future too. The best… Read More 

Growing up in a Jewish community, I had heard many stories from older family, friends, and acquaintances about how amazing their Birthright Israel experiences were. I always knew that this was something I wanted to do. I just was not sure whether I wanted to wait until I was done with college or go during.  By my sophomore year at… Read More 

When Gene Hoffman was growing up in Connecticut he was only a little boy, barely finished with kindergarten when he first faced discrimination for being Jewish. Prior to the 1940s and 1950s, Jews in America faced harsh realities of antisemitism. As our people began breaking into industries like entertainment and law, the antisemitism only worsened. From universities, hotels, country clubs, and medical professions - Jews faced restrictions. Hoffman can recall getting into a… Read More 

Whether you haven’t pulled an all-nighter since studying for your college exams or you stay up studying Torah every year, the Jewish festival of Shavuot is a smorgasbord of delicious food. The holiday is known, after all, as the Feast of Weeks. While blintzes and cheesecake are often the stars of the show, they’re far from the only Shavuot recipes… Read More 

If you live in the Atlanta area then you may have already heard of Max Seidel. He's a recent Birthright Israel alumnus who has put his engineering skills to use and founded Atlanta Face Shields. The company was set up to manufacture face shields for Atlanta hospitals but soon found itself meeting needs everywhere. After the word spread, hospitals across… Read More 

One could have never imagined in 2020 we’d be amid a pandemic, separated from friends and loved ones. Our world will be different moving forward but that is no reason to give up hope. Together, each one of us can do our part to make the world a better place, even if we are socially distanced.          Like so many of you, we at… Read More 

Birthright Israel culturally changed my life. I can imagine many other young Jews in America, who are secular, feel the same. The 10-days I spent on the trip showed me there is another home for me and that I can be accepted. Birthright Israel helps you to create your own definition of what it means to be Jewish. And for… Read More 

Luis Burgos is a 2019 Birthright Israel alumnus who grew up in New York City, spent time in Los Angeles, where he converted to Judaism and then made his way back to the Big Apple. Like so many of our alumni, Luis' Jewish identity is unique and, most of all, inspiring. Through the photos below, you'll get a sense of… Read More