When did you go on Birthright Israel? In December 2011 and I remember we were lucky enough to celebrate the remaining nights of Hanukkah while on the trip – it was so memorable! Birthright Israel Foundation has given this gift to over 700,000 young Jewish adults from all different backgrounds and walks of life, what is your Jewish background? I… Read More
My journey to Israel started when I was only nine years old. I had just begun Hebrew school and found out what Israel was from my teacher. When I got home I asked my father if he had traveled there, he said yes and that I would “go home one day.” At the time, I didn’t understand what he meant.… Read More
I’m going to speak to you, yes you, the one who is curious how just twenty-four hours on Birthright Israel can change your life. Are you ready? Before waking up, let me paint a picture of the first few days of the trip. Forty people from different backgrounds and all over the world go from strangers to friends to family,… Read More
As told by Birthright Israel alumna and Tel Aviv local, Amy Albertson of The Asian Israeli. Israel might be the Jewish state, but in Tel Aviv brunch is like a religion. There are endless spots to try, each serving up their versions of the “Israeli breakfast” – a spread of eggs made to order, cheeses, dips, bread, and it usually… Read More
If you look at the first three-quarters of my life, you’ll probably agree that my journey to Israel is entirely unexpected. I grew up in Sacramento, California in a mixed family. One of my parents is Jewish, the other is Chinese, and they are both awesome, open, and loving. We celebrated Jewish and Christian holidays - Hanukkah and Passover, Christmas… Read More
"It’s hard to name one favorite memory from my Birthright Israel trip, however, for me it was exploring my Judaism. I had never had a Bar Mitzvah and I was able to have one on Birthright. It was a very special moment to be able to share with everyone in my group. For that I am very grateful!" – Samuel,… Read More
January 2000 Dear Mr. Bronfman, Hope all is well. I’d like to begin by saying thank you for making the Birthright Israel trip possible for me and the thousands of others that took part in this experience. For me, it was an experience that can never be relived again. I can’t imagine the time, thought and effort that was put… Read More
From the Dead Sea, to the Western Wall, to the night time meditation in the Negev desert, my entire Birthright Israel trip was enlightening, joyous, spiritual, and insightful. The people, places, views, bus naps, pillow talks, jokes, late night convos, and nights of 3 hours of sleep all became worth it when the country of Israel left a mark on… Read More
You may be even more familiar with expressions like Sababa or Yofi after a trip to Israel, but there is so much more to learning Hebrew. Hebrew is one of the world's most ancient languages. The Jewish people have used the Hebrew language in dialect, praying, writing, and in correspondence with each other for as long as time can tell.… Read More
Palm Beach native and longtime Temple Emanu-El member Susan Pertnoy recently took a trip that she had spent nearly two decades promoting and supporting for others. Pertnoy joined other donors on a specially designed Birthright Israel trip celebrating the organization’s 18th anniversary. Founded in 1999, Birthright Israel Foundation, the largest educational tourism organization in the world, sends Jewish young people… Read More
Laura Fenton is originally from Memphis, TN. She thought she'd never make it to the land of milk and honey... that was until she heard of Birthright Israel! Israel was never a place I thought I would visit until the opportunity to go on Birthright Israel opened up. I am so grateful to had gone at the age of 31… Read More
