Whether you have had the life-changing opportunity to visit Israel or not, you most likely have heard of these incredible places in the quiz below. Take the quiz to see how well you know these renowned places in the Jewish homeland. From Jerusalem to Eilat, Israel is full of heartwarming and eye-opening experiences that warm the hearts of our Birthright… Read More
On June 15, 2023, Birthright Israel parents and donors Betsy and David Krantz hosted our first-ever event in Cleveland, OH, at their home. Betsy and David rallied the Cleveland community in support of Birthright Israel Foundation and, through their generosity, showed how crucial the program is to the next generation. The evening featured welcoming remarks from Betsy Krantz, who shared… Read More
From June 12-14, 2023, Birthright Israel Foundation's Board of Directors gathered in Israel for a retreat where they had the opportunity to see our mission come to life. The Board enjoyed hearing those leading the educational strategy for Birthright Israel and meeting senior Israeli staff. Participants from Onward joined the Board for dinner, helping to build greater connection and understanding… Read More
Katie Spector is originally from Northeast Ohio and lives in Cincinnati today. She is the Director of Engagement at the Hillel at Miami University in Ohio. She's passionate about providing Jewish students a place to find their Jewish identity and creating spaces where all Jewish students are welcome. When she isn't working, she is either crocheting, reading a book, or… Read More
Homeland, miracle, and start-up nation. As a kid growing up in New Jersey, these were the words used to describe Israel — by both my parents and my teachers in Hebrew School. After visiting Israel for my brother’s Bar Mitzvah, I thought I understood the importance of the Promised Land as the safest place in the world for the Jewish… Read More
When young Jewish adults travel to Israel through trips presented by organizations such as Taglit-Birthright Israel or Jewish National Fund-USA, they are usually looking for meaningful connections to their heritage and religion. However, some participants on these trips found something more in addition to connections to Judaism and Israel: their bashert (soul mate). There are Jewish married couples in the… Read More
For nearly 20 years, Birthright Israel has partnered with the Gift of Life Marrow Registry, encouraging the young Jews who participate in trips to Israel to register and potentially help those with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood-related diseases. The groups recently hit a milestone: 100,000 who have offered to serve as donors. The 100,000th is 20-year-old Mitch Linefsky of Fairlawn,… Read More
On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, Birthright Israel Foundation held its annual Long Island reception honoring Rebecca and Morty Schaja for their leadership and dedication to Birthright Israel. Amy Jaffee, Chair of the Long Island Leadership Cabinet, opened the program with an important program update regarding the current waitlist and the crucial need for funding. Donor and lay leader Jon Held… Read More
This Father’s Day, we honor the father figures in our lives: dads, stepdads, granddads, fathers-in-law, and all the men who helped us become the people we are today. Traditionally, Jewish fathers were the parent charged with bringing up their children with a love of learning, and that’s just one of the many reasons why they hold a special place in… Read More
On June 5, 2023, Birthright Israel Foundation donors Jennifer & Brian Hermelin hosted an insightful and inspiring event for our Michigan community at their home. Guests enjoyed hearing why Jennifer and Brian support Birthright Israel's programs. David, their son and an alum of Birthright Israel, then shared how the experience impacted his life. Since his trip, David has been a… Read More
Birthright Israel is a gift that kindles a spark of shared cultural identity in the hearts of Jewish students, fostering a sense of community that transcends borders and lasts a lifetime. This invigorating experience empowers Jewish youth to explore the profound significance of their cultural identity and gain a newfound appreciation for their Jewish heritage. Through this journey, students can… Read More
