The first time I traveled to Israel was when I was fourteen and then most recently…
Preparing for Rosh Hashanah and the High Holidays is a perfect time to reflect on and celebrate moments from the past year that matter. At Birthright Israel Foundation, the successful relaunch of our trips in the wake of both a global pandemic and conflict in Israel is one of those moments. Thanks to your belief and commitment to our mission, close to 4,000 participants received this life-changing gift at one of the most critical times.
After more than a year and a half of isolation, our participants came together and found community. They found friendship. They found Judaism. They found their love of Israel. They found their voice.
The current antisemitic climate is affecting every Jewish community. We are invested in positive, meaningful, and intelligent engagements with Israel and Israeli society. Birthright Israel is the most relevant, vital, and impactful Jewish organization for our next generation. By experiencing Israel for themselves, our alumni become:
- More comfortable with what they know about Israel based on their own first-hand experience.
- More willing to assess information that attempts to simplify the situation.
- More critical of those who present opposing opinions in a “right vs. wrong” format.
- Less intimidated by the inflammatory rhetoric on campus and social media.
- Less likely to simply accept misinformation regarding Israel and the Conflict.
Looking toward the New Year we know other challenges will likely arise. This past year has taught us that no matter the obstacle, Birthright Israel will continue to fulfill our mission of sending thousands of participants to Israel who will be forever changed by the experience.
We believe that an investment in Birthright Israel is an investment in promoting and protecting a bright future for us all. Together, we can ensure that young Jewish adults can say with confidence, “I am proud to be Jewish.”
Your involvement and partnership in support of this strategic asset to the Jewish people are crucial, and we thank you for your generosity.
On behalf of the entire Birthright Israel family, we wish you and your loved ones a very happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year.
Michael Messinger
Chair, Los Angeles Leadership Council
Birthright Israel Foundation
Questions, Comments or Looking to Get Involved?
Deborah Dolgin
VP, Western Region
[email protected]
(323) 384‑3931
Brooke Maserow
Regional Director, Western Region
[email protected]
(424) 652-5505
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