In a little over 18 years thousands and thousands of young Jewish adults from San Francisco…
Since we are in the month of giving thanks, we want to share a message of gratitude. Thank you for believing in Birthright Israel through these uncertain times. Thank you for your unwavering support of what this educational trip can do for young Jews worldwide. In the video below, you’ll hear why 10 Birthright Israel alumni are thankful to you!
Meet a few of the Birthright Israel alumni featured above
Emily Nassir, Great Neck, NY
Emily Nassir grew up visiting family in Israel because her father immigrated to Israel from Tehran, Iran, in the 1970s. Throughout her life, she’d spend summers there but never had the opportunity to actually experience the land, people and culture outside of immediate relatives.
“Finally, through Birthright Israel I was able to connect with myself. I realized how important it is to experience different cultures. I learned in our tour of the mikvah how vital it is to step away from life’s stresses when you need to and take care of yourself. My trip gave me many things like exposure to new sights, new friends that I consider my mishpacha, memories, pictures that I will cherish forever, a new understanding of myself, and so much more. Birthright Israel gave me everything I spent my life wishing for and more.”
Jess Goldblatt, Bloomington, IN
Jess Goldblatt is the Assistant Director at Indiana University Hillel and has staffed three Birthright Israel trips. On each trip, Jess sees firsthand the impact an immersive experience in Israel has on a young adult.
“Students begin their ten-day journey to Israel with deep curiosities and indifferences regarding their relationship to Judaism and return with lifelong friendships, memories and learning. It’s with great pleasure and joy that I have seen hundreds of students return to campus life and suddenly transform into active participants in the Jewish community.”
Laura Minskoff, New York, NY
Laura Minskoff grew up in Boise, Idaho, in a small Jewish community. Before her Birthright Israel trip, she would compartmentalize herself, saving her Jewish identity for her time at synagogue. While on the trip, Laura realized Israel is part of her and a place she can call home.
“I got to see the beauty in the normalcy of Israel. Israel became this place for me that I can’t just go to visit once, but it is a place that can be home, where normal things happen, and that it is part of me.”
To say the least, words cannot describe how grateful we are to our donors. You can see how your dollars make a difference by visiting our program success page.
