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Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

I Recruited 300 Students for Birthright Israel. Then I Got to Lead the Trip
Alums Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

October 15, 2026

I Recruited 300 Students for Birthright Israel. Then I Got to Lead the Trip

by Jeremy Galante , 2026 Birthright Israel Top Recruiter & Madrich
My name is Jeremy Galante, and my Birthright Israel story is a little different than most. I'm a junior at Indiana University, one of the presidents of Chabad on campus,...
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What I Learned From Taking a Risk and Saying Yes
Alums Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

September 15, 2026

What I Learned From Taking a Risk and Saying Yes

by Rachel Slavkin , 2026 Volunteer in Israel Madricha
It is so easy to say “No.” But what happens when you say “Yes”? When my dear friend and colleague, Howard Blas, invited me to staff a Volunteer in Israel...
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VIDEO: Elias Saratovsky on MS NOW Morning Joe
Leadership & Supporters

August 27, 2026

VIDEO: Elias Saratovsky on MS NOW Morning Joe

by Birthright Israel Foundation

As Birthright Israel approaches one million participants, including more than 60,000 Jewish young adults who have traveled to Israel since October 7, Elias spoke about what those numbers represent: 25 years of giving Jewish young adults the opportunity to experience Israel for themselves and come home with a stronger Jewish identity, a deeper connection to Israel, and a greater understanding of their place in the Jewish story. 

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On Nantucket, One Story Reflects Nearly a Million More
Events Alums Leadership & Supporters

August 7, 2026

On Nantucket, One Story Reflects Nearly a Million More

by Birthright Israel Foundation

At the evening hosted by Danielle and Gregg Darish on July 30, Gregg opened to a growing community of Birthright Israel Foundation supporters on the island, a room full of longtime friends and many who are new to Birthright Israel. Birthright Israel Foundation President & CEO Elias Saratovsky spoke to why this moment matters, reminding everyone that "by investing in...

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Picking Up My Own Sword for Birthright Israel
Alums Trip Highlights Leadership & Supporters

July 20, 2026

Picking Up My Own Sword for Birthright Israel

by Maya Ohcana , Birthright Israel Madricha

I was born and raised in Highland Park, on Chicago's North Shore. My dad was Israeli, so Israel and Judaism were a huge part of my upbringing. I went to private Jewish school from kindergarten through fourth grade — I spoke Hebrew, I read Torah, I did it all. But I don't do my best learning in a classroom —...

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From a Queens Housing Project to Jewish Leadership with Birthright Israel 
Alums Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

June 23, 2026

From a Queens Housing Project to Jewish Leadership with Birthright Israel 

by Michelle Rojas-Tal , 2004 Birthright Israel Alumna

It was January of 2004, and I was nineteen years old, rolling my luggage out of Ben Gurion Airport for the first time. Something tumbled off the top. A young Israeli security guard bent down to pick it up. Our eyes locked, and the bells rang — at least for me. I looked at him and said, with all the...

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A Historic Night for Birthright Israel on Long Island
Leadership & Supporters Events

June 16, 2026

A Historic Night for Birthright Israel on Long Island

by Birthright Israel Foundation

The Long Island Jewish community gathered on June 11 for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and commitment to the Jewish future. The event was held to honor Jon Held, whose advocacy, leadership, and philanthropic investments have helped send thousands of young people on Birthright Israel trips. National Board Member and event co-chair Scott Jaffee opened the program alongside Long Island...

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VIDEO: Elias Saratovsky on CNBC Squawk Box
Leadership & Supporters

May 27, 2026

VIDEO: Elias Saratovsky on CNBC Squawk Box

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Birthright Israel Foundation President and CEO Elias Saratovsky made an exciting appearance on CNBC this week, making the case for why firsthand experience in Israel matters more than ever. In a lively, candid conversation, Elias shared that more than 50,000 young people have traveled to Israel since October 7 — a powerful testament to the pent-up demand and deep curiosity...

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An Evening with Birthright Israel Storytellers in Miami
Events Leadership & Supporters

May 15, 2026

An Evening with Birthright Israel Storytellers in Miami

by Birthright Israel Foundation

On May 6th, Jane and Amir Gold in Miami hosted a special gathering in celebration of Birthright Israel Storytellers. Jane Gold, Miami's Cabinet Co-Chair, opened by sharing what drove her to this work: her son at Penn wrote a heartbreaking article about Jewish students leaving their Star of David necklaces on their bedside tables, unable to wear them on campus....

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Boston Celebrates Birthright Israel and Honors Barry Shrage
Leadership & Supporters Events

May 11, 2026

Boston Celebrates Birthright Israel and Honors Barry Shrage

by Birthright Israel Foundation

The Boston Jewish community gathered on May 6 for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and commitment to the Jewish future. The event was held to honor Barry Shrage, whose decades of visionary leadership at Combined Jewish Philanthropies helped shape Boston's Jewish community and champion Birthright Israel from its earliest days — legendary philanthropist Dr. Miriam Adelson presented the award alongside...

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Cooperman Family Announces $10 Million Gift to Birthright Israel
Leadership & Supporters Events

May 6, 2026

Cooperman Family Announces $10 Million Gift to Birthright Israel

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Livingston, NJ (May 6, 2026) - Nearly 400 guests gathered last night at Crystal Plaza for the Birthright Israel Foundation New Jersey Gala, marking the organization’s largest event ever in the state. The evening honored the Cooperman family - Leon Cooperman and Toby Cooperman; their son Wayne Cooperman and daughter-in-law Jodi Cooperman; and their grandchildren Courtney and Kyra Cooperman -...

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