22nd Anniversary Gala Honoring Co‑Founder Charles Bronfman

On Tuesday, May 17th, 2022, Birthright Israel Foundation hosted its 22nd Anniversary Gala honoring the program's Co-Founder Charles Bronfman, and celebrating his 90th birthday. Charles shared his vision and passion for transforming the Jewish future and gave us an inside glimpse into how Birthright Israel became a reality. His stepson, Tony Cohen and his children, Stephen Bronfman and Ellen Bronfman-Hauptman, spoke of Charles as their father, role model and pioneer in leading the charge for a better world. Former colleagues, close friends, and supporters of Birthright Israel joined together to pay tribute to Charles' legacy.

Phil de Toledo, Chair of Birthright Israel Foundation's Board of Directors, opened the evening by introducing Charles and describing the program’s impact. He was followed by immediate past Chairman, Thomas D. Stern, Birthright Israel Foundation’s President & CEO, Izzy Tapoohi, and Birthright Israel’s International CEO, Gidi Mark.

Isabel Allard and Billy Steinberg were the featured alumni speakers and shared their Birthright Israel experiences with us. For Isabel, Birthright Israel allowed her to gain firsthand exposure to all facets of life in Israel and gave her the courage to stand up for Israel on her college campus. For Billy, the trip provided him an opportunity to build lifelong friendships outside of his autistic community and to form an everlasting bond to his Jewish identity and the State of Israel.

We thank our Co-Chairs, Rita Bronfman and Denise Stern, for their hard work and dedication to making our 22nd Anniversary Gala so successful.

Photos From Our 22nd Anniversary Gala