Atlanta Community Supports Birthright Israel at Temple Sinai

Atlanta celebrated Birthright Israel’s 25 anniversary on December 9 with an inspiring evening led by Event Chairs and Atlanta Cabinet Co-Chairs Michelle and Rob Leven and Karen Shulman at Temple Sinai. The Levens recognized longtime champion Doug Ross and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, represented by CEO Renee Kutner, whose partnership strengthens Jewish life across the city. Guests heard moving testimonials from Dana Shapiro, a Birthright Israel Volunteer alum evacuated during the war with Iran; Gail Heyman, who spoke about the Accessibility and Inclusion trip her son Scott participated in; Sahar Balass, a Mifgash participant who came to Atlanta after forming a close friendship with participant Daniel Goldman; and, in a video message, Birthright Israel alumnus Rabbi Natan Trief, currently leading a mission in Israel. 

The program continued with remarks from Deputy Consul General Royi Ende, followed by Birthright Israel Foundation President & CEO Elias Saratovsky, who launched the Generations Campaign to bring 200,000 young Jews to Israel by 2030. One of the night’s highlights was Behind the Post, a dynamic conversation between Karen Shulman and viral activist Zach Sage Fox, a Birthright Israel alumnus and 25th Anniversary Honoree whose Facts for Peace initiative—viewed by millions and featured by the Israeli government, the United Nations, and the U.S. Congress—has become a driving force against antisemitism. In her closing remarks, Karen invited the Atlanta community to continue investing in the next generation, ensuring that one trip continues to change everything.