Birthright Israel Honors Jewish Leader and Philanthropist Jeff Solomon

On December 12, 2024, Birthright Israel Foundation and its friends and supporters gathered at the Harmonie Club in New York City to honor Dr. Jeffrey R. Solomon, beloved Jewish communal leader and Senior Advisor to Chasbro Investments, the family office of Charles Bronfman. It was a special evening filled with heartfelt tributes, inspiring testimonies, and a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of Jewish leaders. 

Birthright Israel Foundation President and CEO Elias Saratovsky said, “Jeff Solomon is one of the most consequential Jewish professionals of the past 50 years. He has dedicated his life to strengthening the Jewish community, and he has empowered countless young Jewish leaders to step up and shape our future. His extraordinary legacy will endure for generations.” 

Our distinguished speakers included Master of Ceremonies Barry Finestone; Birthright Israel co-founder and event co-chair Charles Bronfman; event co-chair Audrey Weiner; alumni Jenna Barricklo and Daniel Karlin; VP of Birthright Israel North America Elizabeth Sokolsky; and International CEO of Birthright Israel Gidi Mark. 

We also presented the inaugural Jeffrey R. Solomon Award honoring outstanding Jewish communal professionals to Aviva Klompas, educator, author, activist, and devoted madricha on Birthright Israel trips. 

“I’m so fortunate to have spent my career in service to the Jewish people,” said Jeff. “I so appreciate my colleagues and friends for joining me as we recognize the important difference that professionals can make in connecting and inspiring young people’s identity, especially at this moment of challenge in which Jewish pride and resilience are so very critical.”