Boca Raton Celebrates Birthright Israel at St. Andrews Country Club

The Boca Raton Jewish community gathered on December 15 at St. Andrews Country Club for a celebration of 25 years of Birthright Israel, graciously hosted by Marnie Naiburg-Smith and Jeff Smith. Marnie reflected on Birthright Israel’s simple but powerful idea: every Jewish young adult deserves the chance to experience Israel firsthand. She shared its impact on nearly one million participants worldwide, its expanded platform of experiences—including Onward, Volunteer, and Excel—and its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The program also featured the Birthright Israel Foundation origin video, tracing the growth of the movement into one of the most significant investments in the Jewish future.

Linda Solomon, a Birthright Israel Foundation Board Member, recognized Board Members Dan Schwab and Barry Swidler, honorary Board Member Mike Leven, Boca Raton Cabinet Members Amy Goldman and David Pratt, and special guest Igor Alterman, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, before introducing keynote speaker Sarah Cohen, a 2015 Birthright Israel alumna and former Head Speechwriter for Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations. Sarah delivered a powerful address on Jewish pride, truth, and resilience, sharing how her Birthright Israel experience shaped her career path through Israel advocacy and diplomacy. The evening concluded with the launch of the Generations Campaign by Birthright Israel Foundation President & CEO Elias Saratovsky, followed by closing remarks from Marnie and Jeff, who thanked the Boca Raton community for its leadership and commitment to ensuring the next generation of young Jews continues to stand informed, confident, and proud.