Cooperman Family Announces $10 Million Gift to Birthright Israel

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 - for their enduring commitment to Jewish identity and philanthropy. Kyra participated in the Birthright Israel Excel program, and Courtney took part in the traditional 10-day Birthright Israel trip.

In a defining moment of the evening, the Cooperman family announced a $10 million gift to Birthright Israel, representing a historic three-generation philanthropic commitment led by the family. This legacy contribution to Birthright Israel’s endowment will enable dozens of young adults to participate in a Birthright Israel experience each year in perpetuity.

An additional $2.7 million was raised at the event, which will cover the cost of sending 544 Jewish young adults on a Birthright Israel experience.

“During these times of growing antisemitism and increasing anti-Israel sentiment, it is more important than ever to ensure that the next generation has every opportunity to connect to Israel and their Jewish identity,” said Leon Cooperman. “Making a $10 million legacy endowment gift to the Birthright Israel Foundation is one of the most impactful ways to reach young Jewish adults. We must help strengthen their understanding of our people’s history and deepen their connection to our historic homeland.”

The gala featured keynote remarks from Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, former IDF spokesperson, and Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz, Senior Rabbi of Temple B’nai Jeshurun.

“This extraordinary gift from the Cooperman family reflects the very essence of what Birthright Israel stands for - continuity, connection, and the power of investing in future generations,” said Elias Saratovsky, President and CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation. “At a time when Jewish identity and global connection are more important than ever, their leadership ensures that hundreds more young adults will have the opportunity to experience Israel in a deeply meaningful way and carry that impact forward for years to come.”

The record-breaking event underscores growing momentum and support for Birthright Israel’s mission across New Jersey and beyond.

Please find below photos from the gala. Photo credit: Courtesy of Birthright Israel Foundation.

(L-R) Jody, Leon, Toby and Wayne Cooperman

(L-R) Elias Saratovsky, Wayne Cooperman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari and Jody Cooperman

(L-R) Wayne, Jody, Leon and Toby Cooperman

(L-R) Elias Saratovsky and Leon Cooperman

About Birthright Israel Foundation:

Since its founding, Birthright Israel has provided immersive educational experiences in Israel to nearly one million Jewish young adults worldwide. Birthright Israel Foundation raises philanthropic support to enable Jewish young adults to experience Birthright Israel, a transformative educational journey that strengthens Jewish identity, builds community, and fosters lifelong connection to Israel. Through the Generations Campaign, Birthright Israel Foundation aims to sustain and expand this impact for generations to come.