“If we’re not living for our children, who are we living for?”: A Birthright Israel Legacy Gift Story

Lori Komisar has long been a force in Jewish philanthropy. As Vice Chair of Birthright Israel Foundation, she brings both strategic leadership and a fierce commitment to ensuring every Jewish young adult has the opportunity to visit Israel. But her dedication goes far beyond boardroom decisions — it’s deeply personal, and now, everlasting.

Lori and her life partner, Morrie Silverman, have made a legacy gift through the Fund for the Jewish Future, securing their commitment to Birthright Israel’s mission for generations to come. For them, it’s about continuity, community, and conviction.

“I want every Jewish young adult on the planet to set foot in Israel,” Lori says. “Birthright Israel is one of the most powerful organizations of any kind, ever — because it truly changes the lives and attitudes of our young people.”

Lori and Morrie weren’t always steeped in Birthright Israel. They came to the Foundation more than a decade ago when Lori’s children were preparing to go on the 10-day trip — and were struck by how transformational the experience was, especially for young Jews with little prior connection to Jewish life. “Once they are in Israel, something inside them awakens,” Lori says. “They realize: this is my home. These are my people.”

Lori and Morrie are especially moved by stories of participants from secular households, some of whom even face resistance at home for choosing to go. “They may not know why they want to go — and their parents may not understand why it matters — but once they’re there, they know,” Lori explains. “It becomes clear. They’re part of something.”

For them, that sense of belonging is where the true power of Birthright Israel lives. “Being Jewish, you often grow up feeling separate,” Lori says. “You go to synagogue, maybe you have a community, but you don’t feel part of something larger. Birthright Israel gives you that context — not just content, but context — which you can’t get any other way.”

Their planned gift is just one part of their investment to the Foundation. Lori and Morrie are also committed to giving during their lifetimes — to see, feel, and celebrate the impact. “When we go to Israel, we see a Birthright Israel bus, meet alumni, and attend events,” Lori says. “We can hug them. Talk to them. That’s the joy of it. That’s the impact.”

It’s not about recognition or buildings. “We’re not building buildings. We’re building people,” Lori says. “And when you give to Birthright Israel, you’re not just supporting a trip. You’re giving Jewish young adults the strength to face the world — and each other — with pride.”

Lori and Morrie have discussed both annual giving and legacy giving as a natural combination. “We signed a letter of intent that when we are no longer here, there will be a financial gift,” Lori says. “But we’ve also agreed that if we have a capital event, we’ll give while we’re alive. Because giving while you’re here lets you enjoy who you give to. And that’s very, very important.”

Lori also acknowledges the financial logic behind planned giving. “If you look at it from a business standpoint, it’s a prudent financial decision,” she says. “An endowment can offset taxes — but more importantly, it guarantees that young people will continue to benefit long after we’re gone.”

Lori envisions a future where Birthright Israel becomes a true rite of passage — one that’s woven into the fabric of Jewish life. “I hope it becomes so deeply ingrained that it doesn’t depend on year-to-year fundraising,” she says. “That’s why this legacy work is so important.”

And she sees the need for that future more clearly now than ever. “We need to take these young adults and give them a week, or ten days, just to breathe,” she says. “To be together. To feel strong. That’s what Birthright Israel does.”

In times of rising antisemitism and growing uncertainty, Lori sees Birthright Israel as a source of strength — a force for confidence and connection. “It’s a lifeline,” she says.

She is also deeply inspired by the broader Birthright Israel community. “Whether lay or professional, everyone involved in Birthright Israel is extraordinary,” she says. “They live and breathe what’s right. They’re passionate, they help each other, and they show up. It’s a paradigm of what the Jewish community should strive to be.”

Her message to other donors is both heartfelt and direct: “Why wouldn’t you want your children — or someone else’s children — to be part of something this strong, this unifying, and this essential? If you’re Jewish, this matters.”

Lori’s vision for the future of Birthright Israel is about more than survival — it’s about thriving. “If we each give to Birthright Israel a piece of what we’re going to leave to our children,” she says, “then the children we’ll never know will have the gift of Birthright Israel. And they will not be denied this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Ultimately, Lori and Morrie’s philanthropy is rooted in a generational promise — one that transcends headlines or moments in time. “You’re joining a worldwide organization where your children — and all Jewish children — can benefit,” Lori says. “And that benefit stays with them, for life.”

Through their leadership, generosity, and vision, Lori and Morrie are ensuring that legacy takes root — and that the Jewish future is not only protected, but proudly lived.

Create a lasting Jewish legacy through the Fund for the Jewish Future. Your planned gift helps Birthright Israel inspire generations of young Jews through transformative trips and lifelong connection.