Inspiring Stories and Graffiti at Birthright Israel Foundation’s Annual Philadelphia Event

On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Birthright Israel Foundation hosted its Annual Philadelphia Regional Event at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, overlooking Independence National Historical Park.

Upon entrance, guests were invited to grab a can of spray paint and contribute a design or message on our “graffiti wall,” a blank canvas evoking urban art in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, where artists paint murals celebrating Israeli resilience. Guests learned about the graffiti tour — a memorable stop on many a Birthright Israel itinerary — and painted Magen Davids, hearts, menorahs, the Birthright Israel logo, and inspiring messages of “Shalom” and “Am Yisrael Chai.”

After guests stood for Samantha Felgoise’s beautiful rendition of Hatikvah, Sharyn Berman and Susan Schwartz, co-chairs of the Philadelphia Ambassador Council, welcomed everyone and thanked them for their generous support of Birthright Israel programs. They acknowledged Birthright Israel’s upcoming 25th anniversary and celebrated our milestone of bringing over 850,000 Jewish young adults to Israel, including over 7,500 volunteers who came to Israel to contribute to the recovery effort after October 7th.

Sharyn and Susan reminded guests that for many young people, Birthright Israel is their first meaningful encounter with Israel, and often with their Jewish identity. They return with more confidence and perseverance, a stronger sense of Jewish pride, a personal connection to the Holy Land, and a deeper sense of belonging in the Jewish community.

The Young Leadership event vice chairs — Brittany, Emily and Marisa Berman — then warmly welcomed three alumni speakers: Jordan Davis, Oran Goldberg, and Tessa Veksler. Jordan and Tessa are prominent young activists who spoke passionately about leading the fight against antisemitism on their college campuses, and credited Birthright Israel with giving them the strength and motivation to keep fighting.

Oran, a former IDF intelligence officer, shared his remarkable story of how his desire to bring together the Israeli and American Jewish communities led him to start a nonprofit providing essential supplies to Israeli soldiers, meet his wife Silvi, and become Birthright Israel Foundation’s new Regional Director for Long Island.

The event was closed by Margie Honickman, National Board Director Emerita and a devoted leader at Birthright Israel for over a decade. Margie thanked guests for investing in a new generation of young Jewish leaders, and thus in a bright and flourishing future for Jewish communities worldwide.

Philadelphia Photo Gallery