Los Angeles Community Celebrates 25 Years of Birthright Israel

On September 10 in Los Angeles, our community came together to celebrate 25 years of Birthright Israel.

After activist Adela Cojab shared how Birthright Israel shaped her life of advocacy and service, Birthright Israel Foundation President and CEO Elias Saratovsky inspired and updated us on the extraordinary impact of nearly 30,000 Jewish young adults participating in Birthright Israel this year.

We were proud to recognize a remarkable group of alumni honorees whose leadership and community dedication reflect the best of Birthright Israel: Alon Shalom Rogenstein, Avery Rosin, Brandon Farbstein, Drea Rice, Eli Tsives, Sabrina Jahan, Yasmeen Ohebsion, Emily Schrader, and Eden Cohen.

We were also honored to welcome a delegation of Mifgash IDF officers led by Group Leader Elan Divon and Mifgash Director Ofira Bino, the visionary who first brought this essential feature of our program to life. Their presence was a powerful reminder of the friendships and shared purpose forged on every Birthright Israel bus.

The evening featured a moving address from journalist and alumna Emily Schrader and a moving live performance by Omer Shaish, followed by an after-party with DJ Aviel, celebrating a quarter century of connection, community, and pride.

Our deepest gratitude goes to our entire Los Angeles leadership for their efforts and dedication. Special thanks to our Leadership award presenters; Simon Mendelson, LA Leadership Chair; Phil de Toledo, National Board Chair; Steven Fishman, National Board Member; and Ellen Bronfman Hauptman, LA Cabinet Member. We were also honored to be joined by Rabbi Noah Farkas, President & CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and gave so generously. Together, we’re building the Jewish future, one trip at a time.