Sustaining Jewish Continuity Through Planned Giving: Corie & Michael Koss

California-based real estate developer and investor Michael Koss has dedicated much of his life to supporting Jewish organizations and causes, with a clear, foundational philosophy guiding his leadership and charitable giving along the way.

"My primary interest is in supporting efforts that sustain Jewish continuity," he said.

As the principal and founder of Koss Real Estate Investments, Michael has served as Chairman of the Board of the Los Angeles Jewish Federation, as well as of the Western Region of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Michael and his wife Corie were awarded the Torch of Learning Award from the American Friends of the Hebrew University, and Michael has also received the Jewish National Fund's Tree of Life Award.

Fundraising has been a major thrust of Michael's leadership efforts over the years. He was the Co-Founder and Chair of the Jewish Federation Los Angeles Centennial Endowment Campaign, which raised over $100 million. But Michael doesn't only solicit donations — he makes them.

The Kosses are notable supporters of Birthright Israel Foundation. As part of their $5 million pledge from their estate to the Jewish Federation, they have directed $1 million to Birthright Israel as a beneficiary.

"I think that Birthright [Israel] is a really fantastic example of an organization that makes a very important and significant contribution to the effort of sustaining Jewish continuity," he said, noting also that, "my wife, Corie, very enthusiastically shares all of my values and commitments. She's a real partner in all of this with me."

Michael's journey with Birthright Israel began years ago through his work with the Federation, where he was inspired by the enthusiasm and support for the Foundation's mission. He recalls a particularly moving Birthright Israel Foundation event at a family friend's home, which left a lasting impression on him.

"I was very touched by their commitment to Birthright Israel, and I significantly increased my contribution at that time," he said, "which of course has increased since then." This is in large part because Birthright Israel became a more personal cause when Michael witnessed the impact of the program's effects firsthand in members of his own family.

After leaving Jewish day school to attend a secular high school, Michael's youngest daughter, Niki, "didn't seem to have a strong connection to Jewish life, which is very common with young people in America," he said. Now, though, "she is quite interested in the Jewish community," notably having done work for OpenDor Media, a Jewish and Israel-related educational media company. For this he credits perhaps some "osmosis" from his and Corie's own involvement in Jewish causes, but beyond that, a "profound" impact from Niki's Birthright Israel experience in her early twenties.

"It's hard for young people who haven't been to Israel to really have a connection to it and have a real perspective about what it means to the Jewish world and what it means to the continuity of Judaism, and by participating in a Birthright trip and being so culturally interwoven with Israel, I think it has a powerful effect on their psyche."

Michael's nephew also had a transformative experience. With little connection to Judaism or the Jewish homeland, he took a Birthright Israel trip, became a bar mitzvah during his 10 days in Israel and went on to marry a Jewish partner with whom he's raising two Jewish children. Michael sees these stories as a testament to the program's profound impact.

Beyond evidence within his own family, Michael points to a study by Brandeis University, where he is a past regent of Birthright Israel alumni that found tangible impact for participants in terms of marriage and connection to the Jewish community and Israel — issues he laments as lacking in present-day American culture. Ultimately, the power of Birthright Israel to shape a Jewish family's future, and by virtue of that, the continuity of the Jewish people, is what Michael said drives his dedication to the Foundation.

"Birthright Israel offers people an opportunity to literally have a birthright and learn about and become interested in their heritage and make a connection to it," he said. It's something world Jewry benefits from, and something Michael believes should motivate other donors to support Birthright Israel.

"I think everybody should have some concern about supporting our people and supporting our Jewish homeland," he said. "And I think this is a very impactful way of doing it." His impact has certainly not gone unnoticed by the Birthright Israel Foundation.

"Michael is truly an exceptional leader and partner," said Yael Gonen-Dawson, the Foundation's Regional Director for Greater Los Angeles. "He and Corie set a gold standard for generosity and kindness. And their actions are indicative of their commitment and dedication to our community, Israel and the Jewish people, and we are truly fortunate that Birthright Israel is one their philanthropic priorities."

Michael's vision is that these actions impact the future of Birthright Israel, and by extension, the future of the Jewish people in both Israel and the diaspora.

"Decades from now, I hope and pray that Israel and Birthright [Israel] are flourishing, and I hope that Birthright Israel continues to impact Jewish attitudes and values in America and have people feeling even more connected as a whole community."

Michael's appreciation for Birthright Israel and the tremendous impact it has on the Jewish people has extended far beyond his family with his legacy gift. By investing in the future of Birthright Israel, he is guaranteeing that your children and grandchildren can connect to our homeland and their Jewish identity as well. Join Michael in building a promising future for us all. Learn how you too can leave a bright legacy for the Jewish people.