Ten Facts About Birthright Israel

For 25 years, Birthright Israel has transformed how young Jewish adults connect to Israel, Jewish identity, and one another, at a scale unmatched anywhere in the world. These 10 facts show the program’s reach, proven impact, and bold vision for the future of Jewish life. We invite you to share them with anyone who cares about Jewish continuity and might be interested in supporting our work!

1. Scale and Reach

In 25 years, Birthright Israel has brought more than 900,000 Jewish young adults from 70 countries to Israel, making it the largest and most inclusive Jewish educational program in the world.

2. Programs and Experiences

Birthright Israel offers four powerful programs—the Classic 10-Day Trip, Onward, Excel, and Volunteer—each providing immersive experiences that strengthen Jewish identity, build community, and deepen connection to Israel.

3. 2025 Participation

In 2025, 28,260 Jewish young adults participated:

15,200 on the Classic 10-Day Trip
10,900 volunteering in post–October 7 recovery efforts
2,000 in Onward internships
160 in the Excel Fellowship

4. Birthright’s Role in Israel Tourism

In 2024, 87% of all tourists under age 30 in Israel were Birthright Israel participants, demonstrating the program’s essential role in connecting young Jews to Israel, even in challenging times. (Times of Israel)

5. Measurable Impact and Research

Since 2009, Brandeis University has tracked Birthright Israel outcomes. From April–December 2023, participants were four times as likely as non-participants to feel very connected to Israel. They were twice as likely to feel very much part of the worldwide Jewish community and 1.5 times as likely to be deeply involved in Israel activism.

(Birthright Israel’s Impact in the Shadow of the Israel-Hamas War: Findings from the Summer 2023 Cohort)

6. Strengthening Jewish Identity and Belonging

The program strengthens Jewish identity: 82% of participants say their Jewish identity is “very important” after both the 10-day trip and Onward. Since the war, participants have been twice as likely to draw closer to Jewish friends and community.

(Evaluating the Program Impact of Birthright Israel Onward; Birthright Israel’s Impact in the Shadow of the Israel-Hamas War)

7. Impact Across Generations

Birthright Israel’s influence extends into the next generation. 84% of alumni raise their children exclusively Jewish, even with a non-Jewish spouse. Alumni are:

122% more likely to celebrate a bar or bat mitzvah
65% more likely to send children to Jewish overnight camp
44% more likely to enroll children in Jewish education programs

(L’Dor v’Dor: Birthright Israel’s Impact Across Generations)

8. Lifelong Engagement

Alumni remain deeply engaged: 35% have returned to Israel at least once, and they are 53% more likely to have mostly or all Jewish friends—many formed on their Birthright Israel journey.

(L’Dor v’Dor: Birthright Israel’s Impact Across Generations)

9. Leadership Pipeline

Birthright Israel alumni are shaping Jewish life worldwide. They represent:

49% of Jewish professionals under 40
55% of early-career Hillel staff
61% of Moishe House residents
50% of OneTable participants

(Leading Edge: Are Jewish Organizations Great Places To Work?)

10. Looking Ahead: The Generations Campaign

Through its Generations Campaign, Birthright Israel aims to bring 200,000 additional participants to Israel by 2030. Achieving this goal will require raising $650 million in funds, along with $250 million in legacy commitments.