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Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

Will They Fight or Flee? The Answer Is Up to Us

September 27, 2023

Will They Fight or Flee? The Answer Is Up to Us

by Elias Saratovsky , President & CEO, Birthright Israel Foundation

In December 1999, as the entire world was preparing for the impending doom of Y2K, I received a phone call that changed my life. A new, innovative idea had just launched with the goal of reversing the decades long trend of young Jews feeling less connected to their Jewish identity and to Israel. On the other end of the phone...

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Dear Donor: As a Person with a Physical Disability, I Never Thought a Trip Like This Was Possible

September 26, 2023

Dear Donor: As a Person with a Physical Disability, I Never Thought a Trip Like This Was Possible

by Alyssa Shangold , 2023 Birthright Israel Alum

Dear Birthright Israel Foundation Donor: Growing up, I was raised as a reformed Jew. I went to Sunday school and synagogue, celebrated the different holidays, and had a Bat Mitzvah when I came of age. As a Jewish teen, I knew I wanted to participate in a Birthright Israel trip to be able to explore the environment and culture of...

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Birthright Israel’s Impact on Israelis: Yael Fuks

September 21, 2023

Birthright Israel’s Impact on Israelis: Yael Fuks

by Yael Fuks , 2023 Israeli Participant

I heard about Birthright Israel from my friends in the army who participated in the program. They said it was their best experience during their military service and that it changed their entire view of the Jewish Diaspora. I thought they must be exaggerating. It's only a few days, how significant can the experience be? Anyway, I decided to try...

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Meet 2023 Las Vegas Alum Ben Khavkin

September 7, 2023

Meet 2023 Las Vegas Alum Ben Khavkin

by Birthright Israel Foundation

In the interview below, Birthright Israel alum Ben Khavkin from Las Vegas, NV, shares how his trip impacted his life. The 21-year-old participated in Birthright Israel in the summer of 2023 before starting medical school. Ben is now a student of medicine at Touro University in Nevada; his passions include medicine, science, and service. Q&A with Ben Khavkin What inspired...

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Take It from an Alum, Birthright Israel Is the Jewish People’s Greatest Asset

August 29, 2023

Take It from an Alum, Birthright Israel Is the Jewish People’s Greatest Asset

by Birthright Israel Foundation

The creation of my Jewish identity has been a rollercoaster of negative and positive experiences. I grew up at a reform temple in Indianapolis and always enjoyed dinner with my parents on Friday or Saturday nights. It wasn't a traditional Shabbat dinner, but it was a family dinner that reinforced the importance of togetherness, which is a critical component of...

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Allison Koffman & Jeff Lipsitz Host Birthright Israel Foundation's Annual Hamptons Event

August 14, 2023

Allison Koffman & Jeff Lipsitz Host Birthright Israel Foundation's Annual Hamptons Event

by Birthright Israel Foundation

On Thursday, August 10, 2023, philanthropists Allison Koffman & Jeff Lipsitz hosted Birthright Israel Foundation's annual Hamptons event at their home. It was a spectacular evening celebrating and supporting Birthright Israel's programs. Guests enjoyed hearing from Jeff Lipsitz, who shared important updates regarding the classic 10-day trip and why his family has made the program a philanthropic priority. Jeff also...

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How Birthright Israel, Onward & Excel Shaped Who I Am Today

August 8, 2023

How Birthright Israel, Onward & Excel Shaped Who I Am Today

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Birthright Israel is more than just a trip; it is a life-changing experience that has the power to connect young Jewish adults to their heritage, community, and identity in ways that few programs can match. As a participant of Birthright Israel, Birthright Israel Onward, and Birthright Excel, I can attest to the transformative nature of each of these programs. A...

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Dear Donor: Your Gift Changed My Life & Nourished My Jewish Soul

August 7, 2023

Dear Donor: Your Gift Changed My Life & Nourished My Jewish Soul

by Michael Valdes , 2023 Birthright Israel Alum

Dear Birthright Israel Foundation Donor: It all started when I hopped onto Birthright Israel's site, and it felt like trying to get Taylor Swift tickets. I needed to book this once-in-a-lifetime trip (I'll explain why soon.) Thank God, I secured my spot, and my journey back to Israel began. First off, I want to say thank you. Your contributions have...

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Without your donations to Birthright Israel Foundation, this gift isn't possible. Secure the Jewish future today by investing in this transformational trip for Jewish young adults.

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