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Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

rachelabramov

December 18, 2019

Birthright Israel Gave Me the Confidence to Explore My Judaism

by Rachel Abramov , 2019 Birthright Israel Alumna

I was raised in a Jewish family that was more traditional in our practice of Judaism. Only when I turned 12, I felt a spark and became more interested in Jewish learning and the religious aspects I had been missing. Eager to explore Israel as I learned more about Judaism, I set out for my Birthright Israel trip right after...

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marissaschwartz

December 12, 2019

Alumni Profile: Marissa Schwartz

by Birthright Israel Foundation

In 2009, Marissa Schwartz took advantage of the gift of Birthright Israel through the Chabad of Dartmouth with close friend Jenna Pfeffer. Years later, thanks to her firsthand experience of the country and culture, she is now Director of Business Development for My Israel's Miracle, a haircare line featuring organic ingredients from Israel with a goal to share great things...

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carlyvargasfeatimage

December 3, 2019

Birthright Israel Love Story: Carly and Alex Vargas

by Carly & Alex Vargas

Carly Rapaport and Alex Vargas met on their Birthright Israel trip back in the summer of 2014. Although they lived under 6 miles from each other in Boston at the time, they didn’t meet until their trip when they were over 5,000 miles from home! Carly explains, “Alex had wanted to go on a Birthright Israel trip for years, but...

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Birthright Israel Was My First Taste Of True Community

December 2, 2019

Birthright Israel Was My First Taste Of True Community

by Kyla Sokoll-Ward , 2011 Birthright Israel Alumna

I went on my Birthright Israel trip in 2011 at the ripe age of 19. Like many participants in this demographic, I was excited about the experience (who doesn’t love the rare gift of free travel?) and eager to explore my Jewish identity more. My Jewish upbringing wasn’t atypical for an American Jew; I went to synagogue on the high...

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jpgroupphoto

December 2, 2019

Birthright Israel Is Crucial And Here's Why

by Jenna Pfeffer , 2009 Birthright Israel Alumna

Growing up, my grandparents instilled in me a strong love for Israel and for fellow Jews around the world. Each of them was a Holocaust survivor and lost countless family members in the war, including parents and even baby siblings. If only the state of Israel had been formed sooner. For my grandparents, there was nothing more admirable than being...

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nicolelagrua

November 21, 2019

From Birthright Israel Participant to Olah Chadasha, The Journey of Nicole LaGrua

by Nicole LaGrua , Birthright Israel Alumna 2019

Where do I begin? This trip has changed my life, really. As of last December, I was a student at Penn State University, and the only reason I went on Birthright Israel was because a friend from college wanted me to come with him. So I thought, why not! I had never been to Israel before and wanted to learn...

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alexissicklickfeatimage

November 11, 2019

Alumna and Chef, Alexis Sicklick hosts Birthright Israel Themed Pop-up Dinner

by Alexis Sicklick , Birthright Israel Alumna 2019

Alexis Sicklick is a Junior Sous Chef at Aquavit in New York City and went on Birthright Israel in summer 2019 with her sister Tori. Her trip inspired her so much that she is hosting a Birthright Israel themed Pop-Dinner, Experiencing the Deliciousness of Israel, on Monday, November 18, 2019, in New York City (Sign Up Here!). The dinner will...

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