Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

January 20, 2026

Philip de Toledo on His Tenure as Birthright Israel Foundation Board Chair

As he concludes his tenure as Chair of the Birthright Israel Foundation Board of Directors, Philip de Toledo reflected on the personal journey that deepened his connection to Israel, the opportunity for f leadership during an eventful period of time, and the enduring impact of Birthright Israel.How did you become a leader at Birthright Israel Foundation?We’d supported Birthright Israel for...

December 30, 2025

“We Have a Home”: Why Birthright Israel Matters

I’ve spent about 40 years involved in different Jewish philanthropic organizations, and I’ve learned a lot—some of it inspiring, some of it frustrating, and most of it complicated in the way only Jewish life can be complicated. At the end of the day, I try to look at the broader picture of where we are as a people, what’s happening...

December 23, 2025

Watch Our New Birthright Israel "One Trip Changes Everything" Video!

December 23, 2025

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...

December 22, 2025

Boca Raton Celebrates Birthright Israel at St. Andrews Country Club

The Boca Raton Jewish community gathered on December 15 at St. Andrews Country Club for a celebration of 25 years of Birthright Israel, graciously hosted by Marnie Naiburg-Smith and Jeff Smith. Marnie reflected on Birthright Israel’s simple but powerful idea: every Jewish young adult deserves the chance to experience Israel firsthand. She shared its impact on nearly one million participants...

December 11, 2025

Atlanta Community Supports Birthright Israel at Temple Sinai

Atlanta celebrated Birthright Israel’s 25 anniversary on December 9 with an inspiring evening led by Event Chairs and Atlanta Cabinet Co-Chairs Michelle and Rob Leven and Karen Shulman at Temple Sinai. The Levens recognized longtime champion Doug Ross and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, represented by CEO Renee Kutner, whose partnership strengthens Jewish life across the city. Guests heard...

December 11, 2025

Miami Community Unites for Birthright Israel at the Rubell Museum

More than 200 supporters gathered in Miami’s Rubell Museum on December 8 to celebrate 25 years of Birthright Israel, led by Event Chairs Colleen and Richard Fain, Miami Cabinet Co-Chairs Jane Gold and Scott Srebnick, and with gratitude to hosts Michelle and Jason Rubell. Jane explained why she supports Birthright Israel: "Because nothing shapes Jewish identity like seeing Israel with...

December 8, 2025

Birthright Israel: Why Our Community’s Support Matters Now More Than Ever

Reprinted from The Jewish Link. For decades, Birthright Israel has strengthened Jewish communities throughout the world. Since its founding in 1999, more than 900,000 young Jewish adults from 70 countries have traveled to Israel on life-changing educational journeys. And although the world has changed dramatically since those early years, Birthright Israel’s core mission has not: to give young Jews the...

November 13, 2025

Bringing Judaism to Life on a Birthright Israel Accessibility and Inclusion Trip

Krissie Sharman, a young woman from Buffalo, New York, has built her life around kindness and community. “I like helping out people who are in need and having a hard time,” she said. Krissie volunteers at a local food pantry and with an animal rescue, caring for cats, dogs, and the occasional rabbit. She is close to her sister, Kristin,...

November 13, 2025

Boca Raton Community Celebrates Birthright Israel at Broken Sound Club

More than one hundred supporters and leaders of the Jewish community in Boca Raton, Florida, gathered at the Broken Sound Club to celebrate 25 years of Birthright Israel and reaffirm their commitment to the Jewish future. The evening was co-chaired by Michelle Rebhun and Yael Epstein, with leadership and support from Pioneer Society Chair Louise Rubenfeld. Guests enjoyed cocktails, live...