Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

March 13, 2026

A Generation Steps Forward: Inside the Birthright Israel Excel Summit

Last week, 500 Birthright Israel Excel Fellows from around the world gathered at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York for the Excelerate26 Summit. To understand why this weekend mattered, you first need to understand who was in that room and what brought them there.Who Was In That RoomBirthright Israel Excel Fellows are students from Harvard, Stanford, Penn, Cambridge,...

February 6, 2026

VIDEO: Elias Saratovsky and Birthright Israel Alumni on Network TV

February 5, 2026

Birthright Israel: “If Not Me, Then Who?” 

This reflection was written in January 2025, following a Birthright Israel staff mission to Israel. I was there during the release of hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, who had been held in Hamas captivity for more than a year. I landed back home just 24 hours ago, and I am still in disbelief at what I experienced. I...

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 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

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...

November 7, 2025

Highlights From Birthright Israel's 25th Anniversary Gala in New York City

Birthright Israel's 25th Anniversary Gala on November 3 in New York City was a defining moment for the Jewish people. We honored philanthropist Lynn Schusterman, whose vision and generosity have shaped generations. “If we keep Birthright Israel strong,” she said, “Birthright Israel will keep the Jewish people strong.” The night also marked the launch of our Generations Campaign, a bold...