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Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

From Bagels & Lox to Blue & White: How Birthright Ignited a Lifelong Connection to Israel

February 22, 2024

From Bagels & Lox to Blue & White: How Birthright Ignited a Lifelong Connection to Israel

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Sam Permutt, a 2005 Birthright Israel alum, never felt a true connection to Israel or his Jewish heritage. In our interview with Sam below, he shares how a desire to learn more about the geopolitics of the region drove him to participate in a Birthright Israel trip. Little did he know the trip would catapult his involvement in Jewish life...

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Soul on Fire: How Birthright Ignited My Love for Israel and Led Me Home

February 22, 2024

Soul on Fire: How Birthright Ignited My Love for Israel and Led Me Home

by Rosseta Tourgeman , 2019 Birthright Israel Alum

When people talk about their Birthright Israel success stories, you’ll usually hear about someone who had no previous connection to Israel returning with a newfound love for their homeland. My Birthright Israel experience, however, only intensified my existing love for Israel, so much that it led me to make the life-changing decision of making Aliyah all on my own two...

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Volunteering, Exploring, and Questioning: An Unfiltered Look at Israel

February 15, 2024

Volunteering, Exploring, and Questioning: An Unfiltered Look at Israel

by Marcus Pierre , Birthright Israel Onward Alum

I was 22 years old when I went to Israel for the first time on a Birthright Israel Onward program for two months in Haifa. I volunteered with the children of Eritrean asylum seekers at an NGO called Aleph. My relationship with Israel waxed and waned throughout the years, from being immensely proud of the only Jewish nation to being...

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From Fear to Light: How Birthright Israel Opened My Jewish Heart

February 14, 2024

From Fear to Light: How Birthright Israel Opened My Jewish Heart

by Amanda Rosen , 2008 Birthright Israel Alum

My Jewish identity has always been complex, but my experience with Birthright opened my eyes to more joy than I could have prepared for. In Israel, I found a sense of independence and a deep connection to the land and people. I also found a friend who would become my husband and the father of our two boys. My introduction...

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February 8, 2024

Birthright [Israel] Trippers Find Visiting Israel During War Is a Unique and Invigorating Experience

by Elana Sztokman , Jewish Telegraphic Agency

When Alon Fishman visited Israel in early January on a group trip, it wasn’t his first time in the country. But Fishman, 23, had never seen Israel like this before. When his Birthright Israel group arrived at the Western Wall, they found it uncharacteristically empty, and the plaza featured a new memorial with the names of the 1,200 victims of...

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Birthright Israel Love Story: Amanda & Eric Rosen

February 2, 2024

Birthright Israel Love Story: Amanda & Eric Rosen

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Who knew a Birthright trip could lead to happily ever after? Not Amanda and Eric! Their story began amidst the sun-kissed landscapes of Israel, where a casual bus seat conversation blossomed into a love that would change their lives. Fast forward, and they're now a Seattle-based family with two bouncing sons and a furry friend named Penny, all thanks to...

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From Law School to Leadership: How Birthright Ignited My Jewish Purpose

February 1, 2024

From Law School to Leadership: How Birthright Ignited My Jewish Purpose

by Romy Miller , 2019 Birthright Israel & Onward Alum

As a third-year law student at the University of Florida, I am constantly facing existential crises. Why am I here? What career path is best for me? What will my future be? But amidst the swirling doubts, one desire shines brightly: the yearning to help my Jewish community and make a difference in our world. Law school seemed like the...

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Israel: Beyond the Headlines, Into My Heart (Thanks to Birthright)

February 1, 2024

Israel: Beyond the Headlines, Into My Heart (Thanks to Birthright)

by Sasha Kraver , 2016 Birthright Israel Alum

Birthright was my first time in Israel, and in 2016, it changed my life. Since then, Birthright has become a vital organization in my life. Here's why: I embarked on my Birthright Israel journey when I was 19 years old with two close Jewish friends and 40 new lifelong friends I had not met yet. What I didn’t expect when...

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350 Young Adults Will Participate in Birthright Israel Trips This Month

January 6, 2024

350 Young Adults Will Participate in Birthright Israel Trips This Month

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Birthright Israel is thrilled to welcome 350 young adults from primarily the U.S. on our classic 10-day trip this month, marking the program’s welcomed return after a temporary hiatus following the October 7th terrorist attack. These participants will join the vibrant community of 850,000 Birthright Israel alums who have discovered their heritage and deepened their connection to Israel since the...

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"Only One Home": A Song of Resilience After October 7th's Shadow

December 28, 2023

"Only One Home": A Song of Resilience After October 7th's Shadow

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Following the October 7th attack, siblings Ally and Daniel Rodnunsky turned to music as a refuge and a way to express their solidarity with the Jewish community and Israel. "Only One Home," their powerful song born from pain, brings awareness to the tragedy while offering solace to those affected. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width:...

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