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Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

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Alums Trip Highlights

January 7, 2025

Help Us Celebrate Our 25th Anniversary and Share Your Story!

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Since 1999, Birthright Israel has served its mission to bring Jewish young adults to Israel at absolutely no cost to them—regardless of their means, background, religious beliefs or practices, political views, sexual orientation, racial or gender identity, or disability status. All we ask of our participants is curiosity, an open mind, and an interest in exploring Israel and their Jewish...

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Alums Love Stories Trip Highlights

December 23, 2024

Falling In Love With Israel—And Each Other

by Dana Halpern and Zach Parilla , 2021 Birthright Israel Alumni

Dating in New York City in your mid-twenties is no easy task. People are looking for different things. It’s difficult to make a meaningful connection last longer than a few dates. We—Dana and Zach—both wanted to find someone who felt a strong connection to Israel and wanted to pass it on to their future family. We've loved Israel deeply throughout...

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Alums Trip Highlights

December 20, 2024

Why Would I Not Be Here?

by Baruch L. , 2024 Birthright Israel Volunteer

October 7th happened and honestly, what else could I do but help? I mean, really. I tried the whole tech company thing first. Remote support, helping companies whose employees got called up. It made sense on paper. I have the skills, they needed the help. But it felt... distant. Theoretical. Like I was playing at helping instead of actually helping....

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Trip Highlights

December 17, 2024

Highlights from Our Inspiring Winter Season

by Birthright Israel Foundation

The winter season has begun, and we’re thrilled to share the exciting journeys of our classic 10-day trip participants and volunteers who are already making memories and meaningful contributions in Israel. Classic 10-Day Trip: Participants hiked Masada at sunrise and toured Sderot, a community healing and rebuilding after October 7th. They visited the holy site of the Kotel, the Mount...

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Alums Trip Highlights

December 9, 2024

Reclaiming My Path Back to Judaism

by Michele Abraham , 2024 Birthright Israel Alumna

“Purpose of visit?” the Israeli customs agent asked. “Taglit,” I said, smiling. I was the last person from my UJA Birthright Israel group to head to baggage claim. As I stared at the young thirtysomething, his eyes lit up with pride, beaming that I was heading into the Holy Land. “Welcome home,” he said. Upon hearing this, I almost cried....

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Embracing Israel as My Own
Alums Trip Highlights

November 12, 2024

Embracing Israel as My Own

by Amanda Doss , 2024 Birthright Israel Alumna

Though I was raised in a Christian household, I always felt a pull toward Judaism. From childhood Shabbat dinners at my best friend Sigal’s house, to my admiration for Barbra Streisand, Judaism always felt familiar, even comforting. But it wasn’t until I met my boyfriend, David, that my connection to Judaism truly deepened. At the time, I was at a...

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Thank You to Our Donors for a Transformative 2024
Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

November 4, 2024

Thank You to Our Donors for a Transformative 2024

by Birthright Israel Foundation

While the High Holidays felt different this year, we hope you were able to spend meaningful time with loved ones, as we pray for a peaceful year ahead. We at Birthright Israel Foundation are more committed than ever to ensuring the health and vitality of the Jewish people by investing in the younger generation. We cultivate proud, resilient, conscientious young...

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Alums Trip Highlights

October 28, 2024

Birthright Israel Made Me Proud to Be Jewish and a Stronger Zionist

by Claire Roffman , 2024 Birthright Israel Alum

I had been to Israel twice before. But not since October 7th. I wanted to strengthen my bonds with my sorority sisters, but never realized it would connect me so deeply to others. This time visiting Israel was different. On the fourth day of Birthright Israel, we went to Har Herzl. There I stood on what used to be a...

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Birthright Israel Parent Michelle Ahdoot: Building Strength and Unity
Alums Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

September 26, 2024

Birthright Israel Parent Michelle Ahdoot: Building Strength and Unity

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Activist and mother Michelle Ahdoot is an alumna of one of Birthright Israel’s very first pilot trips in the mid 1990s, when founders and philanthropists Charles Bronfman and Michael Steinhardt first conceived of the program. Fast-forward a few decades, and it’s “full circle,” said Ahdoot, now Director of Programming and Strategy at End Jew Hatred, a grassroots Jewish civil rights...

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Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

August 22, 2024

Quiz: How Well Do You Really Know the Foundation That Funds Birthright Israel?

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Birthright Israel Foundation plays a crucial role in providing life-changing experiences for young Jewish adults around the world. Our dedication to fostering connections to Jewish heritage and the land of Israel has impacted countless lives. But how much do you really know about our work and the programs we support? This quiz will test your knowledge on Birthright Israel Foundation's...

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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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