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Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

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Alums Trip Highlights

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
Alums Love Stories Trip Highlights

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
Alums Trip Highlights

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)
Alums Trip Highlights

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
Alums Trip Highlights

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
Alums Trip Highlights

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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Seeing Strength and Purpose in Times of Conflict: Irwin Siegel Revisits his Time in Israel
Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

December 26, 2023

Seeing Strength and Purpose in Times of Conflict: Irwin Siegel Revisits his Time in Israel

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Israel holds a special place in the hearts of Irwin and Faye Siegel, supporters of Jewish causes. So, when their grandchildren returned from Birthright Israel trips over the years with eyes alight and stories of the vibrant Israeli culture and its unwavering spirit, it was like watching a familiar flame bloom brighter. The Siegel's recognized the transformative power of the...

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"Israel stitched friendships and memories forever woven into my Jewish identity"
Alums Trip Highlights

December 22, 2023

"Israel stitched friendships and memories forever woven into my Jewish identity"

by Nicole Lucas , 2022 Birthright Israel Alum

My name is Nicole Lucas; I am a Junior at Washington University in St. Louis (originally from Chicago) studying Global Health and Biology, hoping to become a physician. I am President of WashU’s AEPhi chapter, a research intern at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and a volunteer at senior centers running improv workshops with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. My parents have been involved...

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Hineini: My Quest to Embody and Find Humanity in War-Torn Israel
Alums Trip Highlights

December 21, 2023

Hineini: My Quest to Embody and Find Humanity in War-Torn Israel

by Andrea Rice , Birthright Israel Onward Volunteer

On October 7th, inhumane acts were committed against Israelis who, as a Jew, I consider extensions of my own family. These atrocities took place in a land that I consider a second home, the place where my soul resides. We have all experienced loss and heartbreak in our lives but on this day, something much deeper within me was broken,...

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United Under the Israeli Sun: How Birthright Israel Became a Beacon of Solidarity in 2023
Alums Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

December 20, 2023

United Under the Israeli Sun: How Birthright Israel Became a Beacon of Solidarity in 2023

by Birthright Israel Foundation

In 2023, Birthright Israel witnessed an extraordinary outpouring of connection and resilience. Over 27,000 young Jewish adults embarked on transformative journeys, immersing themselves in Israel’s vibrant culture and rich history through our programs. These programs, be they the classic 10-day trip, Onward or Excel, were more than just sightseeing; they sparked personal growth and ignited a sense of belonging to...

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