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Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

May 28, 2026

Relief, Comfort, and Pure Joy on Birthright Israel

by Elena Antebi , 2026 Birthright Israel Alumna
Because of my family ties, Israel always held a special place in my life. My mother is Israeli, and much of her family still lives in Israel, so I grew...
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May 27, 2026

VIDEO: Elias Saratovsky on CNBC Squawk Box

by Birthright Israel Foundation
Birthright Israel Foundation President and CEO Elias Saratovsky made an exciting appearance on CNBC this week, making the case for why firsthand experience in Israel matters more than ever. In...
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An Evening with Birthright Israel Storytellers in Miami

May 15, 2026

An Evening with Birthright Israel Storytellers in Miami

by Birthright Israel Foundation

On May 6th, Jane and Amir Gold in Miami hosted a special gathering in celebration of Birthright Israel Storytellers. Jane Gold, Miami's Cabinet Co-Chair, opened by sharing what drove her to this work: her son at Penn wrote a heartbreaking article about Jewish students leaving their Star of David necklaces on their bedside tables, unable to wear them on campus....

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Boston Celebrates Birthright Israel and Honors Barry Shrage

May 11, 2026

Boston Celebrates Birthright Israel and Honors Barry Shrage

by Birthright Israel Foundation

The Boston Jewish community gathered on May 6 for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and commitment to the Jewish future. The event was held to honor Barry Shrage, whose decades of visionary leadership at Combined Jewish Philanthropies helped shape Boston's Jewish community and champion Birthright Israel from its earliest days — legendary philanthropist Dr. Miriam Adelson presented the award alongside...

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Cooperman Family Announces $10 Million Gift to Birthright Israel

May 6, 2026

Cooperman Family Announces $10 Million Gift to Birthright Israel

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Livingston, NJ (May 6, 2026) - Nearly 400 guests gathered last night at Crystal Plaza for the Birthright Israel Foundation New Jersey Gala, marking the organization’s largest event ever in the state.The evening honored the Cooperman family - Leon Cooperman and Toby Cooperman; their son Wayne Cooperman and daughter-in-law Jodi Cooperman; and their grandchildren Courtney and Kyra Cooperman - for...

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Birthright Israel Celebrates and Honors the Cooperman Family in NJ

May 6, 2026

Birthright Israel Celebrates and Honors the Cooperman Family in NJ

by Birthright Israel Foundation

The Jewish community gathered in Livingston, NJ on May 5 for a sold-out night of celebration, inspiration, and commitment to the Jewish future. Event co-chairs Evan Ratner and Erin Schonbraun welcomed a room full of passionate supporters, who heard from Birthright Israel Foundation President & CEO Elias Saratovsky, and alumni Samantha Felgoise, David Rak, Briana Halpern and Oran Goldberg —...

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Volunteer in Israel: A New Beginning For Me and My Judaism

May 5, 2026

Volunteer in Israel: A New Beginning For Me and My Judaism

by Alivia Barker , 2026 Volunteer in Israel Alumna

My name is Alivia Barker, and I’m a 36-year-old woman living in Boca Raton, Florida. Today, I focus my energy on spreading joy and love while building meaningful connections; whether through my work as a personal organizer, my volunteer role as a Big Sister through Jewish Family Services, or my treasured relationships with friends and family. I feel incredibly fortunate...

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“Birthright Israel is What Keeps That Connection Alive”: A Conversation with Steven and Jodie Fishman

April 24, 2026

“Birthright Israel is What Keeps That Connection Alive”: A Conversation with Steven and Jodie Fishman

Steven and Jodie Fishman are dedicated philanthropists and community leaders whose commitment to Jewish life spans decades. As Chair of the Los Angeles Birthright Israel Foundation Leadership Council, Steven greatly expanded the organization's impact. He holds leadership roles with Stephen Wise Temple, AIPAC, the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, ELNET, the national board of Birthright Israel, Hebrew Union College,...

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From Four Jews in Texas to Thirty on a Birthright Israel Bus

April 20, 2026

From Four Jews in Texas to Thirty on a Birthright Israel Bus

by Mallory Friedman , 2026 Birthright Israel Alumna

I am a third-year Health Sciences major from Solon, Ohio, and the Vice President of Administrative Affairs on Ohio State Hillel’s student executive board. I grew up in your average American Jewish household, which is to say that, for as long as I could remember, my parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles all told me I needed to go on Birthright...

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I’ve Led More Than 40 Birthright Israel Trips—It’s My Life’s Work 

April 16, 2026

I’ve Led More Than 40 Birthright Israel Trips—It’s My Life’s Work 

by Rabbi Gershon Litt , Birthright Israel Madrich

I grew up in Houston, Texas. I went to Jewish day school at one of the largest synagogues in the country. I was very proud as a young Jewish kid. I went to Camp Ramah, Camp Tel Yehuda, I was in BBYO—I checked all the boxes. I had a huge passion for Judaism and for Israel. But I didn’t think...

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Birthright Israel: The Feeling You Can't Get Anywhere Else

April 15, 2026

Birthright Israel: The Feeling You Can't Get Anywhere Else

by Gabrielle Tirsun , 2021 Birthright Israel Alumna and Madricha

I grew up in Plainview, Long Island, in a Conservative household. My grandfather was a Holocaust survivor, so Jewish identity was very important in my family. We were all raised very Zionist. Israel was always this mystical place in my head. My mom had been there; my dad hadn't. I was dying to go because I'd heard so much about it....

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Lessons in Caring From a 13-Trip Birthright Israel Madricha

April 14, 2026

Lessons in Caring From a 13-Trip Birthright Israel Madricha

by Sadie Hilf , Birthright Israel Madricha

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am a former pre-professional ballet dancer with an intense love for reading and writing, a soft spot for crafts, and a burning passion to see and change the world. My Jewish identity was rooted in questioning, learning, and a strong but impersonal connection to Israel. I grew up being told Torah stories...

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