Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

January 28, 2026

“Our Story”: How Birthright Israel Helped Me Claim Mine

I’m from Westchester, New York. I studied cinematography at Ithaca College and graduated in 2023. Now I’m getting an MFA in photography through Savannah College of Art and Design. I’m going through my photos from Birthright Israel and writing about my experiences, hoping to eventually compile them into a book.My dad is Jewish, and my mom is Catholic. My sister...

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January 27, 2026

Judaism Felt Outdated Until Birthright Israel 

I grew up in Michigan with a Reform Jewish identity. But if I’m honest, I felt the least Jewish of my siblings. I’m one of six kids, and I was the most secular one. I just didn’t see the relevance. Judaism felt outdated, like the traditions were disconnected from modern life. Then October 7 happened, and it fundamentally changed me. I...

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January 26, 2026

What Birthright Israel Made Impossible to Ignore

For many Jewish young adults, Judaism doesn’t disappear. It just gets deprioritized. Not out of rejection, but out of momentum. Careers accelerate. Cities change. Communities become harder to hold onto. You don’t stop being Jewish; you just stop structuring your life around it. That’s what happened to me.I live in the San Francisco Bay area now, where I am an...

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January 20, 2026

Birthright Israel Foundation Appoints Michael Rashes Chair of the Board of Directors

Birthright Israel Foundation is pleased to announce a transition in board leadership and the appointment of its new Executive Committee, effective January 1, 2026. After four years as Board Chair, Philip de Toledo has concluded his term, with Michael Rashes assuming the role of Chair of the Board of Directors.During his tenure, de Toledo helped guide the Foundation through an...

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January 20, 2026

Welcoming New Birthright Israel Foundation Board Chair Michael Rashes

As he steps into his new role as Chair of the Birthright Israel Foundation Board of Directors, Mike Rashes spoke to us about the urgency of this moment for the Jewish people and his vision for the Generations Campaign and the future of Birthright Israel.What sparked your connection to Israel and support of Birthright Israel?I felt an immediate and palpable...

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January 20, 2026

Philip de Toledo on His Tenure as Birthright Israel Foundation Board Chair

As he concludes his tenure as Chair of the Birthright Israel Foundation Board of Directors, Philip de Toledo reflected on the personal journey that deepened his connection to Israel, the opportunity for f leadership during an eventful period of time, and the enduring impact of Birthright Israel.How did you become a leader at Birthright Israel Foundation?We’d supported Birthright Israel for...

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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...

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December 23, 2025

Watch Our New Birthright Israel "One Trip Changes Everything" Video!

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December 23, 2025

Ten Facts About Birthright Israel

For 25 years, Birthright Israel has transformed how young Jewish adults connect to Israel, Jewish identity, and one another, at a scale unmatched anywhere in the world. These 10 facts show the program’s reach, proven impact, and bold vision for the future of Jewish life. We invite you to share them with anyone who cares about Jewish continuity and might...

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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...

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