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Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

Birthright Israel’s Journey to Becoming a Force for Positive Public Diplomacy
Leadership & Supporters

October 2, 2023

Birthright Israel’s Journey to Becoming a Force for Positive Public Diplomacy

by Noa Bauer

Birthright Israel embarked on a visionary mission two decades ago: offering a 10-day trip to Israel as a gift to young Jewish adults worldwide. Fast-forward 24 years, and the program stands as an unparalleled success, boasting 800,000 alumni from 68 countries, becoming a vital pillar in strengthening Jewish identity, connection to Israel and the Israel-Diaspora relationship. How do we measure...

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“Little Did I Know That the Five Days the Israeli Participants Joined Us Would Leave an Everlasting Impression on Me.”
Alums Trip Highlights

October 2, 2023

“Little Did I Know That the Five Days the Israeli Participants Joined Us Would Leave an Everlasting Impression on Me.”

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Get ready to meet 2023 Birthright Israel alum Chloe Bogen in our interview below! Chloe, who grew up in New York and Florida, always knew she'd claim her birthright when the time was right. She also knew the trip would be extra special if she shared the experience with her college friends at the University of Texas at Austin. However,...

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Will They Fight or Flee? The Answer Is Up to Us
Alums Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

September 27, 2023

Will They Fight or Flee? The Answer Is Up to Us

by Elias Saratovsky , President & CEO, Birthright Israel Foundation

In December 1999, as the entire world was preparing for the impending doom of Y2K, I received a phone call that changed my life. A new, innovative idea had just launched with the goal of reversing the decades long trend of young Jews feeling less connected to their Jewish identity and to Israel. On the other end of the phone...

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Dear Donor: As a Person with a Physical Disability, I Never Thought a Trip Like This Was Possible
Alums Trip Highlights

September 26, 2023

Dear Donor: As a Person with a Physical Disability, I Never Thought a Trip Like This Was Possible

by Alyssa Shangold , 2023 Birthright Israel Alum

Dear Birthright Israel Foundation Donor: Growing up, I was raised as a reformed Jew. I went to Sunday school and synagogue, celebrated the different holidays, and had a Bat Mitzvah when I came of age. As a Jewish teen, I knew I wanted to participate in a Birthright Israel trip to be able to explore the environment and culture of...

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What is Yom Kippur? 5 Key Facts to Know
Holidays

September 22, 2023

What is Yom Kippur? 5 Key Facts to Know

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It falls on the 10th day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Jewish lunar calendar. The holiday is preceded by Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and together they are known as the High Holy Days or, in Hebrew Yamim Noraim. Yom Kippur is a deeply meaningful and...

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Birthright Israel’s Impact on Israelis: Yael Fuks
Alums Trip Highlights

September 21, 2023

Birthright Israel’s Impact on Israelis: Yael Fuks

by Yael Fuks , 2023 Israeli Participant

I heard about Birthright Israel from my friends in the army who participated in the program. They said it was their best experience during their military service and that it changed their entire view of the Jewish Diaspora. I thought they must be exaggerating. It's only a few days, how significant can the experience be? Anyway, I decided to try...

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morrie-lori-arel-elias-inchicago-sep2023
Events Leadership & Supporters

September 15, 2023

Lori Komisar & Morrie Silverman Host an Impactful Night in Chicago

by Birthright Israel Foundation

On Thursday, September 13, 2023, Vice Chair Lori Komisar and Morrie Silverman warmly welcomed guests to a special event at their home dedicated to celebrating and supporting Birthright Israel Foundation (BRIF). The gathering brought together generous donors and newcomers eager to learn about the organization's mission. Lori Komisar began the evening with heartfelt remarks, sharing her and Morrie's strong support...

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staceygregsiwak-with-edencohen-sep2023
Events Leadership & Supporters

September 14, 2023

Stacy & Greg Siwak Host an Unforgettable Night for St. Louis Donors

by Birthright Israel Foundation

On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, St. Louisans Stacy and Greg Siwak hosted a gathering that brought together dedicated Birthright Israel Foundation donors, as well as those enthusiastic about getting involved. Stacy and Greg kicked off the event with heartfelt remarks, expressing their deep commitment to Birthright Israel and highlighting the profound impact these journeys have on young Jewish adults, such...

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What Is Rosh Hashanah? 10 Key Facts to Know
Holidays

September 10, 2023

What Is Rosh Hashanah? 10 Key Facts to Know

by Birthright Israel Foundation

The Jewish High Holy Days, also known as the 10 Days of Repentance or Awe, are approaching faster than three blasts of a ram’s horn. It’s time for us to let go of the old as we embrace the Jewish New Year. A time of reflection and renewal, the High Holy Days kick off with Rosh Hashanah, Hebrew for “head...

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Meet 2023 Las Vegas Alum Ben Khavkin
Alums Trip Highlights

September 7, 2023

Meet 2023 Las Vegas Alum Ben Khavkin

by Birthright Israel Foundation

In the interview below, Birthright Israel alum Ben Khavkin from Las Vegas, NV, shares how his trip impacted his life. The 21-year-old participated in Birthright Israel in the summer of 2023 before starting medical school. Ben is now a student of medicine at Touro University in Nevada; his passions include medicine, science, and service. Q&A with Ben Khavkin What inspired...

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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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