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Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

marissaschwartz

December 12, 2019

Alumni Profile: Marissa Schwartz

by Birthright Israel Foundation

In 2009, Marissa Schwartz took advantage of the gift of Birthright Israel through the Chabad of Dartmouth with close friend Jenna Pfeffer. Years later, thanks to her firsthand experience of the country and culture, she is now Director of Business Development for My Israel's Miracle, a haircare line featuring organic ingredients from Israel with a goal to share great things...

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December 3, 2019

Birthright Israel Love Story: Carly and Alex Vargas

by Carly & Alex Vargas

Carly Rapaport and Alex Vargas met on their Birthright Israel trip back in the summer of 2014. Although they lived under 6 miles from each other in Boston at the time, they didn’t meet until their trip when they were over 5,000 miles from home! Carly explains, “Alex had wanted to go on a Birthright Israel trip for years, but...

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Birthright Israel Was My First Taste Of True Community

December 2, 2019

Birthright Israel Was My First Taste Of True Community

by Kyla Sokoll-Ward , 2011 Birthright Israel Alumna

I went on my Birthright Israel trip in 2011 at the ripe age of 19. Like many participants in this demographic, I was excited about the experience (who doesn’t love the rare gift of free travel?) and eager to explore my Jewish identity more. My Jewish upbringing wasn’t atypical for an American Jew; I went to synagogue on the high...

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jpgroupphoto

December 2, 2019

Birthright Israel Is Crucial And Here's Why

by Jenna Pfeffer , 2009 Birthright Israel Alumna

Growing up, my grandparents instilled in me a strong love for Israel and for fellow Jews around the world. Each of them was a Holocaust survivor and lost countless family members in the war, including parents and even baby siblings. If only the state of Israel had been formed sooner. For my grandparents, there was nothing more admirable than being...

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ladinner

November 22, 2019

Event Highlights: 6th Annual Los Angeles Dinner

by Birthright Israel Foundation

On Thursday, November 21, 2019, Birthright Israel Foundation, together with over 300 guests, honored philanthropists Gila and Adam Milstein at our 6th Annual Los Angeles Dinner. The evening was a tremendous success, raising $34 million for Birthright Israel Foundation from the community, including the Adelsons. We thank the Adelsons for their continued generosity to Birthright Israel Foundation, bringing their total...

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Event Highlight: Philadelphia Dinner at Zahav

November 21, 2019

Event Highlight: Philadelphia Dinner at Zahav

by Birthright Israel Foundation

On November 20, 2019, we gathered with our Philadelphia community for an evening to benefit Birthright Israel Foundation at Zahav. We'd like to thank our wonderful Philadelphia leadership for making this event a smashing success. Our guests were fortunate enough to hear from Birthright Israel alumnus and national best-selling author, Arel Moodie. His Birthright Israel experience not only left a...

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nicolelagrua

November 21, 2019

From Birthright Israel Participant to Olah Chadasha, The Journey of Nicole LaGrua

by Nicole LaGrua , Birthright Israel Alumna 2019

Where do I begin? This trip has changed my life, really. As of last December, I was a student at Penn State University, and the only reason I went on Birthright Israel was because a friend from college wanted me to come with him. So I thought, why not! I had never been to Israel before and wanted to learn...

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israelisalad

November 20, 2019

Recipe Feature: Israeli Salad

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Let’s add a little Israeli flare to Thanksgiving this year and serve a delicious Israeli salad. So many of our participants not only discover the history of Israel but the flavors as well, and we can almost guarantee that after their Birthright Israel trip, they love Israeli salad. What You Need 2 plum tomatoes, seeds removed and diced 1 bell pepper, diced 1/2 cucumber, diced Juice of one lemon 1/4 cup chopped parsley 2-3 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper (to taste) What You Do Add all vegetables to a large bowl.

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November 17, 2019

One Bite Of Falafel On Birthright Israel Is A Taste Of Judaism Forever

by Birthright Israel Foundation

There’s something magical about the first bite into a falafel while on Birthright Israel. The taste of fried chickpeas mixed with tahini and pickles is the first taste of vibrant Jewish life for most participants. That bite into falafel signifies a craving for their newfound love of Israel and their own Jewish identity. And there is something so unforgettable about...

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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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