Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

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Alums Trip Highlights

Alums Trip Highlights

June 17, 2025

My Brother Joshua Led Me to Birthright Israel and Jewish Education

by Jordan Feinberg , 2016 Birthright Israel Alumnus

I've always been proud to be Jewish. Growing up as an Ashkenazi Jew, I found joy in celebrating holidays and traditions with my family, watching the Rugrats Passover special on an orange VHS tape, and listening to Adam Sandler’s “Hanukkah Song.” Of course, my pride and connection to Judaism was also deeply rooted in food. My Grandma Mindy’s matzo ball...

Yasmeen Ohebsion featured

June 11, 2025

Why I Fight: Birthright Israel Helped Me Speak Up and Take Action

by Yasmeen Ohebsion , 2024 Birthright Israel Excel Alumna

In honor of Birthright Israel’s 25th anniversary, we’re proud to spotlight 25 outstanding alumni and share their inspiring stories with you. I was raised in Los Angeles in a proud, close-knit Iranian Jewish family. My father left Iran during the Revolution. My mother grew up in Israel and moved to the U.S. when she was seventeen. Most of my extended...

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Events Leadership & Supporters

Events Leadership & Supporters

May 29, 2025

Powerful Reflections from Birthright Israel Foundation’s Guardians Society Mission

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Last week, Birthright Israel Foundation’s Guardians Society returned from an unforgettable mission to Israel. In just a few days, they experienced the solidarity, resilience, and hope that define this moment in Jewish life — and saw firsthand the power of Birthright Israel in action. The mission began in the Golan Heights, with a helicopter tour and meetings with IDF officers...

NYC Birthright Israel Alumni Gather to Celebrate, Reflect & Give Back

Alums Events Leadership & Supporters

Alums Events Leadership & Supporters

May 17, 2025

NYC Birthright Israel Alumni Gather to Celebrate, Reflect & Give Back

by Birthright Israel Foundation

On May 14, Birthright Israel alumni, supporters, and friends gathered at The Ivory Peacock to celebrate the program’s 25th anniversary and launch a new era of alumni leadership. From cocktails and conversations to inspiring remarks and a stirring alumni spotlight, the evening was a testament to what’s possible when young Jews step up to lead—and give back. Together, we raised...

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May 15, 2025

New Brandeis Data Shows Birthright Israel’s Impact in a Year of Resilience

by Birthright Israel Foundation

In this defining moment, Birthright Israel is a guiding force for Jewish resilience. Brandeis University has the data. In 2024, as Israel faced war on multiple fronts and antisemitism surged, especially on college campuses, 18,700 Jewish young adults chose to travel to Israel with us. They weren’t deterred. They were determined — to understand the reality on the ground, affirm...

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Events Leadership & Supporters

Events Leadership & Supporters

May 14, 2025

New Jersey Community Sends 142 Participants on Birthright Israel

by Birthright Israel Foundation

On May 7, the New Jersey Jewish community gathered at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club for an evening in support of Birthright Israel Foundation. Together, attendees raised enough to send 142 Jewish young adults to Israel — thanks in part to a generous anonymous matching gift. At an intimate VIP reception prior to the event, Dr. Zohar Raviv, International VP...

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Events Leadership & Supporters

Events Leadership & Supporters

May 12, 2025

Detroit Hosts Powerful Evening in Support of Birthright Israel Foundation

by Birthright Israel Foundation

On April 23, 2025, Michigan’s Jewish community gathered for a meaningful evening in support of Birthright Israel Foundation. Hosted by Cathy and Charlie Schwartz together with Allie and Andrew Sherman, the event marked the 25th anniversary of Birthright Israel and celebrated its enduring impact on Jewish identity and community resilience. Charlie Schwartz opened the program with a moment of silence...

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Alums Trip Highlights

Alums Trip Highlights

May 5, 2025

Finding Hope and Purpose As a Birthright Israel Volunteer

by Isaac Malca , 2023 Birthright Israel Volunteer

When I was a kid, my family moved around a lot — from Mexico to Vancouver, eventually settling in Houston. But no matter where we lived, one thing was constant: our connection to Judaism and the Jewish community. In Houston, I was lucky to attend Beren Academy, where I developed a strong sense of Jewish pride and learned the importance...

Brooke Pertnoy FEATURED

April 17, 2025

Birthright Israel Helped Me Find My Calling in Jewish Early Childhood Education

by Brooke Pertnoy , Birthright Israel Alumna

Brooke Pertnoy is the Director of the Barbara & Jack Kay Early Childhood Learning Center at the Mandel JCC in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. I was born and raised in Florida. My dad is Jewish, and my mom converted when they got married — though she still celebrated Christmas, so in some ways, we were a mixed-faith household. I went...

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Alums Trip Highlights

Alums Trip Highlights

April 8, 2025

Birthright Israel Is So Much More Than Fun

by Rachel Moon , Birthright Israel Alumna

Rachel Moon is a beauty and fashion influencer and a pro-Israel activist with over 100,000 followers. She lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. My mom is Jewish. My dad wasn’t, but he adopted everything — every tradition, every holiday. He even led our Seders. My Jewish identity has been important to me for as long as I can remember....

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