A History of Birthright Israel Foundation
In 1999, Birthright Israel was founded on a bold idea: provide the gift of a life-changing trip to Israel to Jewish young adults with the goal of securing—and transforming—the Jewish future. In 2004, Birthright Israel Foundation was created in order to help raise the funds needed to ensure this trip would be available today, tomorrow, and always.
Together, we stand firmly behind our joint mission and vision of offering this educational journey through the Jewish homeland.
Our Approach
Birthright Israel and Birthright Israel Foundation are committed to providing young adults with the gift of connection, community, and a love for the State of Israel. With offices in 11 different cities around the United States, we work to guarantee that the gift of a Birthright Israel trip is available to every Jewish young adult every single year.
Over more than two decades, we have helped raise funds annually in order to send 900,000 young adults and counting on this transformational trip. We believe that we're not only changing the lives of Jewish young adults, but that we're also transforming the Jewish future.
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What Our Stakeholders Say
One of the greatest things in the Jewish world is l'dor v'dor—from generation to generation. When we get into the second generation of Birthright Israel participants, then we'll know that we've not only hit a home run, but a grand slam."
Charles Bronfman
Birthright Israel Co-Founder
The gift of a Birthright Israel trip connects our Jewish children to their heritage...I want to take the message of Birthright Israel everywhere so that everyone has the opportunity to support the best hope we have to guarantee our Jewish future."
Lori Komisar
Birthright Israel Foundation Board Vice Chair
There is simply no experience in the Jewish world today more profoundly impactful than Birthright Israel...The numbers from years of research bear this out. I feel it is our sacred duty to strengthen our young people's Jewish identities and connection to Israel."
Douglas M. Ross
Birthright Israel Foundation Board Vice Chair
Birthright Israel supports Israel by giving Jewish youth a view of what life in Israel looks like. Almost without exception, this benefits our children and grandchildren and the country of Israel in a way no other experience does."
Barry Swidler
Birthright Israel Foundation Board Member
We thought [Birthright Israel] was a good opportunity to transfer our love of Israel to future generations. To extend to people who would never otherwise come to Israel, the opportunity to fall in love."
Madlyn z'l & Len Abramson
Birthright Israel Foundation Supporters
THE LASTING IMPACT OF BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL
Note: Statistics via Brandeis University Maurice & Marilyn Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies
Board of Directors
Birthright Israel Foundation's Board of Directors is composed of diverse and talented people from across the country who are dedicated to building a foundation for a strong and vibrant Jewish future. Our board guides our organization and supports our mission through fundraising, working closely with our partners in Israel, and serving as ambassadors by sharing the life-changing power of the Birthright Israel experience.
Executive Committee
Board Members
Honorary Board Members
Staff Leadership
Directors Emeriti
What Our Lay Leaders Say
Birthright Israel is invaluable. It started out as paying it forward, but I have since realized it so much more important than that: I realized we need to educate every young Jewish adult of the importance of being Jewish and the importance of the State of Israel!"
Amy Jaffee
Long Island Cabinet Co-Chair
Birthright Israel is the only worldwide program that brings thousands upon thousands of young Jews to Israel and furnishes them with experiences that will forever impact their lives, their Jewish identity, and the future of our Jewish vibrancy."
Jill Roberts
New England Cabinet Chair
We support Birthright Israel because we are dedicated to a strong future for the Jewish People. We feel Birthright is the best educational experience to let our participants understand their Jewish heritage and the State of Israel."
Sharon & Howard Socol
Miami Ambassador Council Chairs
As parents of alumni, we've seen how this unique program gives its participants a solid understanding and connection to their Judaism and Israel...We feel proud and privileged to play a role in supporting Birthright Israel."
Susan & Ronnie Pertnoy
Palm Beach Cabinet Chairs
Research shows that Birthright Israel brings participants closer to their identity and to the State of Israel. With antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment on the rise, Birthright Israel is simply the most powerful tool in the Jewish world for engaging young adults."
Michael Leven
Boca Raton Cabinet Co-Chair
Once you go to Israel, you immediately connect with your Jewish roots and feel an overwhelming sense of belonging to something bigger than yourself. My commitment to Birthright Israel enables more college-aged students to see Israel in all her glory!"
Susan Schwartz
Philadelphia Ambassador Council Co-Chair
I wholeheartedly believe that Birthright Israel is a major asset to the Jewish people. We must get our next generation to Israel and help them see it for themselves and find their place in our history and the Jewish people."
Lily Kanter
Northwest Ambassador Council Chair
Regional Leadership Cabinets
Birthright Israel Foundation has established Regional Cabinets & Ambassador Councils as two ways in which local lay leaders can further strengthen the Foundation's mission of ensuring that every eligible young Jewish adult is given the opportunity to visit Israel. Cabinet and Ambassador Council members are focused on fundraising efforts including solicitations, prospecting and introductions in their communities. Members also receive Birthright Israel Foundation updates regarding trips, as well as national and local activities. Interested in getting involved? Get in touch with us today!
Atlanta Cabinet
Boca Raton Cabinet
Boston Cabinet
Long Island Cabinet
Los Angeles Cabinet
Miami Cabinet
Midwest Cabinet
New Jersey Cabinet
New York City Cabinet
Northwest Cabinet
Palm Beach Cabinet
Philadelphia Cabinet
Southwest Cabinet
Donate Now
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.
DONATE NOW