Alums Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

United Under the Israeli Sun: How Birthright Israel Became a Beacon of Solidarity in 2023

In 2023, Birthright Israel witnessed an extraordinary outpouring of connection and resilience. Over 27,000 young Jewish adults embarked on transformative journeys, immersing themselves in Israel’s vibrant culture and rich history through our programs. These programs, be they the classic 10-day trip, Onward or Excel, were more than just sightseeing; they sparked personal growth and ignited a sense of belonging to… Read More 
Alums Leadership & Supporters

11 Jewish Podcasts to Listen to Right Now

It's become the norm to consume information in the form of a podcast. Whether you're into news, comedy, storytelling, or what's happening in Israel, the best way to devour information is with your earbuds in and a podcast on. We have searched the world of Jewish and Israel-themed podcasts and curated this list for all our Birthright Israel fans. With… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

“It Was a Privilege to Go on Birthright Israel.”

Growing up, my family practiced Reform Judaism. I went to Sunday school and Hebrew school, attended high holiday services and observed other Jewish traditions. I have fond memories of dropping ping pong balls from the top of the staircase with my cousins. At the same time, we acted out the ten plagues during the Passover seder, going apple picking to… Read More 
Alums Leadership & Supporters Trip Highlights

Paying it Forward as a Jewish Mom and Birthright Israel Alum

It’s the day of my Bat Mitzvah, and I’m nervous. For all the usual reasons: What if I mess up the Hebrew? What if I open my mouth and nothing comes out? And, also, because we’re running late. In more ways than one. I am 21 years old, going into my senior year of college. My sister and I are… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

What Being a Birthright Israel Tour Educator is Really Like

It was 5:30 AM on May 24, 2022, when I waited for my first Birthright Israel group to arrive. It was going to be my first experience as a tour educator. As the young American Jews arrived, I approached each one, shook their hand, and welcomed them with “naim me’od,” Hebrew for “pleased to meet you.” Little did I know then… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Eden Cohen: How Birthright Israel Changed the Trajectory of My Life

I can’t imagine what I’m about to tell you is markedly different from what thousands have said before me, but it’s worth repeating: Birthright Israel undoubtedly changed the trajectory of my life. I have been saying this to anyone who will listen since the day I came back: Birthright Israel is the single most important organization to build Jewish identity… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Texas A&M Student Noah Friedman Talks Birthright Israel

Noah Friedman is a 2022 Birthright Israel alumnus from San Antonio, TX. He is currently a sophomore chemistry major at Texas A&M University. At campus, Noah is a leader at the Hillel and is also involved with MOVE Texas, a progressive grassroots student organization focused on increasing voter registration. Noah is outspoken on issues that face the Jewish community, and… Read More 
Trip Highlights

Birthright Israel’s Connection to Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut

Every year, Israelis and Jews worldwide come together to commemorate and celebrate two important days on the Jewish calendar: Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut. Yom HaZikaron is Israel's Memorial Day to remember those who lost their lives fighting for the establishment of the State of Israel and all military personnel killed in active duty. Yom Ha'atzmaut is Israeli Independence Day… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Birthright Israel is Life-Changing and I’ll Keep Saying It

To start, Birthright Israel changed my life. It has changed my life spiritually, mentally, romantically (which you will hear about later). I want to leave you with suspense! When I am asked to share my Birthright Israel story, it's difficult to decide where to begin because my experience has provided me with so many different outlets and avenues that impacted… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

Meet Indiana Birthright Israel Alumna Ellen Voskoboynik

Ellen Voskoboynik was born in the United States to former Soviet immigrants. Her parents, who fled the former Soviet Union as refugees, raised her to have a strong respect for her Jewish heritage. Ellen participated in Birthright Israel through the Indiana University Hillel, where she became a Bat Mitzvah on the trip. Ellen is now a practicing emergency room nurse… Read More 
Alums Trip Highlights

An Israel Love Saga (Not Another Birthright Israel Love Story)

While I was in high school in the summer of 2012, I took my first trip to Israel with BBYO, the Jewish youth movement I was involved in. I was thrilled to be spending three weeks on a trip to Israel, but part of me was also a little sad — I knew that by going on this trip, I… Read More 

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