Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

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… Read More 

In a short period of time, my life has really changed. I get asked the question a lot as to what happened, and I always respond with, "You know how I went to Israel this past summer…" I grew up in the Bible Belt, also known as Katy, Texas. Both my parents are Jewish, and my brother and I were… Read More 

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 support… Read More 

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… Read More 

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… Read More 

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… Read More 

On Wednesday, November 13, 2019, 45 members of the Jewish community of Palm Beach Gardens and North Palm Beach celebrated Birthright Israel and the program's 19 years of impacting young Jewish adults. The evening included a beautiful story of intergenerationally supporting Birthright Israel's mission as Harriet Sternlicht hosted the event, and her son, Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood… Read More 

Latkes are a staple in Jewish households during Hanukkah, but have you thought of serving them on Thanksgiving? Many of us eat sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving, drizzled with melted marshmallows, in a casserole or in a sweet potato pie, but this year we encourage you to serve our Spiced Sweet Potato Latkes. Why? Because who does not love the goodness of a golden-fried potato pancake with a Turkey-Day twist.  For a healthier twist,… Read More 

Alexis Sicklick is a Junior Sous Chef at Aquavit in New York City and went on Birthright Israel in summer 2019 with her sister Tori. Her trip inspired her so much that she is hosting a Birthright Israel themed Pop-Dinner, Experiencing the Deliciousness of Israel, on Monday, November 18, 2019, in New York City (Sign Up Here!). The dinner will… Read More 

Birthright Israel was a trip that I had been looking forward to and planning to go on for many, many years. My oldest sister, Morgan, went on her Birthright Israel trip when I was in high school and hearing about her experience and how much she loved it made me want to go on this trip as well. My other… Read More 

My name is Monroe Marshall, and I was born in Brooklyn, raised on Long Island, and am currently living in Albany, NY. I am working towards a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology, and Certificate in Public Health Preparedness and Surveillance at The University at Albany, State University of New York. At the time of my LGBTQ+ Birthright Israel trip… Read More