Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

When Jennifer Gruber first heard of Birthright Israel, the only words she could say to her daughter were, "you have to do this." Earlier that evening, Jennifer and her husband Brad attended a UJA event where they heard an alumnus of Birthright Israel speak. They were stunned that they had only just heard of the trip. Jennifer was then gung-ho… Read More 

For over two decades, young Jewish adults have built a stronger connection to the Jewish people and the State of Israel thanks to the Birthright Israel trip. Many participants attend with hopes of meeting new friends and learning more about themselves... And, sometimes, to their surprise, they find their bashert. In Hebrew, bashert means destiny and is often used to… Read More 

Each February Jewish organizations worldwide unite to raise awareness and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities and mental health conditions. In 2009, the Jewish Special Education International Consortium announced that February would officially be Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM). Birthright Israel Foundation is proud to celebrate JDAIM and its endeavors. How to Take Part… Read More 

Birthright Israel was, by far, one of the most incredible experiences we have ever had as individuals and, of course, as a couple. What you see and learn is unimaginable and priceless. For us, it was truly life-changing. We both always wanted to go to Israel, and, at the time, the age cut-off for our trip was 27-years-old. Mark had just turned 27,… Read More 

When Lisa Philipson was growing up in Atlanta involvement in the Jewish community was seamless. She recalls the JCC being a center point of her childhood and BBYO the thing that every kid did. Plus, synagogues were always bustling with the young and the old. However, as the years went on, the Jewish community evolved and the younger generations became… Read More 

Many of the names below may surprise you, but with 800,000+ trip participants, several of them have risen to fame, and a podcast comes with fame. The Birthright Israel alumni below cover various topics from entrepreneurship to art and comedy. We also have a roundup of the best Jewish and Israel-themed podcasts on the planet if you're looking for even… Read More 

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since we lost Sheldon (z’l).  As we observe the yahrzeit (anniversary) of his death, while we are saddened by his absence, we must celebrate his life and the impact he has had on the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Nothing would make Sheldon Adelson prouder than watching the next… Read More 

In June 2019, when Mike and Lindsay departed for Israel, they hoped to meet new friends. They each had chosen a Miami-based Birthright Israel trip, hoping to connect with young Jews in their community. However, they each got much more than friendship. Read our interview to learn more about their Birthright Israel love story! Q&A with Mike and Lindsay  What… Read More 

For me to share more about my Birthright Israel experience, I need to start with one of my favorite stories. Here we go:  Once upon a time, there was a man who was walking along the beach early one morning after a big storm and found the shore covered with starfish as far as the eye could see.   Off in the distance, the… Read More 

In summer 2021, I had the privilege to attend a Birthright Israel trip thanks to the generosity of Birthright Israel Foundation’s donors. However, before I can tell you all about how important this trip was and how it affected me, I should tell you about who I am, and what led me to participate in this adventure. I grew up… Read More 

My name is Ido Hayut and I'm 22 and grew up in Atlanta, GA. I have an 18-year-old brother in the IDF and a 12-year-old sister who just had her Bat Mitzvah in Herzliya, Israel. Our parents are Israeli and both spoke Hebrew at home to us. I was lucky to travel to Israel almost every summer to visit our… Read More