Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

I am typically more of a guarded person when I encounter people new to me. When I was given the opportunity to participate in Birthright Israel as an Israeli (Mifgash participant), I jumped at it. As a child, I was always interested to learn what was happening in the United States. My uncle lived there for a time and he… Read More 

For longtime Birthright Israel Foundation Los Angeles supporters Phil de Toledo and his wife Alyce, their everlasting commitment to the program is simple — they want to sustain Jewish continuity. The couple, who each grew up knowing they were Jewish but had very little connection to Judaism, first became involved in the LA Jewish community through the Wilshire Boulevard Temple.… Read More 

If you're in Israel this month, you can't miss the clusters of them downing falafel on Jerusalem's Ben-Yehuda Street, cooling off in the Dead Sea, climbing Masada at sunrise or slipping prayers between the stones of the Western Wall in Jerusalem. After more than a year of pandemic silence, the Birthrighters have returned with all the gusto of young adults… Read More 

We often hear that some Jewish young adults feel apprehensive when they first learn about Birthright Israel, but we promise this trip to the Jewish homeland isn’t too good to be true. The reason the trip costs nothing to participants is that it is a gift that keeps on giving. Every single Jewish young adult who claims their birthright helps… Read More 

Are familiar with Shakshuka? The Middle Eastern egg dish originated in North Africa and quickly made its way all over the Middle East. When Jews living in North Africa made their way back to Israel after living thousands of years in the Diaspora, they brought variations of Shakshuka with them. Since then, the dish has become a breakfast staple throughout… Read More 

On April 26, 2021, Birthright Israel announced it will resume providing the gift of an educational trip to Israel beginning in May. The decision to allow entry for tour groups was made by the government in wake of a successful nationwide vaccination campaign that has already reached more than 85% of eligible Israelis. In order to attend a trip, participants… Read More 

Supporting a Jewish organization that aligns with your core beliefs and values is an extremely rewarding proposition, but not if it comes at the expense of your children and grandchildren. Fortunately, at Birthright Israel Foundation, we offer a financial solution that lets you realize your philanthropic aspirations and support your family. With our planned giving program, you can rest assured… Read More 

How do you feel about the future of the Jewish people? Worried? Hopeful? Unsure? At Birthright Israel Foundation, we feel excited. We know the future will be bright, as long as we continue to raise funds in the US so that nearly 50,000 Jewish young adults get to experience Israel and its people every year.  The life-changing, educational Birthright Israel… Read More 

Spring has sprung. Passover is here and you’re already thirsting for the four promises of redemption. Although it’s tempting to think about reclining, everything will fall flatter than the bread of affliction without a little Passover planning. On Passover, we like to mingle the holiday’s greatest hits with a few contemporary recipes. Bubbe’s Matzah Ball Soup is a keeper, of… Read More 

Israel is a young country with a flourishing modern culture. You probably already knew that, but it comes as a surprise to some Birthright Israel participants. Many of these Jewish young adults, aged 18-32, don’t give much thought to life in Israel or Jewish living. After the educational and experiential Birthright Israel journey, they enthusiastically embrace their Jewish roots.  “Unless… Read More 

When my husband Ed became involved in Birthright Israel Foundation, I was less of a participant and more of a spectator. It wasn’t until several visits to Israel culminating in their 18th Anniversary Mission which took place in 2018, that I “felt it.” It was on that mission; I understood the passion that evolves from Birthright Israel Foundation. I have… Read More