Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

My experience with Birthright Israel began as soon as I got on the bus in front of the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem, wearing an IDF uniform along with seven other Israelis. We were greeted by a group of about 40 Americans from San Francisco with cheers and stormy applause. It started at that moment, and not a minute before,… Read More 

2017 Birthright Israel alumnus Aaron from Massachusetts, always knew he wanted to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and took advantage of the trip to further his desire to defend Israel and the Jewish people. Aaron returned home after Birthright Israel to finish his degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering before returning to Israel. In Israel, he became a… Read More 

This summer, Birthright Israel is back and Israelis everywhere are saying Bruchim Habaim: "Welcome Home." As trips resume after a pause due to the pandemic, young Jews in the Diaspora are not the only ones ready for the journey — Israelis are too! They play a crucial role in the Birthright Israel experience, from El Al flight attendant Ortal, to Luba… Read More 

Do you know where Israel signed their Declaration of Independence? Or what the most common food in Israel is? Think you're sure? Well, then it's time to take our pop quiz and test your Jewish knowledge. We can't wait to see how you score! When you're done with the quiz, be sure to share your score on social and tag… Read More 

This Father’s Day, we’re excited to feature an exclusive interview with Birthright Israel alumnus Alexei Brovarnik. Alexei participated in Birthright Israel in 2013, where he met Loren née Goldstone, who would eventually become his wife. The couple fell in love during their trip and would go on to have the most famous Birthright Israel love story in the program's 21-year… Read More 

There’s no tastier perk on a Birthright Israel trip than the opportunity to eat authentic Israeli food. One bite of falafel and most participants are hooked. The 10-day trip completely immerses the group in the local flavors—entirely foreign fare for many participating Jewish young adults. “At home, my diet consists of chicken fingers and pasta, with the occasional vegetable thrown… Read More 

Alex Lin-Goldsmith participated in Birthright Israel over 10 years ago and says he's still reaping the benefits of his trip. Like many LGBTQ+ participants, Alex discovered Israel's diverse culture and got an inside look at the country's LGBTQ+ community. From then on, he made lifelong friends and frequently spoke about his experience. In the years following his trip, Alex met… 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 

Birthright Israel is excited to announce their first group arrived in Israel on May 24, 2021, after a long postponement due to COVID-19. Young Jewish adults from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, and several other states were the first to partake in this life-changing journey. They were also joined by two Birthright Israel staff members known as Madrichim.… Read More 

My name is Jake Weiss and I currently live in Miami, Florida. I’m a 2017 alumnus of Birthright Israel, currently working as a business development analyst for a property management firm. I love sports, exercise, music, food, movies, and warm weather! I’m also someone who loves to travel and has a lot of pride being a Jew, so I always… Read More 

In 2001 when David Rak signed up for Birthright Israel, he could not have imagined how lasting and profound of an impact the journey would have on his life. "I can't emphasize enough how the Birthright Israel experience still resonates with me to this day," said David as we began our conversation. In the 20 years since his trip, David… Read More