Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

I didn’t want to go on Birthright Israel. It seems crazy to say now, but it’s absolutely true. An all-expenses paid trip to Israel was of little interest to me in my early twenties when I was just kicking off my journalism career. I was busy with so many things — road trips with friends, concerts, keeping up with my… Read More 

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 

Justin Maybury is a recent Birthright Israel alum born and raised in Bermuda. He is 33 years old and is pretty sure he is the only Hungarian/Bermudian Jewish male in the whole world. He still resides in Bermuda and is a Corporate Assistant Manager at a Corporate Service Provider on the island. He loves sports, especially football (soccer), traveling, and… Read More 

It’s been almost two months since I got back from Israel after going on a Birthright Israel trip. This was my second trip to Israel. My first trip was more than twenty years ago over Pesach for my brother’s Bar Mitzvah when I was in third grade. This trip to Israel was different. You see, on the first trip, I… Read More 

Gabriela Cohen is a Birthright Israel and Onward Israel alum born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Throughout her childhood, she spent a lot of time in Israel but felt Birthright Israel gave her a deeper connection to the country. After her Birthright Israel trip, Gabriela participated in Onward Israel. Upon returning from her internship, Gabriela finished her Sustainability Science and… Read More 

Having attended Jewish day schools in the Atlanta area through high school, I learned all about Israel in the classroom — the history of the Western Wall, the wonders of the Dead Sea, and occasionally the complexities of Middle Eastern conflict. I even had the chance to visit the typical Israeli attractions during each of my two visits before summer… Read More 

Abbie Barkan was fortunate to participate in Onward Israel this past summer. Recently, Birthright Israel announced its merger with Onward Israel. Birthright Israel Foundation is lucky to make experiences like Abbie's possible for young Jews in Atlanta and around the country. Below you will learn more about Abbie's Onward Israel internship and time living in Israel. Q&A with Abbie Barkan… Read More 

My name is Zoe Newman, and I am a Kindergarten teacher in Cincinnati, OH. I am originally from Cleveland, but I went to the University of Cincinnati for college, got a job after graduating, and decided to stay! Coming back from Birthright Israel, I would say without a doubt that I had the best ten days of my life. I… Read More 

Eric Kenyon is a 2022 Birthright Israel alum currently living in Columbus, Ohio, who wanted to take advantage of a free trip to Israel. However, like countless others, Eric quickly realized this trip was turning out to be life-changing. Eric’s wife and son convinced him that spending two weeks away was a good idea, and he is grateful that they… Read More 

Ted Rosner is a 2022 Birthright Israel alumnus from Westchester County, New York. He grew up in an interfaith family and was excited to participate in the program to learn more about his Jewish roots. Before his Birthright Israel trip, Ted worked at the Cato Institute as a Development intern, which he enjoyed very much. He graduated from Sacred Heart… Read More 

Alumnus Mike Boulrice did not discover his Jewish heritage until adulthood and through Birthright Israel's targetted advertising, learned of the trip's pilot program for 27-32-year-olds. Mike quickly signed up, despite opposition on social media for traveling to Israel, and began a deep dive into his Jewish heritage. Q&A with Mike Boulrice What inspired you to sign up for a Birthright… Read More