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From the desk of Birthright Israel Foundation

6 Birthright Israel Alumni Making a Difference During the Pandemic

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 21, 2020 at 8:00 am
Birthright Israel participants

6 Birthright Israel Alumni Making a Difference During the Pandemic

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 21, 2020 at 8:00 am

One could have never imagined in 2020 we’d be amid a pandemic, separated from friends and loved ones. Our world will be different moving forward but that is no reason to give up hope. Together, each one of us can do our part to make the world a better place, even if we are socially distanced.          Like so many of you, we at Birthright Israel Foundation look forward to the day young Jews from countries all over the world can travel to Israel.  Read More

How Birthright Israel Culturally Changed My Life

by Corey Black • Los Angeles, CA May 20, 2020 at 8:00 am
Corey at the Western Wall on his Birthright Israel trip

How Birthright Israel Culturally Changed My Life

by Corey Black • Los Angeles, CA May 20, 2020 at 8:00 am

Birthright Israel culturally changed my life. I can imagine many other young Jews in America, who are secular, feel the same. The 10-days I spent on the trip showed me there is another home for me and that I can be accepted. Birthright Israel helps you to create your own definition of what it means to be Jewish. Read More

Birthright Israel through Luis Burgos’ 35mm Photos

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 18, 2020 at 8:00 am
Landscape photo of Israel

Birthright Israel through Luis Burgos’ 35mm Photos

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 18, 2020 at 8:00 am

Luis Burgos is a 2019 Birthright Israel alumnus who grew up in New York City, spent time in Los Angeles, where he converted to Judaism and then made his way back to the Big Apple. Like so many of our alumni, Luis’ Jewish identity is unique and, most of all, inspiring. Read More

10 Jewish Podcasts to Listen to Right Now

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 15, 2020 at 8:00 am
10 Jewish Podcasts to Listen to Now

10 Jewish Podcasts to Listen to Right Now

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 15, 2020 at 8:00 am

It’s become the norm to consume information in the form of a podcast. Whether you’re into news, comedy, storytelling, or what’s happening in Israel, the best way to devour information is with your earbuds in and a podcast on. We have searched the world of Jewish/Israel themed podcasts and curated this list for all our Birthright Israel fans. If you’re considering going on a trip, then you’ll love Birthright Israel Lecturer and Middle East Expert, Neil Lazarus’ informative podcast series focused on politics in the region. Read More

Birthright Israel launches a new initiative to connect alumni during coronavirus

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 14, 2020 at 12:41 pm
Birthright Israel Connect

Birthright Israel launches a new initiative to connect alumni during coronavirus

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 14, 2020 at 12:41 pm

What’s the game plan when you have over 750,000 alumni spread out across 68 countries amidst a global pandemic? Connect them. That’s exactly what Birthright Israel is doing with their new initiative, Birthright Israel Connect. The online program aims to connect alumni of the program with each other through trained facilitators and educators. Each session aims to spark meaningful conversations about the effects of COVID-19 in their home countries while providing a platform where young Jews can share their thoughts and personal stories. “We believe Birthright Israel Connect can build a bridge between our alumni, especially during times of social distancing where many can feel far away from their communities, friends, and family,” says Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel. Read More

How my Birthright Israel trip helped me save a life

by Benjamin Kanas • Bexley, OH May 12, 2020 at 8:00 am
Ben donating stem cells for Gift of Life

How my Birthright Israel trip helped me save a life

by Benjamin Kanas • Bexley, OH May 12, 2020 at 8:00 am

More than two years ago, when I signed up for a Birthright Israel trip with fellow students from The Ohio State University’s Hillel, I never thought I’d end up saving a life. You might ask how one could even have such an opportunity on a free trip to Israel, but it’s possible. Read More

You Heard It Here First: What Atlantans Say About Birthright Israel

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 12, 2020 at 8:00 am
Photo of Birthright Israel group in Jaffa, Israel

You Heard It Here First: What Atlantans Say About Birthright Israel

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 12, 2020 at 8:00 am

We bet you didn’t know that since Birthright Israel’s inception over 9,000 participants from Atlanta, GA have been part of this unforgettable experience. Birthright Israel Foundation and our generous supporters in Atlanta are committed to ensuring young Jews in their community grow closer to their Jewish heritage through this program.  Doug Ross, Birthright Israel Foundation’s Board Treasurer and Chair of the Atlanta Leadership Council, told the Atlanta Jewish Times the community trips help connect young Jews in the area. Read More

Why Jewish Moms Love Birthright Israel

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 7, 2020 at 8:00 am
Elizabeth Sutton with her children in Central Park

Why Jewish Moms Love Birthright Israel

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 7, 2020 at 8:00 am

Jewish moms love Birthright Israel for thousands of reasons. They see the impact of the program on their children and now, 20 years since inception, many of our alumni are now moms! So many had a life-changing experience on the trip. With more than 750,000 Birthright Israel alumni across the world, many Jewish children now have moms who are alumni. Read More

Future Birthright Israel Parents and Participants Remain Hopeful

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 4, 2020 at 8:00 am
Birthright Israel participants in Caesarea, Israel

Future Birthright Israel Parents and Participants Remain Hopeful

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 4, 2020 at 8:00 am

The world has drastically changed since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. We look around us and see a new type of ordinary as we adjust to social distancing guidelines to keep one another healthy. However, as we look to the future, Birthright Israel Foundation supporters and future Birthright Israel parents and participants remain hopeful.   Cheryl Rosenberg, a supporter of Birthright Israel Foundation in Atlanta, says that although her daughter’s trip is postponed, she knows Sadie will go. Read More

A Look at How Birthright Israel Trips Are Funded

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 1, 2020 at 8:00 am
Birthright Israel participants overlooking the Israeli landscape

A Look at How Birthright Israel Trips Are Funded

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 1, 2020 at 8:00 am

Eating falafel with new friends. Touching the Kotel (Western Wall) in Jerusalem. Hiking Masada at sunrise. The unwavering connection you felt to your Jewish homeland the moment the plane touched down. Whether it’s been a few weeks or several years, you’re probably still reminiscing about the countless memories you created on your Birthright Israel trip. Read More