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Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

June 11, 2026

Birthright Israel Is the Greatest Gift of All

by Michael Benzadon , 2026 Birthright Israel Alumnus and Onward Participant
I'm from Miami, and a biochemistry pre-med student at the University of Florida. My dream is to become a cardiovascular surgeon. My parents are Orthodox and Sephardic, so I grew...
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June 11, 2026

Birthright Israel Showed I Have Another Home

by Drew Tovin , 2024 Birthright Israel Alumnus, 2026 Birthright Israel Onward Participant
I'm from Atlanta, Georgia, and a junior at the University of Florida. I attended Jewish day school through eighth grade, where we learned in both Hebrew and English. That's where...
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Birthright Israel Showed Me How Much Jews Need Each Other

June 11, 2026

Birthright Israel Showed Me How Much Jews Need Each Other

by Jason Eichner , 2026 Birthright Israel Alumnus

Hello! First and foremost, I would like to thank the Birthright Israel Foundation donors for providing me the opportunity to travel to Israel. It was the experience of a lifetime, shared with Jewish people from around the world, and one that I will be forever grateful for.My name is Jason Eichner and I am a 26-year-old from Cincinnati, Ohio. I...

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Still Reaching Out Months After Birthright Israel

June 11, 2026

Still Reaching Out Months After Birthright Israel

by Brynna Mitchner , 2025 Birthright Israel Alumna

I think my words from our closing session, where our group looked back on our Birthright trip and said some emotional goodbyes, might be the best place to start in reflecting on the experience:“I had the opportunity to come to Israel once before [with my Jewish Day School class], and when we had to leave, I was very sad, as...

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VIDEO: Elias Saratovsky on CNBC Squawk Box

May 27, 2026

VIDEO: Elias Saratovsky on CNBC Squawk Box

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Birthright Israel Foundation President and CEO Elias Saratovsky made an exciting appearance on CNBC this week, making the case for why firsthand experience in Israel matters more than ever. In a lively, candid conversation, Elias shared that more than 50,000 young people have traveled to Israel since October 7 — a powerful testament to the pent-up demand and deep curiosity...

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An Evening with Birthright Israel Storytellers in Miami

May 15, 2026

An Evening with Birthright Israel Storytellers in Miami

by Birthright Israel Foundation

On May 6th, Jane and Amir Gold in Miami hosted a special gathering in celebration of Birthright Israel Storytellers. Jane Gold, Miami's Cabinet Co-Chair, opened by sharing what drove her to this work: her son at Penn wrote a heartbreaking article about Jewish students leaving their Star of David necklaces on their bedside tables, unable to wear them on campus....

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Boston Celebrates Birthright Israel and Honors Barry Shrage

May 11, 2026

Boston Celebrates Birthright Israel and Honors Barry Shrage

by Birthright Israel Foundation

The Boston Jewish community gathered on May 6 for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and commitment to the Jewish future. The event was held to honor Barry Shrage, whose decades of visionary leadership at Combined Jewish Philanthropies helped shape Boston's Jewish community and champion Birthright Israel from its earliest days — legendary philanthropist Dr. Miriam Adelson presented the award alongside...

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Cooperman Family Announces $10 Million Gift to Birthright Israel

May 6, 2026

Cooperman Family Announces $10 Million Gift to Birthright Israel

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Livingston, NJ (May 6, 2026) - Nearly 400 guests gathered last night at Crystal Plaza for the Birthright Israel Foundation New Jersey Gala, marking the organization’s largest event ever in the state.The evening honored the Cooperman family - Leon Cooperman and Toby Cooperman; their son Wayne Cooperman and daughter-in-law Jodi Cooperman; and their grandchildren Courtney and Kyra Cooperman - for...

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Birthright Israel Celebrates and Honors the Cooperman Family in NJ

May 6, 2026

Birthright Israel Celebrates and Honors the Cooperman Family in NJ

by Birthright Israel Foundation

The Jewish community gathered in Livingston, NJ on May 5 for a sold-out night of celebration, inspiration, and commitment to the Jewish future. Event co-chairs Evan Ratner and Erin Schonbraun welcomed a room full of passionate supporters, who heard from Birthright Israel Foundation President & CEO Elias Saratovsky, and alumni Samantha Felgoise, David Rak, Briana Halpern and Oran Goldberg —...

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Volunteer in Israel: A New Beginning For Me and My Judaism

May 5, 2026

Volunteer in Israel: A New Beginning For Me and My Judaism

by Alivia Barker , 2026 Volunteer in Israel Alumna

My name is Alivia Barker, and I’m a 36-year-old woman living in Boca Raton, Florida. Today, I focus my energy on spreading joy and love while building meaningful connections; whether through my work as a personal organizer, my volunteer role as a Big Sister through Jewish Family Services, or my treasured relationships with friends and family. I feel incredibly fortunate...

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