Birthright Israel Foundation

Birthright Israel is the leading educational program for Jewish young adults worldwide with unmatched reach and impact. Birthright Israel is a strategic asset to the future of the Jewish people. The program began in 1999 as an educational intervention for diaspora Jewry and today Birthright Israel is a rite of passage for young Jewish adults from around the world. Our goal is to strengthen the Jewish people by building identity and connection through a peer-group educational experience in Israel. At the core of this vision is the commitment to provide every eligible young Jewish adult with this life-changing experience.

Now more than ever we must be able to offer every eligible Jewish young adult the gift of Birthright Israel. The world has changed significantly since the program's inception, and new challenges in our work with young Jewish adults have emerged. Birthright Israel is ready to address these challenges head-on.
Birthright Israel's unique pedagogical approach and carefully crafted peer experience continue to be our core strategy to achieve our mission. Intrinsic to our success is our understanding that professional training is as critical as the journey itself. Tour educators are called on to facilitate thoughtful and respectful discussions on difficult matters. Such dialogue requires an environment that is both safe and ensures the rights and responsibilities of all who participate.
The opportunities for meaningful discussion created on a Birthright Israel Journey are critical for reaching our younger generation. Each participant is the centerpiece of Birthright Israel's educational framework as we endeavor to engage every individual in meaningful conversations about Jewish concepts, values, and Israel.

We are committed to ensuring that the Birthright Israel Foundation continues to increase our brand awareness and fundraising footprint across the United States to allow us to provide the incredible gift of Birthright Israel to even more participants each year. The unique "no strings attached" nature of the program makes Birthright Israel a low-barrier entry point into further Jewish communal engagement and additional Israel experiences.
Additionally, we are building a leadership pipeline that includes young alumni, a network of regional leadership councils across the country, and our national board. This leadership community are key partners in engaging and soliciting major donors and prospects.

In January of 2022, Birthright Israel Foundation welcomed new leadership as Philip de Toledo became the new Board Chair, with Lori Komisar and Douglas M. Ross joining the Board's Executive Committee as Vice Chairs. Their leadership allows for the growth of our staff and to continue our donor centric model. Special events and parlor meetings have been held throughout the United States, utilizing our alumni speakers bureau to strengthen Birthright Israel Foundation's case for support and showcase Birthright Israel's impact. To achieve greater visibility and forge partnerships, we participate in non-fundraising conferences and gatherings to collaborate with the larger Jewish community and participate on panels and in discussions on topics facing the Jewish world today.