This year, we celebrate a historic milestone: 25 years of Birthright Israel—a quartercentury of igniting Jewish identity, deepening connection to Israel, and shaping the future of our people.
More than 900,000 Jewish young adults have experienced this oncein-a-lifetime journey. Together, we’ve built something extraordinary—a movement that has redefined Jewish continuity and inspired new generations of global Jewish leaders.
And thanks to your unwavering support, the impact keeps growing. The ripple effect of this work is more powerful—and more urgently necessary—than ever before.
These highlights reflect what you’ve helped make possible. This moment matters: Demand for Birthright Israel is rising, young Jews are stepping forward, and our mission has never been more important.
An Indestructible Bridge to Israel
In 2024, 87% of all tourists under age 30 were Birthright Israel participants, according to Israel’s Ministry of Tourism. That’s the power of Birthright Israel: keeping young Jews connected to Israel even in challenging times.
Brandeis Study Confirms: Birthright Israel is Transforming Jewish Life
A groundbreaking report from Brandeis University’s Jewish Futures Project offers resounding proof of what we’ve long known: Birthright Israel is one of the most transformative Jewish projects of the last century. Its impact extends far beyond a 10-day experience. It inspires lasting Jewish engagement for our participants— and their children.
2x
Birthright Israel participants are 2x more likely to feel very connected to Israel, even 20+ years after their trip.
122%
Birthright Israel alumni are 122% more likely to celebrate their children’s bar/bat mitzvah, compared to non-participants.
84%
84% of Birthright Israel alumni are raising their children Jewish, regardless of their spouse’s background.
65%
Birthright Israel alumni are 65% more likely to send their children to Jewish overnight camp, compared to non-participants.
Birthright Israel works: Alumni are more Jewishly active than their peers.
—The Jerusalem Post, February 9, 2025
To view the full Brandeis study, please visit: brif.click/brandeis-wave-7
Across All Our Programs, Momentum is Building
In 2024, more than 21,000 participants joined our Classic 10-Day, Onward, Volunteer, and Excel programs. In 2025, we’re preparing to welcome 30,000 Jewish young adults—a reflection of this generation’s urgent need for meaning, connection, and purpose.
Every program now includes volunteer opportunities, giving participants a chance to roll up their sleeves, uplift Israeli communities, and become part of the nation’s healing after October 7th.
From planting trees to rehabilitating communities in Southern Israel, every act of service strengthens bonds and shapes future leaders.
Birthright Israel
A Bold New Partnership with JFNA
The
Kibbutz Be’eri Restoration Project
The Birthright Israel Nursery in Sderot
Now Open to Ages 18-51
Together with Jewish Federations of North America, we’re expanding Birthright Israel Volunteer to meet growing demand for hands-on impact. Our goal for 2025 is to bring 10,000 passionate young Jews to Israel to help rebuild, restore, and stand in solidarity during this critical moment in Jewish history.
In our most ambitious volunteer initiative yet, more than 2,500 volunteers are working alongside displaced residents and IDF soldiers to plant gardens and green spaces outside 300 newly constructed homes on 125 acres of reclaimed desert.
Now open, this incredible new facility will nurture seedlings for years of ecological restoration work in Southern Israel.
For the first time ever, all Birthright Israel alumni from the past 25 years are eligible to return to Israel to volunteer with us.
Birthright Israel
is Creating New Leaders:
is Leading the Way to Rebuild Israel: is Best in Class:
⋅ Applications for fellowships and internships are up 71% from last year. We anticipate 2,200 Onward participants in 2025.
⋅ Our Back to Campus Forum empowers students to deepen knowledge and Jewish belonging, strengthen resiliency against antisemitism and anti-Israel prejudice, and develop skills and tools for combatting these threats on college campuses.
⋅ Storytellers, a new initiative, cultivates Jewish influencers to share authentic personal narratives and amplify the truth about Israel and Jewish identity.
Birthright Israel
Thanks to increased support from key funders, Excel’s elite leadership cohort is expanding from 64 to 80 of the brightest young Jewish minds in business and technology.
This past March, Excel’s Annual Summit brought this powerhouse community together for three days of immersive learning, networking, and inspiration. Featuring keynote speakers and intimate roundtables, the Summit continues to help shape the future of Jewish and Israeli leadership on the global stage.
The world has changed, but our mission has not— and it’s more urgent than ever.
Our alumni are leading in this moment—whether it’s defending Israel in the media, standing up to antisemitism on campus, or advocating for Jewish communities worldwide. What sparked their sense of purpose? What fueled their courage? Birthright Israel.
In the Spotlight:
Adela Cojab, classic 10-Day trip alumna and now our Director of Strategic Engagement, addressed Congress in March in a powerful hearing titled Never to Be Silent: Stemming the Tide of Antisemitism in America.
Alumni Reunion
25 th Anniversary
To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we’re bringing our global alumni community together in Israel this June for a homecoming filled with meaning, memory, and mission— including the Mega Event, Global Shabbat Experience, and special volunteer projects.
Join Us
In Israel
We’re hosting two exclusive missions for leading donors like you to deepen engagement and celebrate our milestone anniversary.
May 18-22, 2025:
Guardians Society Mission
A high-level, intimate experience for members of our Guardians Society and above, donors generously investing $100,000+.
“Birthright Israel is more than a trip – it is the foundation of Jewish continuity for future generations. The gift from Birthright Israel changed my life. Now, I am committed to making sure it continues to change the lives of generations to come.”
–Adela Cojab. A movement, not a moment: How Birthright Israel can help ensure Jewish continuity.” The Jerusalem Post, March 19, 2025.
June 19-24, 2025:
25th Anniversary Mission
A landmark celebration of our achievements and vision for members of our Pioneers Society and above, donors generously investing $10,000+.
Birthright Israel 25th Anniversary Gala Monday, November 3, 2025 · NYC · 6:00pm
Honoring Lynn Schusterman for her enduring commitment to the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and Birthright Israel.
Celebrating outstanding alumni for their commitment to Birthright Israel's mission and their transformative impact on the future of Jewish leadership.
Birthright Israel is one of the most impactful Jewish initiatives in modern history. It has reshaped identity, deepened belonging, and empowered nearly a million young Jews to claim their place in the story of our people. But the need has never been more urgent.
Demand is growing. Our programs are expanding. And your support is the key to ensuring that every Jewish young adult can experience the miracle of Birthright Israel. We are deeply grateful for your partnership—and excited to share more achievements with you in the months ahead.
