Journeys 20 | December 2024

JOURNEYS ISSUE 20 · DECEMBER 2024

That Last a Lifetime

READ JOURNEYS ONLINE: birthrightisrael.foundation/journeys20

2024 Summary By the Numbers

A Life-Saving Partnership Birthright Israel x Gift of Life

Lighting the Spark of Jewish Resilience in a New Era A Letter from Elias Saratovsky

When Can We Come Back and Do It Again?

First-Time Disability Volunteer Trip

Birthright Israel Volunteers Helping Communities Heal & Rebuild

Launching Extraordinary Careers with Birthright Israel Onward

Sustaining Jewish Continuity Through Planned Giving Corie & Michael Koss

Empowering Students to Fight Antisemitism at the Back to Campus Forum

25th Anniversary Alumni Celebration January 25, 2025 ⋅ Miami, Florida

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: PAMELA L. FERTEL WEINSTEIN CONTENT COORDINATOR: ILYA KHODOSH GRAPHIC DESIGNER: MELISSA ROMAN

Reflecting on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for your unwavering support of Birthright Israel. You are making it possible for us to bring a projected 19,500 Jewish young adults to Israel for life-changing journeys.

Thanks to you, a new generation received the gift of an unforgettable educational experience in Israel. Our participants told us countless stories of newfound friendships, personal growth, a renewed sense of Jewish identity and purpose, and a greater understanding of the shared destiny of all Jews — in Israel and the Diaspora.

In the wake of the tragic events of October 7th, Birthright Israel alumni rallied together to care for one another, and to stand up to antisemitism on their college campuses. They sent messages of love and solidarity to their Israeli brothers and sisters, and proudly stood with the Israeli community.

Our participants come to Israel not as tourists, but as responsible members of a global Jewish family, eager to roll up their sleeves and get involved. They witness firsthand and learn from the resilience of the Israeli people.

And they become passionate ambassadors for Israel and devoted advocates for Jewish causes.

19,500+ EXPERIENCE ISRAEL IN 2024. * PARTICIPANTS WILL

2024

SUMMARY 8,000

1,500 ONWARD INTERNS

VOLUNTEERS

EXCEL FELLOWS

10,000 CLASSIC 10-DAY PARTICIPANTS

2,100

ISRAELI PARTICIPANTS

As we look forward to Birthright Israel’s 25th anniversary year, we depend on your continued generosity.

Birthright Israel is a gift to Jewish young adults from donors like you, who love being Jewish, and care about the future of the Jewish people.

Thank you for your support of Birthright Israel. With your continued help, we will shape the next generation of resilient Jewish leaders and plant the seeds of a legacy that will bear fruit for many years to come. *Projected numbers as of November 2024 2

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A year has passed since October 7th, when our world was forever changed. As the Jewish people came under brutal attack, communities were devastated, and families torn apart. We felt overcome by uncertainty and despair.

Yet, in the face of tragedy, we responded with an outpouring of support for Israel—raising emergency funds, organizing solidarity missions, and sparking Jewish activism and engagement—embodying a spirit defined not by what we endure, but by how we respond.

We now stand at the dawn of a new era. The stakes are high. The battle is not only waged on Israel’s borders, but also on the “Western Front”—in America and liberal democracies worldwide. It is a fight for our identity and values.

On college campuses, Jewish young adults confront rising antisemitism and the false notion that they cannot be both proud Jews and accepted in society.

Birthright Israel offers a solution to these disturbing trends. We light the spark of Jewish identity, pride, and fortitude in a new generation of Jewish leaders. How we inspire and empower our young people will define the future of Jewish life.

For young Jews, there is no substitute for experiencing Israel firsthand. Being there awakens them more powerfully than any other intervention. When they set foot in Israel, they discover a sense of belonging they never felt before.

They become part of a Jewish story that spans 4,000 years—a story of resilience and purpose.

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In the weeks following October 7th, Birthright Israel launched a new volunteer program, inviting Jewish young adults to aid Israel’s recovery.

Over 8,000 volunteers traveled to Israel to work in agricultural fields, help evacuated residents return to their homes, plant trees, package goods for impoverished families, and teach English to Israeli children. Having stood alongside Israelis at a time of trauma, they returned home with the profound understanding that we are one Jewish nation with a shared destiny.

We also welcomed more than 10,000 young people on our classic 10-day trips, and through our Onward and Excel programs. Even while airlines canceled flights, our participants were determined—not only to stand with Israel, but to stand in Israel. Their choice resonated deeply with Israelis, who were uplifted by their love and support.

Bringing thousands of young Jews to Israel at a time of war taught us three important lessons.

First, while we have a solemn responsibility to help our participants understand October 7th, we must also offer a vision of hope for the future.

They hear harrowing testimony from survivors, meet with families of hostages, and bear witness at the Nova site. But we also show them the extraordinary resilience of the Israeli people, Israel’s vibrant economy and social diversity, while creating opportunities for authentic connection and friendship with Israeli peers.

We do so because Jewish identity is about more than surviving tragedies.

It is about the joy of our traditions and the strength of our community.

Birthright Israel teaches young Jews that—whether from Israel or the Diaspora—our power lies in

Ligh Jew unity. Only by standing together in solidarity can we fully embrace and celebrate the beauty of Jewish life.

The second lesson is the truth about Zionism. The dream of selfdetermination in our ancestral homeland is central to the Jewish story. But today, we are exposed to a campaign that falsely portrays Zionism as colonialism. Too many young Jews have believed this slander. We help them understand that Zionism did not begin in the 19th century with Theodor Herzl—it began thousands of years ago with Abraham and Sarah, when they were called forth to the promised land. The bond between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel is not a modern invention. It is at the core of who we are, an unbroken chain sustained through millennia.

The third lesson is that our work is far from over. Birthright Israel has shaped an entire generation of Jews— over 850,000 participants in the past 24 years—but we must reach even more. If nearly 20,000 had the courage to travel this year, imagine how many more will apply when they feel safer. Every young Jew seeking connection and inspiration deserves this opportunity.

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ghting the Spark ewish Resilience WE LEARNED BRINGING YOUNG JEWS TO I S R A E L AT A T I M E O F WA R

We did not choose this battle, but Birthright Israel prepares the next generation to meet its challenges. We are building Generation Zionism—young leaders secure in their Jewish identity, proud of their heritage, and confident in their future.

As we look ahead, let us pray for a peaceful year, and resolve to invest in our young people.

There is no more important investment for the continued strength and vitality of the Jewish people. History will remember us for it.

Together, we will define this new era of Jewish resilience.

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— President and CEO, Birthright Israel Foundation JOURNEYS ⋅ ISSUE 20

BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL VOLUNTEERS HEAL & REBUILD In the wake of October 7th, Jewish young adults around the world wanted to support Israel however they could. So, Birthright Israel launched its Volunteer Program, creating opportunities to contribute in impactful ways during times of need.

The Volunteer Program not only helps Israel, but also fosters Jewish belonging, identity, and mutual responsibility.

In the program, volunteers harvest crops at an agricultural co-op and a kibbutz, prepare Shabbat meals for IDF soldiers, and pitch in at an understaffed daycare center. They help evacuated residents return to their homes, plant trees for the ecological and physical restoration of Southern Israel, package goods for impoverished families, and teach English to Israeli children.

We offer 14-day or 8-day experiences, to accommodate all of our dedicated volunteers.

In addition to their work assignments, volunteers participate in discussion sessions facilitated by educators who create a safe space for dialogue, encouraging everyone to process their personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions.

Like all Birthright Israel participants, volunteers bear witness by hearing firsthand testimony from survivors of October 7th and visiting the Nova musical festival site and Hostages Square. They JOURNEYS ⋅ ISSUE 20

tour the city of Sderot, a resilient community courageously rebuilding after the attacks. They celebrate Shabbat and observe Havdalah, while cultivating friendships with their Israeli peers.

After their experience ends, they will remember how they rose to the occasion and lent a helping hand to their Israeli brothers and sisters when they needed it most. And they will feel empowered to keep making a difference.

More than 7,500 volunteers have already participated this year. For 2025, we plan to welcome as many as 10,000 volunteers to Israel.

“I’ve found myself forever changed for the better,” said Andrea Rice about the Birthright Israel Volunteer Program. “I tapped into a part of myself that I didn’t know was dormant, waiting patiently to be activated: that philanthropic drive—the pursuit of a life larger than myself—and my passionate belief in Zionism.”

Volunteer Alison Swanbeck agreed. “We all came back feeling very empowered,” said Alison. “A lot of us went in feeling helpless, in a dark place, and we left feeling inspired because of the strength of the Israelis. Someone said to us that Jews are the only people in the world who could go through this type of trauma and come out stronger.”

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Post-trip surveys conducted by the Cohen Center at Brandeis University in winter 2024— the Volunteer Program’s inaugural season— revealed that 66% of participants called

the Volunteer Program “one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.”

Birthright Israel volunteer Mollie Falk perfectly encapsulated the uniqueness and value of this crucial program:

“I had felt the urge to go and help. Meeting the people I was helping made it that much more special.”

Connection to Israel 89% felt they contributed to Israel in a

meaningful way.

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Israel Education

82% felt they gained tools to engage in discussions about Israel.

Jewish Confidence

84% felt more confidence in expressing their Jewish identity on campus or in their community at the end of the program.

Jewish Peoplehood

89% felt more connected to the Jewish people at the end of the program.

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Sustaining Jewish Continuity throughPlanned Giving California-based real estate developer and investor Michael Koss has dedicated much of his life to supporting Jewish organizations and causes, with a clear, foundational philosophy guiding his leadership and charitable giving along the way.

“My primary interest is in supporting efforts that sustain Jewish continuity,” he said.

As the principal and founder of Koss Real Estate Investments, Michael has served as Chairman of the Board of the Los Angeles Jewish Federation, as well as of the Western Region of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Michael and his wife Corie were awarded the Torch of Learning Award from the American Friends of the Hebrew University, and Michael has also received the Jewish National Fund’s Tree of Life Award.

Fundraising has been a major thrust of Michael’s leadership efforts over the years. He was the Co-Founder and Chair of the Jewish Federation Los Angeles Centennial Endowment Campaign, which raised over $100 million. But Michael doesn’t only solicit donations — he makes them.

The Kosses are notable supporters of Birthright Israel Foundation. As part of their $5 million pledge from their estate to the Jewish Federation, they have directed $1 million to Birthright Israel as a beneficiary.

“I think that Birthright [Israel] is a really fantastic example of an organization that makes a very important and significant contribution to the effort of sustaining Jewish continuity,” he said, noting also that, “my wife, Corie, very enthusiastically shares all of my values and commitments. She’s a real partner in all of this with me.”

Michael’s journey with Birthright Israel began years ago through his work with the Federation, where he was inspired by the enthusiasm and support for the Foundation’s mission. He recalls a particularly moving Birthright Israel Foundation event at a family friend’s home, which left a lasting impression on him.

“I was very touched by their commitment to Birthright Israel, and I significantly increased my contribution at that time,” he said, “which of course has increased since then.” This is in large part because Birthright Israel became a more personal cause when Michael witnessed the impact of the program’s effects firsthand in members of his own family.

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After leaving Jewish day school to attend a secular high school, Michael’s youngest daughter, Niki, “didn’t seem to have a strong connection to Jewish life, which is very common with young people in America,” he said. Now, though, “she is quite interested in the Jewish community,” notably having done work for OpenDor Media, a Jewish and Israel-related educational media company.

For this he credits perhaps some “osmosis” from his and Corie’s own involvement in Jewish causes, but beyond that, a “profound” impact from Niki’s Birthright Israel experience in her early twenties.

“It’s hard for young people who haven’t been to Israel to really have a connection to it and have a real perspective about what it means to the Jewish world and what it means to the continuity of Judaism, and by participating in a Birthright trip and being so culturally interwoven with Israel, I think it has a powerful effect on their psyche.”

Michael’s nephew also had a transformative experience. With little connection to Judaism or the Jewish homeland, he took a Birthright Israel trip, became a bar mitzvah during his 10 days in Israel and went on to marry a Jewish partner with whom he’s raising two Jewish children.

Michael sees these stories as a testament to the program’s profound impact.

Beyond evidence within his own family, Michael points to a study by Brandeis University, where he is a past regent of Birthright Israel alumni that found tangible impact for participants in terms of marriage and connection to the Jewish community and Israel — issues he laments as lacking in present-day American culture.

Ultimately, the power of Birthright Israel to shape a Jewish family’s future, and by virtue of that, the continuity of the Jewish people, is what Michael said drives his dedication to the Foundation.

“Birthright Israel offers people an opportunity to literally have a birthright and learn about and become interested in their heritage and make a connection to it,” he said. It’s something world Jewry benefits from, and something Michael believes should motivate other donors to support Birthright Israel.

“I think everybody should have some concern about supporting our people and supporting our Jewish homeland,” he said. “And I think this is a very impactful way of doing it.” His impact has certainly not gone unnoticed by the Birthright Israel Foundation.

“Michael is truly an exceptional leader and partner,” said Yael Gonen-Dawson, the Foundation’s Regional Director for Greater Los Angeles. “He and Corie set a gold standard for generosity and kindness. And their actions are indicative of their commitment and dedication to our community, Israel and the Jewish people, and we are truly fortunate that Birthright Israel is one their philanthropic priorities.”

Michael’s vision is that these actions impact the future of Birthright Israel, and by extension, the future of the Jewish people in both Israel and the diaspora.

“Decades from now, I hope and pray that Israel and Birthright Israel are flourishing, and I hope that Birthright Israel continues to impact Jewish attitudes and values in America and have people feeling even more connected as a whole community.”

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Save the Date

25 Anniversary th

Alumni Celebration

in

January 25 Miami Birthright Israel is turning 25, and we’re inviting alumni from across North America to celebrate!

Join us on Saturday, January 25, 2025 for an unforgettable evening dedicated to 25 years of transformative Israel journeys.

Live DJ bringing the vibes

Our Birthright Israel community will come together to honor Jewish resilience, recommit to our mission, and give back. This special gathering isn’t just a party; it’s about making an impact. By joining us on January 25,

Your attendance supports the future of Birthright Israel

you’ll become part of our legacy, shaping the next chapter of Birthright Israel together.

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Open bar all night long Reconnect with old friends

and make new ones

Raise a glass to our resilience

Scan here to get involved!

JOURNEYS ⋅ ISSUE 20

PA R T N E R S H I P Birthright Israel changes the lives of Jewish young adults. But we also help save lives—through our longstanding partnership with Gift of Life.

Gift of Life is an organization that makes bone marrow and stem cell transplants accessible to individuals fighting blood cancers and genetic disorders. By creating a global registry of potential donors, it has already saved thousands of lives. Gift of Life invites Birthright Israel participants to take part in a brief, painless cheek swab session, which places them on the Gift of Life registry.

This partnership is rooted in shared values: a commitment to life, the power of community, and the idea that small actions can change the world. The mitzvah of pikuach nefesh, or saving a life, is one of the most important commandments in Judaism. For Birthright Israel participants, joining the registry is not only an act of compassion but also a deeply meaningful expression of their Jewish identity.

Since the partnership began in 2004, tens of thousands of Jewish young adults have joined the registry. The result? Hundreds of matches and lives saved. Every match tells an awe-inspiring story of human kindness and connection.

Sarah, a 38-year-old Birthright Israel alumna and pro-Israel activist, unexpectedly received a call from Gift of Life, twenty years after she swabbed her cheek and joined the registry. Her stem cell type matched a 66-year-old man battling lymphoma.

Her donation experience was seamless; “I cracked a lot of jokes and chatted with the apheresis team,” she recalled.

Sarah often thinks of the recipient of her donation. “I hope he gets many more years to enjoy the people and places he loves.

When I’m feeling down, I imagine a hair-thin, silver thread connecting me to him, wherever he is. There is always this invisible web binding us together as members of the same human family. And the world is full of people who have been moved to help others and are forever connected in this way.”

Birthright Israel alumnus Billy was also asked by Gift of Life to make a life-saving donation of stem cells. “There are not many Jews in the world, and it can be very hard for a Jewish person to find another with matching DNA,” said Billy. “Anything I can do to help others, Jewish or not, is a no-brainer.”

When donors meet their recipients, they’re overcome by gratitude and emotion. At a celebration of Birthright Israel and Gift of Life’s twenty-year partnership earlier this year, 21-year-old alumnus Jacob met Mark, a 62-year-old leukemia patient who received his stem cell donation. “I’m just so lucky and fortunate to be here right now,” Mark said to Jacob.

“You saved my life.”

At that same special event, Jason, 24, met his recipient, 3-year-old Isla, who suffered from severe combined immunodeficiency. “It’s such a special experience that comes at such a small cost to you, compared to the impact you can have on another person’s life,” said Jason.

JOURNEYS ⋅ ISSUE 20

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Anything I can do to help others, Jewish or not, —Billy Richman 2022 Birthright Israel Alumnus

We are so proud of our participants who choose to join the Gift of Life registry. They embody the spirit of altruism and lovingkindness, with potentially life-saving outcomes. As the Talmud teaches us, “Whoever saves one life saves the entire world.”

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When can we come back and do this again?

First-time Birthright volunteering trip for those with disabilities makes a real impact Eight days in Israel leading the first-ever Birthright Israel Volunteer Program disabilities service trip provided insight into how a group of adults ages 21 to 41—all with intellectual and developmental disabilities (most on the autism spectrum)—are capable of connecting deeply with the Jewish homeland and its people, and of making important contributions through their volunteer efforts.

The delegation, all current participants or alumni of Ramah Tikvah disability inclusion programs, have spent many summers at Ramah camps, where they have forged ties with Israelis from their mishlachot (Israeli delegations), learned Israeli songs and dances, and grown to appreciate the importance of the Jewish State in their lives.

When the war with Hamas in Gaza broke last October following the Hamas terrorist attacks in southern Israel, participants in Ramah Tikvah programs began seeing community and family members— and friends from their respective camp communities—travel to Israel on service trips. They began to wonder if they might have a similar opportunity to contribute during Israel’s time of extreme need.

Perhaps Birthright Israel would offer a solution?

Birthright Israel offers a dozen “classic” trips with necessary supports and accommodations for participants with mobility challenges, inflammatory bowel disorders and other medical issues, as well as an American Sign Language program, a trip for those in 12step recovery programs and more. In addition, the Birthright Israel Onward program facilitates internships, fellowships, academic study, and volunteer opportunities in Israel.

When I pitched the idea of a volunteer trip for people with disabilities, VP of Birthright Israel Onward Ilan Wagner immediately gave the green light. This group would need accommodations not usually provided to typical Birthright Israel participants, including staff accompanying the group on the flight and 24/7 throughout the trip; three meals daily; hotel rather than group apartment accommodations; and additional structured activities once their morning of volunteering was over.

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—Howard Blas

Originally published in JNS ⋅ October 2024

Last month, even as the war in the Gaza Strip and the hostage situation continued and with an escalation of war looming between Hezbollah in the north, 12 participants and four staff members boarded flights or took cars or trains from St. Louis, Detroit, Columbus, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Berkeley, Calgary, New Jersey, and New Haven for flights to Israel. We arrived at a hotel in Tel Aviv, ate dinner, got some rest and hit the ground running the next day.

We recited the Shehecheyanu prayer in honor of this pioneering trip and had morning services at the Nahum Gutman Mosaic Fountain in Tel Aviv. We then headed out—Bingo cards in hand—in search of various famous Tel Aviv landmarks on the Independence Trail. After lunch, we visited the Israel ParaSport Center in Ramat Gan. Our guide, Caroline, who was born paralyzed, is the No. 6 wheelchair table-tennis player in the world and shared what sports means to her. We also had a chance to watch Israel’s national wheelchair basketball team engage in a tough practice, and after speaking with team members, got to try out the specially designed chairs.

Then, it was off to a small Chabad shul in Tel Aviv to do our part for the Tzitzit for Tzahal project—an initiative to prepare 200,000 pairs of ritual army-green fringes for soldiers.

The next day saw us at Pitchon Lev: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Rishon Letzion, where we assembled 180 large boxes and filled each with diapers and four packs of wipes. Following our busy and satisfying morning of volunteering, we had lunch—pizza and grill were both exciting options for the hungry volunteers—before setting off for a special tour of the ANU Museum of the Jewish People on the campus of Tel Aviv University. After dinner, we ended our day with a rhythmic movement activity.

On Friday, we made a trip to Jerusalem so the few first-time visitors to Israel could visit the city. Everyone enjoyed shopping on BenYehuda Street, riding EZRaider electric motorized vehicles, and touring the Old City and the Western Wall before heading back to Tel Aviv in time for prayers, Shabbat dinner and an Oneg Shabbat, complete with an UNO card-game marathon.

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Shabbat started with morning prayers at the beach, followed by swimming in the Mediterranean, a walk, lunch and visits by Israeli friends and family members. We ended with a beautiful Havdalah service that reminded participants of the many similar ones at their respective camps.

On Sunday, we set off for the first of two days of olive picking at Harvest Helpers Leket Israel in Rishon Letzion. We learned that our olives would be made into olive oil for Israelis in need. Our participants once again felt a connection between their volunteer work and people receiving direct benefits.

Our afternoon visit to Hostages Square in Tel Aviv was quite emotional. We walked through a makeshift tunnel, looked at the empty Shabbat table and chairs (now under a sukkah) in tribute to the hostages, viewed art installations and purchased “Bring Them Home Now” shirts, dog tags, and ribbons.

On Monday, in the middle of our breakfast, the staff learned that out of an abundance of caution as the situation in the north was heating up, we were being instructed by the Situation Monitoring Room to leave the hotel in under an hour and relocate to Jerusalem after our morning of olive picking. Participants remained calm, adjusting to an abrupt change of plans (not usually easy for people with autism) and quickly packed up. Our scheduled culinary tour in Tel Aviv turned into a similar tour in Jerusalem’s Machane Yehuda open-air market, a walk through the adjoining Nachlaot neighborhood and a stop for some ice cream.

Our last full day in Israel began at Pantry Packers, where we worked in four-person teams to pack peas and other dried goods for Israel’s needy. After putting on aprons and hairnets, two team members placed separate labels on bags, one operated the machine that dispensed the grains into bags, and one used the sealing machine. Our day—and rewarding week in Israel—began winding down with pizza and a swim party at a brand-new pool at a country club in Har Homa.

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Back at the hotel, participants shared highlights of the trip. Annie thanked her “lovely roommate.” She added that “the trip was a good experience for me. I’m going to start crying.” Maddy, who noted that she volunteers thousands of hours per year, felt that the Israel ParaSport visit “got me thinking of physical disabilities in ways I never have.” Jesse felt a true sense of belonging he said he never felt at home. On Birthright, he said, “I feel like you guys were all my family.”

Our tour guide, Rotem, encouraged the group to go home and serve as ambassadors, sharing their experiences. The participants were unified in asking one question: “When can we come back and do this again?”

My hope is that the Jewish community will continue to create meaningful opportunities—in the United States, Israel and elsewhere—for adults who have both disabilities and amazing strengths, so as to be fully included and feel a sense of belonging.

I feel like you guys were all my family.

JOURNEYS ⋅ ISSUE 20

BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL

After our classic 10-day trip participants return home, they often ask, “What’s next?”

Birthright Israel Onward invites them to return to Israel for career development.

Onward is a 4 to 8-week program that helps participants deepen their connection to Israel, gain hands-on experience, and build personal and professional connections.

Birthright Israel Onward provides internships in technology, business, education, social work, media, and more.

Participants are placed with Israeli companies, startups, NGOs, and government organizations. They build their resumes while contributing to Israel’s vibrant economy and innovation landscape.

They can also combine professional internships with the study of traditional Jewish texts and wisdom. Due to popular demand, we now offer fellowships with training in emergency medical services, first response, the culinary arts, AI design, DJing, and water rescue skills. For those whose jobs permit them to work remotely, we offer a Remote Work program with volunteering and cultural immersion opportunities.

Each internship placement is carefully matched to the participants’ skills, educational background, and career goals. By working alongside Israeli peers and mentors, they learn valuable skills that enhance their employability back home. Alumni report that Onward helped them clarify their professional aspirations and gave them a global perspective on their burgeoning careers.

“My internship was in Tel Aviv City Hall at the Tel Aviv Foundation,” said Julia Pratt, 2018 Onward Alumna. “Coming from America, my expectations for an internship were getting coffee and making copies. However, I was in for a surprise. They trusted me with real responsibilities. I helped develop the Foundation’s CRM system, sat in on board meetings, and researched donors in preparation for solicitations. They treated me like a full-fledged employee.”

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For many alumni, professional connections made during Onward have led to job offers in Israel, partnerships, or remote work opportunities with Israeli companies. Others have used the experience as a steppingstone to launch careers in Jewish education, community leadership, or advocacy.

Jacqueline Korren, 2024 Onward Alumna, participated in a four-week immersive program at Reichman University on geopolitics and public diplomacy. “It was a really amazing experience. The first week was a deep dive into Israel’s counterterrorism strategy. We were taught by high-ranking IDF military professionals. The second week we learned geopolitics and history. Then we spent two days in Jerusalem being taught by military intelligence expert Miri Eisin. She gave us a 2000-year history to bring to conversations we were having,” said Jacqueline. “I'm very passionate about not only amplifying my own voice, but creating space for other young Jews to do the same. We need more Jewish voices to be empowered, amplified, and elevated. All of that inspiration came from this program.”

Caleb Esrig also called Onward an incredible opportunity.

“I interned at an economic research think tank, where I did meaningful research while living in Tel Aviv,” said Caleb. “For the first time, I could experience Israel as someone who lived there.”

By offering new skills, connections, and unforgettable experiences in Israel, Onward is certain to launch extraordinary careers.

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I’m very passionate about not only amplifying my own voice, but creating space for other young Jews to do the same. We need more Jewish voices to be empowered, amplified, and elevated.

All of that inspiration came from this program.

—Jacqueline Korren

2024 Back to Campus Forum Participant

Empowering Students to Fight Antisemitism at the Back to Campus Forum Birthright Israel recently held its first Back to Campus Forum, addressing the alarming trend of rising antisemitism on college campuses. It served as a space of learning and empowerment for Jewish students.

The Forum brought together experts in Jewish advocacy, legal rights, and campus activism to give students tools and knowledge to navigate challenges in academic settings. Speakers shared insights on effective ways to respond to antisemitic incidents, debunk myths about Israel and the Jewish community, facilitate respectful dialogue with peers and faculty, and explain students’ rights and the legal protections available to them. The message was clear: students have rights, and they deserve a safe and supportive academic environment.

The Back to Campus Forum is part of Birthright Israel’s broader mission to support and protect Jewish life and identity on campuses throughout the world. Birthright Israel empowers students to express Jewish pride and advocate for a more inclusive and respectful college experience.

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I heard from speakers I never would’ve had access to otherwise, such as the former spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s office Elon Levy, journalists from the Times of Israel, and a Palestinian writer from East Jerusalem. Every speaker taught me something new, and each time I walked away feeling more confident about reentering my college campus.

—Kenzie Cooper

2024 Back to Campus Forum Participant JOURNEYS ⋅ ISSUE 20

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