Journeys #4 - December 2014

J O U R N EYS Issue 4 · December 2014

THAT LAST A LIFETIME

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02 A LETTER FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR AND PRESIDENT

09 EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS

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ENSURING SAFETY AND NORMALCY: A CONVERSATION WITH TAGLIT-BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL'S LEADERSHIP

SUMMER 2014 THROUGH PARTICIPANTS’ EYES

07 ANNUAL GIVING CIRCLES: DONOR SPOTLIGHT

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CONNECTING OUR DONORS NATIONALLY AND ABROAD

PARTNERS IN SUPPORT: COMBINED JEWISH PHILANTHROPIES AND ALPHA EPSILON PI

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Dear friends, Sometimes all it takes is a Taglit-Birthright Israel participant – talking off the cuff – to capture everything we want to say here.

One young adult, talking to us from Israel this past summer, said: “I always felt that we were in very good hands, with Taglit taking care of us and making sure we were in the right place every day with little interruption to our plans. And even when the sirens sounded, I felt prepared, and knew what to do, and felt so at home here.”

It is precisely now – following the summer of 2014 – that we can truly value Taglit-Birthright Israel’s place on the continuum of Jewish identity, community and connection to our homeland.

To say that the season was one of challenge is an understatement.

And to describe it as one of unparalleled opportunity for participants, organizers, leaders, mifgash peers and others is no exaggeration.

As we surpassed 400,000 participants and 70,000 mifgash members since our founding in 1999, Taglit-Birthright Israel met – like the entire Israeli population – a summer of rocket attacks, red alerts and uncertainly of the next moment with fortitude, purpose and common objective.

Many of you – our Birthright Israel Foundation board members, friends and supporters – saw this firsthand as you traveled to Israel to show solidarity with the Jewish state and with the Birthright Israel family. Your presence with us was immensely meaningful and appreciated.

In an interview in this issue of Journeys, Taglit-Birthright Israel CEO Gidi Mark and COO Nimrod Ran describe some of the planning, security and communications measures quickly and nimbly put in place to guarantee a safe, seamless, and even enhanced experience for participants – amid extraordinary conditions.

Thanks to the support from of over 21,500 donors so far this year, Taglit-Birthright Israel sent nearly 28,000 young adults to Israel this past summer, an increase from the year before. And for them, being in the Jewish homeland during such a critical time provided profound takeaways. The presence of participants and our leadership demonstrated our commitment to Israel and its people, for which they were grateful.

The comment of the participant cited at the beginning of this column eloquently mirrors the feedback received from thousands of others. Being in Israel in the summer of 2014 provided a unique experiential portal into the lives of Israeli citizens and soldiers, the fabric and strength of Israel society, and the Jewish story.

Your support of Birthright Israel Foundation is tremendously valued, and valuable. You allow us to educate members of the next generation – some of whom will be future community leaders – and enable them to see for themselves why Israel matters and why being a part of the Jewish story is so very important. It is because of you that Birthright Israel Foundation is motivated to raise the necessary funds to make sure Taglit-Birthright Israel is available for generations to come.

As we look back at the challenges and triumphs of this past summer, we thank you for your support, especially now, and in the future.

Sincerely,, Sincerely Joshua Nash Chair of the Board David Fisher President

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ENSURING SAFETY AND NORMALCY IN SUMMER 2014 With as many as 3,000 PARTICIPANTS Journeys spoke with NIMROD RAN GIDI MARK

JOURNEYS: What logistical challenges faced Taglit-Birthright Israel this past summer?

NR: It was very challenging to oversee thousands of participants each day while making necessary changes to itineraries due to the conflict. Our overriding objective was to make as few changes as possible without compromising participants' safety.

This was the first time that a rocket threat covered a substantial area of Israel and it was challenging to move groups around geographically. But as the market leader in the field of educational trips in Israel, we had a contingency plan in place before the summer season even started. Last year, parallel to the Home Front Command’s national practice day, we did a full simulation of an escalation. So when the conflict began this summer, we were very prepared.

JOURNEYS: The closing of Ben-Gurion Airport was unexpected and thankfully short lived. How did you adjust?

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NR: When the FAA ban took effect, thousands of travelers were stuck in and out of Israel and we made it a priority to find alternative routes for our participants. During those 36 hours, we had approximately eight groups traveling in and out of Israel. With our strong connections with the airlines, especially El-Al, we were able to book them on alternative flights and continue schedules as planned.

JOURNEYS: What relationships exist with government and military agencies so that Taglit-Birthright Israel can stay informed and act if necessary?

NR: Trip itineraries are approved daily with the Situation Monitoring Room, which is administered by the Israel Ministry of Education and coordinated with the IDF, Israeli police, and Home Front Security Administration. We also take extra precautions in accordance with national security regulations.

Safety and security are our number one priority regardless of this or any conflict or occurrence. We have a responsibility as an

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return them home safely, and we did.

JOURNEYS: Has Taglit-Birthright Israel learned any lessons from summer trips this year in order to strengthen security or processes in the future?

JOURNEYS: What were the lessons and perspectives taken by participants this summer?

GM: We are now performing an intensive analysis on all elements

organization to keep our participants safe throughout the trip and

of the recent summer trips. As a learning organization, we always GM: The unique circumstances this summer created an opportunity for our participants to be exposed to the exceptional expressions of solidarity within Israeli society and to the depth of the value of Arvut Hadadit (mutual responsibility) among fellow Jews. The phenomenon had a direct impact on the dynamic of the groups; the cohesiveness and spirit of the groups during the

work to improve.

JOURNEYS: A recent Brandeis University study on young Jewish American attitudes toward the conflict shows that Taglit-Birthright Israel applicants and participants are much more aligned to Israel’s position. What are the implications of the report?

operations were even better than in those coming during more peaceful times.

NR: The findings are not surprising. From the first days of Birthright Israel, we received verifications time and again that

JOURNEYS: Did Taglit-Birthright Israel make special effort to keep parents and others informed during the summer trips?

it is the single best way to create support of Israel among young Jews. Biased news coverage and a hostile atmosphere on campuses prevent young Jews from understanding the true picture and the

GM: There was a safety and security Q&A section added to the

best way to experience reality is the educational trips.

homepage of the Taglit-Birthright Israel website and it was updated daily. Also, we sent a personal email to parents of the participants,

The 400,000 participants from 66 countries, who have connected

the day they landed, with direct contact information of their child’s

with 70,000 Israelis, most of them soldiers, will know for the rest of

group and group leader. As soon as the situation in Gaza escalated,

their lives that negative myths about Israel and Israelis are false.

group leaders urged participants to call home. We knew that parents were following media reports, which did not portray the real picture from the ground. Contacting parents alleviated their

JOURNEYS: What else do you want to say about the summer of 2014?

legitimate concerns. In addition, Taglit-Birthright Israel leadership and all of our trip organizers contacted parents directly to keep

GM: We launched the summer with the celebration of our

them posted.

400,000th participant and our 70,000th Israeli participant. Our joy over the success of the program continued, even as fighting

JOURNEYS: What have you heard from participants and family members about how Taglit-Birthright Israel trips were handled this past summer?

broke out in Gaza. Just like the Jewish people, the Taglit-Birthright

GM: The feedback we received was incredibly encouraging and

We remain steadfast in our commitment to our participants,

heartwarming. Many participants wrote blogs or Facebook posts

our partners and the people of Israel to provide a rich and

about their experience and how safe they felt during their time in

meaningful trip and profoundly significant moments of discovery

Israel. We also received many thank you letters from parents for

that one can only get in Israel. The constant solidarity and warm

giving their children an amazing experience and keeping them

support of our donors and the Birthright Israel Foundation’s staff

safe during this difficult time.

have encouraged and pushed us to meet our high standards.

Israel program is resilient and trips continued with added safety precautions.

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SUMMER 2014

ALUMNI in their own

words

When someone asks me how my trip to Israel

I set out for Israel this summer because I

was, I respond by saying, “It was incredible.”

felt it to be the right time: 21 years old and

The simplicity in that answer by no means

entering my senior year at Vassar College.

does the trip justice.

The future is unknown to me, so I chose to experience it sooner rather than later – and I

“Incredible” can mean many things to many

could not be happier with that choice.

people, as can the country of Israel. Prior to this trip, Israel did not hold much meaning and value to me, which was very unfortunate. It was a place to which I was connected in name and religion only, having been a Bar Mitzvah but little else. I could not even envision Jerusalem – the holiest land in the world, the Western Wall,

Even the ongoing conflict that caused many to cancel (we had to combine two bus groups to make our trip work) made this summer that much more memorable. It was a unique time in history to make a first trip to the homeland.

and the Dead Sea in the distance.

Taglit-Birthright Israel has made me a more

JONATHAN SAFIR

However, because of the trip, Israel is now a

conscious, committed Jewish resident living

VASSAR COLLEGE

place dear to my heart and engrained in my

in America. That, in itself, more than makes

memories. The trip made what I have read in

the trip worthwhile. I cannot wait to one day

textbooks and heard from others tangible.

bring my own family to Israel.

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OLIVIA WITTELS

RACHEL ZUCKERMAN

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

Intense. It’s impossible to describe my trip to Israel in one word,

I first visited Israel two and a half years ago and was

but for the sake of brevity I’m going to do just that. Indisputably,

surprised by the connection I felt to the nation and its

the political situation in Israel this summer was intense – three

community. Despite being thousands of miles away from

days into my trip, Israel launched a ground invasion in Gaza.

everything I’d ever known, Israel felt like home, a place

Nonetheless, that I felt entirely safe despite the instability reveals

where I felt comfortable and welcomed.

the strength of the IDF, the security of Taglit-Birthright Israel, and the distinctiveness of Israel.

I was eager to return to Israel this summer with Taglit-Birthright

I would also use intense to describe the friendships I made.

Israel, but the outbreak of war with Gaza left me with a difficult

Because of pre-trip withdrawals, my bus was uniquely comprised

decision to make. I ultimately decided to go to Israel during the

of both Taglit-Birthright Israel age groups. I have never seen 40

midst of the war because I thought that I might learn something

diverse people mesh so well. When six Israelis joined us for the

by being there in a time of conflict. I had already visited and

mifgash, the dynamic of our group changed in an even more positive

loved the country in a time of relative peace, and I felt it was

manner. Establishing relationships with our Israeli participants made

important to return not just as a tourist but also as a supporter

the experience that much more personal and powerful, and allowed

of Israel seeking to understand life there.

me to feel attached to Israel in a way I would have never discovered otherwise.

Going to Israel during the conflict only made my experience

While the intensity of my own connection to Israel was strengthened

more meaningful and gave me the understanding I was seeking.

this summer, my most important takeaway was not a personal one.

I now have a better sense of what my Israeli friends experience

Israel is a nation constantly under siege – both politically and

on a regular basis and what this country has been faced with

otherwise. But being in Israel during a war – all the while watching

since its birth. In addition to better understanding these

the sun rise at Masada, slipping a note into the Western Wall,

challenges, I was privileged to see the strength of the

seeing the sun set on the beach in Tel Aviv – sheds light on the

people of Israel.

resilience of Israelis.

Participants of any Taglit-Birthright Israel trip have a responsibility to protect a nation that offers unconditional refuge and hope for a group of perpetually persecuted people. There is a deep need for alumni to become a voice for Israel, and share all the wonderful

I now know how they cope with the conflict surrounding them: by refusing to let it diminish their lives and by living with strength, love, and pride. Even during a time of war, Israel is full of vibrancy and resilience, and I feel lucky to have seen this.

opportunities that this country offers. This responsibility seems intense, but I merely view it as small thanks for the gift of a lifetime.

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D

Spotlight

l Annua

g n i v GCiIRCLES L T ISORNAE H G I R I H BIRTFOUNDAT

($3,000-$9,999) Your generosity sponsors up to three young Jewish adults from North America on a lifechanging Taglit-Birthright Israel experience.

($10,000-$29,999) Your support allows us to enrich the 10-day group experience by including Israeli young adults on every bus, fostering connections and friendships that last for a lifetime.

($30,000-$59,999) Your gift helps us bring together thousands of participants in Israel for international celebrations (“Mega Events”) to enjoy Israeli-style entertainment and learn of opportunities to continue their Jewish journey.

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($60,000-$99,999) Your contribution enables us to supplement the cost for young adults participating in special needs or interest-based groups, ensuring our program offerings are inclusive and diverse.

($100,000-AND UP) Your investment at this level ensures our commitment to setting the highest standards for our educational platform driven and monitored by leading experts in the fields of Jewish and Israel education.

($2.5 MILLION+ OVER A LIFETIME) The Founders Circle is comprised of a special group of philanthropists and their families who inspire and solidify the future of Taglit-Birthright Israel through their deep and continued support.

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Property Manager, Commercial Real Estate Atlanta, GA Taglit-Birthright Israel alumnus Masada Circle Jewish Community Involvement: Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and AJC ACCESS Favorite Place in Israel: The Golan Heights Favorite Israeli Food: Shawrma

Taglit-Birthright Israel is important because…

More than any other Jewish engagement experience in my life, this trip created a connection to our people and our land in a way that cannot be recreated at home. Looking at the big picture – each generation of American Jews continues to grow farther from our Jewish heritage, and Taglit-Birthright Israel trips have the power of creating Jewish continuity on a large scale.

Favorite Jewish Holiday: Chanukah Fun Fact About Me: My fiancé, Andrea, is also a Taglit- Birthright Israel Alum (we went on separate trips). We are getting married February of 2015.

Taglit-Birthright Israel is effective…

It goes without saying that the staff and tour

As an alumnus…

I support the organization because I experienced (and witnessed) the impact that this trip can have on Jewish young adults. Since my trip, I have learned about the fundraising efforts and needs of this organization, and have realized that there is an important role for alumni to play in this process. While we do not have the means to make a major impact, being a part of the Birthright Israel community does not end with the trip, and alumni have a duty to pay it forward so that young adults like us have the same opportunity we did.

Israeli’s who joined our trip. Traveling the country

Private Investor and Philanthropist Denver, CO Galilee Circle Jewish Community Involvement: ADL in Denver, Jewish Federation of Denver and the PJ Library Favorite Place in Israel: The Dead Sea Favorite Jewish Food: Potato Latkes

guides are incredible, but for me the experience that hit home was spending time with the eight and seeing things through their eyes, was truly an eye opening experience. Understanding what they face as young adults in Israel versus what we are up against at the same age, really put things in perspective. Sharing this experience really helped me understand that while I am not on the front lines in Israel, I have a responsibility as an American Jew to support Israel through organizations like Federation, AIPAC, and JNF over the course of my life.

As an donor...

I support Birthright Israel Foundation because I feel it's important for young people to visit a country that has a rich history of the Jewish people. The Jewish young adults that participate in Taglit-Birthright Israel come back to their communities feeling good about their experience in Israel.

Favorite Jewish Holiday: Rosh Hashanah Fun Fact About Me: I own three Golden Retrievers. I enjoy playing with them and watching them grow into fine dogs.

The Jewish Community...

Should support Birthright Israel Foundation so they can send young Jewish people to see the Promised Land and feel proud that they are Jewish.

Taglit-Birthright Israel is effective…

Taglit-Birthright Israel gets young people to open their minds while having a life-changing experience. Taglit-Birthright Israel educates young adults about their heritage and what it means to be Jewish, as well as providing participants with the opportunity to make lasting friendships.

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S S E C C U S R U O G N I T A CELEBR

we can proudly report Birthright Israel Foundation

DETROIT, MI MAY 13

PARLOR MEETING

Hosted by Michele and Mitchell Bleznak This year, the annual Birthright Israel Foundation program for the Detroit community was held at the home of hosts, Mitchell and Michele Bleznak. 80 guests gathered to listen to speakers including Taglit-Birthright Israel alumnus

Standing L to R: Doug Ross, Atlanta BRIF Chair; Nadia Bilchik, CNN Editorial producer and program moderator, Suzanne Eisenberg and Nancy Galanti, Co Hosts; Professor Len Saxe. Seated L to R: Joel Eisenberg and Ronald Galanti, Co- Hosts; Jamie Lupuloff, Birthright Israel Alumna.

and reservist in the Israeli Special Forces, Izzy Ezagui, and Birthright Israel Foundation President, David Fisher.

Attendees had the opportunity to have their gifts tripled thanks to both the Adelson Challenge and Detroit-area Gilbert Challenge. The event also featured a private look

ATLANTA, GA JULY 24

PARLOR MEETING

Hosted by Aviva and Eyal Postelnik

at photographs from Through the Lens, Birthright Israel

The Atlanta Jewish community came together for the first of

Foundation’s first formal photo exhibit.

two successful parlor meetings this summer. Birthright Israel supporters heard from guest speaker, Jay Kaiman, Executive Director of The Marcus Foundation.

AUGUST 11

PARLOR MEETING

Hosted by Suzanne & Joel Eisenberg and Nancy Galanti 80 guests enjoyed a moderated discussion led by CNN Editorial Producer, Nadia Bilchik, featuring Leonard Saxe, Ph.D., Director of the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University. This event was unique as the majority of the guests in attendance were parents of potential Taglit-Birthright Israel participants.

Adam, Michele, Mitchell, & Julia Bleznak welcome supporters to their home.

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LONG ISLAND, NY

WESTCHESTER, NY

SEPTEMBER 4

SEPTEMBER 16

COMMUNITY EVENT

'TASTE OF ISRAEL'

Hosted by Brooke and Steven Schonfeld

75 members of the Westchester, New York Jewish

The Schonfelds graciously opened their beautiful Long Island

community gathered at the Westchester Reform Temple

home to over 100 guests for a community event in support

in Scarsdale to experience the tastes, sights, and smells

of Birthright Israel Foundation. Guests enjoyed the fine late-

of a traditional Israeli “shuk,” or marketplace. Donors had

summer weather while listening to speakers Lee Brodsky, a local

the pleasure of hearing personal stories from a series of

Taglit-Birthright Israel alumnus, and Patricia Loeb who participated

monologues performed by Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni.

in Birthright Israel Foundation’s summer 2014 mission and recently joined the Foundation’s Leadership Council.

BROOKLINE, MA OCTOBER 2

PARLOR MEETING

Hosted by Valarie and Mark Friedman 165 members from the Greater Boston Community gathered at the Friedman’s home for a special evening with Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson. Guests heard from the Adelsons, as well as Barry Shrage, President of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston.

Jon & Susan Held celebrate with Ellen & Ned Dorman.

NEW YORK, NY SEPTEMBER 10

Barry Shrage, President of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston.

BANK LEUMI USA LUNCHEON

Birthright Israel Foundation partnered with Bank Leumi USA for an intimate lunch and panel discussion at the Bank Leumi USA office. With 50 guests in attendance, the panel, moderated by Foundation Board of Directors Vice Chair, Laurie Blitzer, included Board Chair, Josh Nash; Board members, Stephen Siderow and Sander Levy; and Bank Leumi USA President and CEO, Avner Mendelson.

LOS ANGELES, CA OCTOBER 22

PARLOR MEETING

Hosted by Catherine & John Farahi, Farah & Steve Gozini, Dorice & Jacob Melamed, Elanor & Javid Moreh, Shiva & Jahanshah Moreh, and Sabrina & Kamran Younesi Over 100 members from the Los Angeles Persian Jewish community came together at the home of Sabrina and Kamran

Additionally, Birthright Israel Co-Founder, Charles Bronfman,

Younesi. This event featured two distinguished guest speakers,

was in attendance as well as former Chairman of the Board

Zohar Raviv, International Vice President of Education for

of Birthright Israel Foundation, Dan Och, who offered

Taglit-Birthright Israel, and Yaki Lopez, Consul for Political

opening remarks.

Affairs for the Israeli Consulate of Los Angeles.

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Nationally and Abroad

Summer Mission and the 3rd Annual Birthright

3RD ANNUAL BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL WEEKEND

L AS

VEGAS 2014

Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson, honorary chairs, joined Birthright Israel leadership, staff and our generous supporters and local Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni in Las Vegas for our 3rd Annual Birthright Israel Weekend. The weekend, chaired by Andrea & Mike Leven and Kim & Marc Schwartz, kicked off with a reception at the Sands Aviation Hanger. Close to 100 guests attended informative and interactive sessions throughout the weekend discussing topics such as how Taglit-Birthright Israel is shaping the Jewish future, the impact of Operation Protective Edge on this summer’s trips, and contextualizing Yad Vashem for millennials, to name a few.

Speakers included Gidi Grinstein, President and Founder of the Reut Institute; Adam Braun, Taglit-Birthright Israel alumnus, noted author and founder of Pencils of Promise; Leonard Saxe, Ph.D, Director of the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University; Gidi Mark, Taglit-Birthright Israel International CEO; Barry Shrage, President of Combined Jewish Philanthropies; and Zohar Raviv, Taglit-Birthright Israel International Vice President of Education. Additionally, guests enjoyed all-suite VIP service at the Palazzo Hotel and a special night of entertainment featuring comedian Elon Gold and performer Kristen Hertzenberg at the home of Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson. The successful weekend closed with a Birthright Israel Foundation board meeting on Sunday.

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My srael: I t h g i r h Birt Mission r e m m Su -29 June 23

This summer, twenty eight Birthright Israel Foundation supporters led by our professional team of Margot Atlas, Jenn Goldstone and Serena Young embarked on the "My Birthright Israel" mission. From the moment they arrived in Israel, their days and nights were filled with exciting tours and experiences set to mimic a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip.

Highlights included an exclusive visit to an IDF Naval Base in Ashdod, accompanied by former mifgash participants, and insider briefings with members of the Knesset, top journalists and Middle Eastern experts. The mission culminated at the Mega Event in Caesarea, where participants had the opportunity to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and celebrated Taglit-Birthright Israel’s 400,000th participant.

Mission participants were able to experience Taglit-Birthright Israel firsthand when they joined students from the Taglit-Birthright Israel Hillel of Orange County bus on Mount Scopus, experienced a special Kabbalah Shabbat with participants at the Kotel, and heard Zohar Raviv, Taglit-Birthright Israel International Vice President of Education, speak at Independence Hall. The mission was Co-Chaired by Ali & Zach Shuman (Rancho Santa Fe), Wendy & Steven Shenfeld (New York), and Keri and Stuart Zaro (Westchester).

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S R E N PART

T R O P IN SUP CAMPUS ON

Spotlight:

Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston

Since the inception of Taglit-Birthright Israel, the Jewish Federations of North America has played a vital role and serves as a key partner to the Birthright Israel family. Together, we create awareness of the Taglit-Birthright Israel experience, raise substantial funds to support the program, offer community buses with young adults from the same ‘home’ community, and create multiple avenues of post-trip engagement for participants upon their return.

trips and are responsible for the pre-trip programming and post-trip engagement of the participants. They serve as role models for a campus population that is inundated with competing messages and responsibilities.

Most importantly, IACT coordinators have the resources to engage participants in a sophisticated, meaningful, and intentional manner that is transforming Jewish life on campus.

One of these successful engagement programs is the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston’s (CJP) Israel Campus Initiative, IACT. IACT (Inspired, Active, Committed, Transformed) builds on the momentum of a Taglit-Birthright Israel program by providing support to students before and after their trip, and creating opportunities for Jewish engagement and Israel advocacy on campus upon return.

By integrating the Taglit-Birthright Israel experience into the continuum of Jewish life, CJP’s IACT program is facilitating a commitment to Israel and the Jewish people. IACT is laying the framework for greater involvement in the Jewish community. Nearly 80% of Taglit-Birthright Israel participants on IACT campuses become involved in ongoing Jewish educational opportunities, including internships in Israel, Jewish courses, and community service events.

In 2007, CJP launched IACT, on three Boston-area campuses with large Jewish populations and strong Hillel leadership. Full-time professionals funded by CJP were placed on each campus to recruit and engage students in both pre- and post-trip activities.

“Imagine if you could get the most unaffiliated students on Birthright Israel.

How do you get them? You have a focused staff person whose job is to do nothing but attract and maintain students in the Birthright Israel community and in Jewish life,” said Cheryl Aronson, Associate Vice President at CJP. The key to the success of IACT, which has scaled to 19 campuses across the United States, is the IACT coordinator who is extensively trained by CJP. Seeking to create a comprehensive experience, coordinators staff campus

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“It’s not just about how they feel when they are on the trip, it is important want they do after,” Aronson said. Aronson has big plans for IACT’s future, as she would like to see the program grow to 50 campuses with the largest Jewish population within the next five years. Earlier this year, it was announced that IACT will be rolled out nationally in partnership with Hillel International and the generous support of the Ed Fein Foundation.

“We like to say ‘our dreams should be as high as Sinai,’” Aronson said, “Thank God for Birthright Israel because it has given us the opportunity.”

OF NORTH AMERICA

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Spotlight:

Alpha Epsilon Pi International Fraternity

This summer, as Birthright Israel Foundation President David Fisher became an honorary member of Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, a uniquely strong bond was forged between the fraternity and our foundation.

At AEPi’s 101st International Convention, the Jewish fraternity selected Birthright Israel Foundation to be one of the Jewish philanthropies included in their Official Philanthropy Program. The program emphasizes the Jewish ideal of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world, as it is committed to supporting worthy Jewish causes. Through the Official Philanthropy Program, AEPi has pledged a combined $1 million to Birthright Israel Foundation and nine other Jewish organizations including Gift of Life, Israel Children’s Cancer Foundation, the Simon Wiesenthal Foundation, and BBYO. Since the start of AEPi’s Official Philanthropy Program, undergraduate chapters have raised nearly $3 million for Jewish and Israel-based charities.

Aside from the financial goal of raising $100,000 for Birthright Israel Foundation over the next five years, AEPi supports the Birthright Israel family through AEPi Taglit-Birthright Israel buses.

The experience of Taglit-Birthright Israel is one that is irreplaceable in itself, but visiting Israel with fraternity brothers heightens the impact of the trip even more.

“Being able to share all the things that I knew about AEPi and its connection to Israel was my biggest take away [from the trip],” said Jon Bridge, AEPi senior staff member who participated in a winter 2014 Taglit-Birthright Israel trip as a madrich. “I could see the AEPi brothers start to understand that they were part of something bigger and an important part of the Jewish future.”

On Bridge’s trip, brothers were able to see the impact of their work first hand, as they visited Sderot where the money they raised for the Jewish National Fund helped build a playground.

The AEPi-focused buses also yield additional benefits for the participants, as brothers form an immediate bond because they share something close to their hearts, their fraternity letters.

“The most memorable part of the trip for me was visiting the Old City,” Gregory Flax said of his winter 2013 Taglit-Birthright Israel trip. “Stepping foot in a place with thousands of years of history blew my mind. The best part was stepping up to the Western Wall with letters on.”

Moments like this are exactly why Birthright Israel Foundation was a logical choice for AEPi’s Official Philanthropy Program.

“AEPi's mission is to develop the future leaders of the Jewish community, and our brothers wanted to do their part in making possible Taglit--Birthright Israel trips for other Jewish young adults,” said Jay S. Feldman, Managing Director of AEPi Foundation. “Not only do Birthright Israel Foundation and AEPi share a mission to connect young Jewish adults with their identity, community, and Israel, but the Taglit-Birthright Israel program is one of the best gifts to the Jewish world.”

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