Journeys #6 - July 2016

JOURNEYS

ISSUE 6 · JULY 2016

THAT LAST A LIFETIME

1

02 03 05 07 09 11 13 JOURNEYS • ISSUE 6

A letter from our Board Chair and President Summer 2016: The place to be is Tel Aviv The Birthright Israel Journey Funding Opportunities and BICEP Donor Spotlight: From Coast to Coast Events and Celebrations Federations Spotlight: Washington, DC

Dear Friends, 2016 is shaping up to be a monumental year here at Birthright Israel Foundation. Coming off last year’s incredible milestone of sending the 500,000th Birthright Israel participant, we are focusing our attention on how to raise the necessary funds to reach the next half a million young Jewish adults eager to connect with our people, our homeland and our community.

Board Retreat in Israel There is no better way to truly understand the power of Birthright Israel than experiencing it yourself, but unfortunately for most of us, we are slightly older than 26 and are not able to participate on a Birthright Israel trip. For us, the next best thing is to visit with participants while they are in Israel to experience the magic of Birthright Israel through their eyes.

This June our Board of Directors traveled to Israel for our very first Board meeting in Israel where we were fortunate enough to spend three days together as a group. Highlights of our time together included exploration of the brand new Innovation Center in Tel Aviv, meetings and in depth conversations with senior members of the Birthright Israel staff and a memorable meeting with members of the Prime Minister's Office including: Director-General Eli Groner, Foreign Media Advisor and Spokesman David Keyes and Senior Advisor Dr. Jonathan Shachter.

Our three days were action packed, full of reminders as to why we believe so strongly in Birthright Israel and why it is so important for the entire Jewish community to support this transformative experience. A special thank you to Board members, Sara Aronson and Rachel Cohen Gerrol, for their leadership in shaping this exciting experience.

Continuing our Momentum This summer 30,000 young Jewish adults will get to experience the gift of Birthright Israel thanks to each and every one of you.

Our social media feeds will be flooded with photos and stories of our children and grandchildren as they explore their place in our collective Jewish present and future. To date we have raised more than $26 million from 11,000* donors excluding the generous support of the Adelson Family Foundation towards our annual campaign goal of $50 million. It is imperative that we come together to continue to provide the gift of Birthright Israel to our children and grandchildren.

This fall we will gather in communities across the country to celebrate Birthright Israel and engage both current and new supporters with Birthright Israel Foundation. In September we will celebrate in Los Angeles for a special evening at the Petersen Automotive Museum with guest speaker, Ambassador Dennis Ross.

November will bring our most generous supporters together in New York for our Birthright Israel Foundation Gala at Cipriani 25.

To date, the Gala has already raised nearly $2 million*. We hope to see many of you this fall.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Journeys which brings to life the important work of Birthright Israel Foundation and its mission to ensure that the gift of Birthright Israel is sustained for generations to come.

Sincerely,

JOSHUA NASH Chairman of the Board DAVID FISHER President *As of June, 2016

JOURNEYS • ISSUE 6

3

SUMMER 2016

THE PLACE

TO BE MAY

01

JOURNEYS • ISSUE 6

TEL AVIV

The first groups of Birthright Israel participants arrived in Israel, kicking off our 16th summer.

With 30,000 participants expected from 36 Countries, the cities and streets are filled with young Jewish adults exploring our history, people and homeland and this summer, Tel Aviv is at the center.

MAY 23-26

More than 5,000 participants arrived in Tel Aviv for Taglit Week, giving participants an up close and personal taste of the energetic and modern city’s culinary, art and technology scene while enjoying the spectacular weather and views from the shore line.

JUNE 01

Birthright Israel opened “State of Mind,” a center for entrepreneurship and innovation in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange building. The state-of-the-art facility highlights Israeli achievements in a variety of fields and connects participants to Israeli entrepreneurs, in partnership with the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Over the summer nearly 13,000 participants will be able to touch, feel and learn all about the incredible innovation coming out of Israel.

“After bringing more than half a million participants to Israel, we continue to implement new programming and partnerships in order to cater to the increasingly diverse needs of our participants so that they form long-lasting connections to the country of Israel and its people and further explore their heritage. We are particularly proud of the strides we will make to connect young Jewish adults with the flourishing high-tech and innovation community in Israel, inspiring them to contribute to the Israeli economy and business sector throughout their present and future careers.”

- GIDI MARK, BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL INTERNATIONAL CEO

JOURNEYS • ISSUE 6

5

the birthright israel

journey For 10 days, Birthright Israel participants step into a new world. For many, this will be the first independent Jewish decision they make in their young adult lives. They travel the country of our ancestors learning of the deep-rooted history and heritage of the Jewish people. The Birthright Israel trip concludes after 10 days but the journey this trip ignites lasts a lifetime. Here is a look at how Birthright Israel alumni continue to write their Jewish stories long after their trips end.

"Since returning from Birthright Israel, I became aware of how interconnected much of our community was. Birthright Israel was a bridge to Israel that was far shorter than I imagined countries so far apart could be and that has allowed me to travel this bridge both physically, culturally, symbolically and in my work many times.

Birthright Israel has certainly been one of the main engines in helping me create and succeed so dramatically with Artists 4 Israel. Artists 4 Israel is the only arts organization fully committed to both ideals of materially benefitting Israel through direct social service and humanitarian projects, and promoting Israel’s image through advocacy initiatives.

We have worked with over 10,000 artists creating pro-Israel events and continuous, proactive support for the nation.

At the same time, our over 1,000 murals painted in needy

parts of Israel, our high-end street wear clothing and our Healing Arts Kits, which prevent PTSD, are offering direct services to the people and land we love.

There are so many passionate Birthright Israel participants who wish to benefit the land they just learned to love and don’t know how. My personal story and the history of Artists 4 Israel is an empowering road map, a model on which we hope others can create their own success.

Birthright Israel clearly and without apology states that Israel is the permanent and forever home of the Jewish people. I don’t just look at the wonderful experiences and connections that people make with Israel as what recommends Birthright Israel, I am inspired by the overall concept - that there is a home for us in this world and we have the courage to declare it so.”

– CRAIG DERSHOWITZ, ARTISTS 4 ISRAEL “I believe Birthright Israel gave me the chance to form an opinion on the Land of Israel based off a firsthand account experience. I think it’s so important to have opinions and gather perspectives of the world around you, and there is no better way of gathering those understandings than being immersed in the culture, land, stories, and histories that you are interested in learning about.

There is a connectedness I feel after doing my Birthright Israel trip. Whether I engage with my identity as a Jew or my views of Israel, I do feel I have a relationship there. I have a conceptualized stake in my views with Judaism and Israel.

It has exposed me to the rarity and rather special bond Jews have with each other.

JOURNEYS • ISSUE 6

When I came back from my Birthright Israel trip, a week later was my audition for Fiddler on the Roof. Judaism is a religion of remembrance. Based on our history as Jewish people and our suffering it’s become more important than ever to have a reflection upon who we are and where we came from. It’s a religion of stories so I believe that Fiddler on the Roof is a story that should be told. It’s a story that we are recreating to show what has happened.

It’s a chance for myself as a Jew to tell another story that is important for those who are brought up Jewish.”

– JESSE KOVARSKY, BROADWAY'S FIDDLER ON THE ROOF “Birthright Israel transformed and inspired my connection to Israel while enhancing my relationship with Judaism. As a child, I heard the stories about Israel both from the Torah and friends, but having the opportunity to be a part of the narrative has really stuck with me. Since my Birthright trip, I have dedicated much of my time to challenging the negative media bias toward Israel through my role as President of the non-profit, Fuel for Truth.

"After my Birthright Israel trip I went home and started working in my studio. All of the work I started to make was Judaica. I couldn’t make anything else. Because of this trip I found my calling. I found a deeper sense of connectedness and spirituality. I found myself keeping Shabbat, learning to bake challah and becoming more interested in the role of women in Judaism throughout history.

I took the 5 pieces of Judaica that I made and applied for several different juried shows. I got into all of them including the Smithsonian Craft show and took this as a sign. I knew that life is too short not to follow your dreams.

I felt compelled. I had a calling. I quit my job as custom picture framer and opened my studio. My work is now part of the legacy of thousands of families and through it, I honor those that came before me, my ancestors, my heritage and my family.

Fuel for Truth is a non-partisan organization that aims to strengthen Israel’s image in the U.S. by empowering young social leaders with the basic facts about the Middle East and the skills necessary to advocate for Israel. The program is comprised of an 11-week class, targeted at young adults aged 22-32 with up to 30 students per session. FFT was founded in 2001, has grown to over 400 members and operates in New York City and Washington, DC. My motivation for being so involved in the Jewish and Pro-Israel community was largely inspired by my experience with Birthright Israel. First hand education of my heritage, speaking to soldiers of the IDF, and touring the country that was only a story throughout my young adult life, forever altered the way I will look at the Jewish state, the Jewish people and myself. Knowing that no matter what, we have a home in Israel is incredibly valuable and I will continue to share that thanks to my experience with Birthright Israel.”

– ALEX KANTOR, FUEL FOR TRUTH

I have become more inspired and passionate about Judaism and Israel since my trip. It is important for all young Jewish people to understand where they come from, it's not just a free trip to Israel, It's a gift, an opportunity to explore a country that is beautiful and so full of history."

– JOY STEMBER, JOY STEMBER METAL ARTS STUDIO

JOURNEYS • ISSUE 6

7

to provide

Funding Opportunities

the following

Accessibility/Special Needs Trips

designated

It is our belief that all eligible young adults should be able to visit Israel to experience their birthright. Birthright Israel is pleased to offer approximately ten Accessibility/Special Needs trips annually for participants with a variety of developmental and physical disabilities.

We are pleased

funding opportunities to current and prospective supporters.

Supporters are

Birthright Israel Fellows An intensive educational training program for North American Madrichim (trip leaders) who increase the quality of Birthright Israel trips and play a significant role in the ongoing Jewish journey of alumni at home.

Birthright Israel Institute for Tour Educators An intensive professional development platform for Birthright Israel tour educators to elevate their skills and abilities as effective Jewish educators.

invited to

Mifgash (Encounter)

designate gifts

A unique element of the Birthright Israel experience in which Diaspora and Israeli participants spend quality time together as peers.

to the annual campaign in increments of $60,000 or consider a Planned Gift through Foundation Futures for these projects.

JOURNEYS • ISSUE 6

The Max Steinberg Memorial Fund We seek to raise funds to honor and celebrate the legacy of Max Steinberg (z”l), through the establishment of The Max Steinberg Memorial Fund which will support participation of Lone Soldiers on Birthright Israel as well as the creation of The Max Steinberg Memorial Site.

Geopolitics Module Birthright Israel recently modified its educational requirements to include a four-hour module focusing on geopolitics in Israel to deepen the presentation of Israel’s complex, sensitive geopolitical reality for all Birthright Israel participants.

Birthright Israel Academic A new 13-day trip model, leveraging the impact of a traditional Birthright Israel trip with three academic credits from an Israeli university.

Participants from France Over the last few years, Birthright Israel has dramatically increased the number of participants from France to empower these young adults to forge personal relationships with Israel, with the Jewish people, and with their own Jewish identity.

Featured Funding Opportunity Birthright Israel Foundation’s Funding Opportunities offer supporters a way to connect with their contribution in a more specific and more personal way. Among these supporters are Marcy Gringlas and Joel Greenberg, Founders of Seed the Dream Foundation and parents of Birthright Israel alumni, who worked with Birthright Israel Foundation to establish BICEP, Birthright Israel Collaborative Enhancement Project.

After their children’s experiences on Birthright Israel, Marcy and Joel began to explore ways to harness the energy of Birthright Israel participants once they returned to campus.

"We believed in the power of the Birthright Israel experience and were determined to find an effective way to create both meaningful and lasting connections to Israel," they said.

"And so, in 2012, the Birthright Israel Collaborative Enhancement Project (BICEP) was born—out of a need for campus based educated cohort building, came this special initiative that truly is a comprehensive approach to Israel education and engagement."

BICEP With the support of Seed the Dream Foundation and 7 Friends of BICEP focused on enriching trip preparation, enhancing the participant experience in Israel, and facilitating post-trip engagement, BICEP offers its college-based participants deep and lasting connections with Israel.

"During this critical time on campus and in the community, it is essential that we continue to find positive ways to connect young people to Israel. It has been proven that the most effective tool of engagement is the first-hand experience in Israel," Marcy and Joel said.

Throughout the BICEP programming year, Campus Partners (Chabads and Hillels) connect with an Israel Engagement Organization to develop and implement a comprehensive Israel strategy for each unique campus environment.

“I'm very grateful to have been on a BICEP trip. The enhanced version of the trip gave us even more than we expected from the amazing gift that is Birthright [Israel]. I was especially impressed with the ability of the staff to enhance each experience and turn our trip into a unique memory to stand out against the rest.”

– Kenny Rosenberg, University of Delaware

For more information, please contact Liz Klein, Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives, at liz.klein@birthrightisrael.org or 646-833-1334.

JOURNEYS • ISSUE 6

9

DONOR SPOTLIGHT s o L

s e l e g n A

Gila and Adam Milstein

Southern California Leadership Council Members Los Angeles, California

What is your personal connection to Birthright Israel?

Gila and I grew up in Israel and came to the U.S. about 35 years ago. We are very connected to and focused on the Jewish People and their homeland, the State of Israel. Our Foundation, The Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation, works to build strong Jewish communities, invests in our young leadership, and connects the Jewish People here and in Israel. We have seen firsthand how Birthright Israel accomplishes all of these goals by investing in our next generation and build their relationship with the Jewish state.

What do you see as Birthright Israel’s greatest success?

Birthright Israel alumni are among our best Israel advocates.

They are passionate, dedicated, and talented, serving as critical assets in our fight against the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement (BDS). Also, while empowering our young people, Birthright Israel trips have provided steady support for the Israeli economy. Through wars, terrorist attacks, and an intifada, the Birthright Israel buses have continued to come to Israel.

JOURNEYS • ISSUE 6

Why do you support Birthright Israel Foundation?

We support Birthright Israel Foundation because the program connects our young generation to the Jewish People and most importantly – to Israel. Furthermore, because of the Mifgash, it also connects the youth of the Jewish People here and in Israel.

Why do you think it is important for the Jewish community to support Birthright Israel Foundation?

We can all agree that it is essential for young Jews to see Israel with their own eyes. There is simply no better way to convey to them the incredible spirit of the Israeli people, the vibrant energy of the Startup Nation, or the spiritual significance of being in the Land of the Bible. There is no better way to connect our next generation to our people’s rich past – and instill their sense of responsibility for our common future. The words “Am Israel Chai” – the people of Israel live – take on new meaning when you are put face-to-face with a living and breathing Jewish State.

COAST FROM to COAST

NEW

YORK

Allison and Jonathan Kasirer Birthright Israel Alumni Young Leadership Council Members New York, New York

What is your personal connection to Birthright Israel?

We had an amazing experience on a Birthright Israel trip in 2009.

We applied to Birthright Israel with a group of close friends from college. By the time we graduated and the trip commenced, we had been dating just a few weeks. Our time in Israel together solidified our relationship and gave it new meaning. While we didn't meet on the trip, we believe we fell in love during those 10 days. Since then, we've become donors to the organization and have now joined the Young Leadership Council.

What do you see as Birthright Israel’s greatest success?

The astounding number of participants since inception and the incredible contribution to Israel's economy.

Why do you support Birthright Israel Foundation?

Birthright Israel's mission resonates with us deeply and we appreciate the organizations' transparency in terms of where our money is going. Every $3,000 donation supports one life-changing, 10-day trip to Israel. Not every organization breaks down their numbers so clearly.

Why do you think it is important for the Jewish community to support Birthright Israel Foundation?

It's important that this incredible work be supported by the Jewish community at large so it may become sustainable for future generations of young Jewish adults. These trips instill Jewish identity and solidarity with Israel – two tenets that we cannot afford to lose.

JOURNEYS • ISSUE 6

11

_ EVENTS CELEBRATIONS AND

JOURNEYS • ISSUE 6

MARCH COCKTAILS & CONVERSATION

We kicked off our 2016 event season in March with a unique evening in Palm Beach, Florida. Hosted by Sydell Miller, Palm Beach County supporters joined with Canadian snowbirds at La Reverie for an evening to support Birthright Israel Foundation and Birthright Israel Foundation of Canada. Guests had the pleasure of hearing from Birthright Israel Co-Founder, Charles Bronfman; Birthright Israel Tour Educator, Rachel Smith-Savaya; and Birthright Israel Accessibility/Special Needs trip alumnus, Josh Tober.

DR. ZOHAR RAVIV VISITS THE US! This spring, Dr. Zohar Raviv, Birthright Israel International VP of Education, hit the road to bring the magic of Birthright Israel to life for our supporters. In March, Dr. Raviv visited San Francisco with Foundation CDO, Jonathan Boiskin, to speak with donors at the AirBnB office in San Francisco about new initiatives of the Birthright Israel educational platform.

Dr. Raviv then traveled to New York City in April where he spoke with Tri-State area supporters about Birthright Israel’s new geopolitical module. Finally, Dr. Raviv finished his trip with an intimate evening in with our Board of Directors hosted by Denise and Thomas Stern, Board Member, at their New York City home.

APRIL BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL FORUM

In April, we hosted our second Birthright Israel Forum immediately following the JFN International Conference in La Jolla, CA. The forum was open to foundation professionals from our current Institutional donors and other professionals who were interested in learning more about the Birthright Israel program from a more intimate perspective. We were excited to have Birthright Israel staff including International CEO, Gidi Mark; Dr. Zohar Raviv; and Executive Director, Liz Sokolsky join us.

BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL FOUNDATION HEADS TO THE LONE STAR STATE We gathered at the home of Laurie and Todd Platt in Austin, Texas.

Guests in attendance heard from Rachel Smith-Savaya about the important distinction between tour educators and tour guides, and the significance of the role of tour educators in enhancing the Birthright Israel trip experience. Guests also had the privilege of listening to a two-time Birthright Israel trip leader share his story.

In addition to our April event, we came together in Austin again in May at the home of Valerie and Jeffrey Newberg. The evening was opened with a dedication for Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, as host, Valerie, shared her personal story and lit a memorial candle.

Adam Stewart, Director of Education and Strategy at The iCenter, shared his insights on Birthright Israel’s educational platform and approach, how to engage young adults on the trip, and the success of Birthright Israel.

PARENTS AND ALUMNI GATHER IN BOSTON Birthright Israel parents and alumni joined Birthright Israel alumna and Foundation Board of Directors Member, Rachel Cohen Gerrol, in Boston this spring. Attendees heard the stories of four local Birthright Israel alumni at the Villa Victoria Center for the Arts.

MAY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN ACTION

In 2016, we launched four Board of Directors task forces with Board Members and Birthright Israel Foundation staff working together to focus on different areas of the community that the Foundation reaches.

Our first task force event, hosted by Phil Rosen, lead Board Member for the Modern Orthodox Task Force, brought together members of the community for an in-depth discussion about Birthright Israel Foundation.

HELLO OMAHA!

Birthright Israel Foundation held its first event in Omaha at the home of hosts, Sharee and Murray Newman. We were lucky to have Adam Stewart join us again, as he shared his expertise on the Birthright Israel educational platform. Guests also heard from a local Birthright Israel alumna.

CELEBRATIONS IN ATLANTA!

Supporters in the Atlanta area came together in May at the home of host, Lois Blonder, to celebrate Birthright Israel Foundation. Guests had the pleasure of hearing from Mike Leven, Foundation Board Member, and Ambassador Judith Varnai Shorer, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States.

JOURNEYS • ISSUE 6

13

PARTNERS IN SUPPORT

BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL FOUNDATION AND THE JEWISH FEDERATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA

SPOTLIGHT The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington Birthright Israel Foundation and the Jewish Federations of North America have built a strong partnership. Together they educate the Jewish community about Birthright Israel, raise the necessary funds to support the program, fund local buses and create a welcoming environment for participants to embrace upon their return.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington in Washington, DC is an example of one important Federation partner that is strengthening the post-trip experience for participants, inspiring other communities to follow their lead. In 2004, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington became a trailblazer for community support and involvement following a Birthright Israel trip by being the first community to hire full-time staff to focus on post-trip engagement.

“Our goals were to engage Birthright Israel alumni in the greater Washington, DC area with positive Jewish experiences through interactive programming, face to face activities and leadership opportunities,” said Sarah Arenstein, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, Director of Young Leadership.

JOURNEYS • ISSUE 6

A year later, in 2005, they ran their first Birthright Israel community trip, another important milestone for the Greater Washington, DC area. As the popularity of Birthright Israel continued to grow, so did the number of alumni looking to further their connection to the Jewish community and to Israel once they returned home. A few years later, a Birthright Israel alumnus wanted to reconnect with her Israeli Mifgash participants and show them what life was like in Washington, DC. After approaching the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington about how to make this happen, a challenge was offered and accepted by the alumni community. If they could raise money to bring their Israeli peers to Washington, DC, the Federation would match their efforts dollar for dollar.

“DC’s Birthright Israel alumni raised the money needed to make this Mifgash a reality. They learned the power of collectivism by developing an idea, creating its structure and raising the funds needed to make it happen” said Arenstein.

Alumni embraced this opportunity and the first Reverse Mifgash was born. Since 2008, the Jewish Federation

of Greater Washington has hosted five Reverse Mifgash, each organized and led by Birthright Israel alumni.

In DC, Birthright Israel alumni continue to stay engaged and involved in the community through many activities in addition to the Reverse Mifgash. As the first group came upon the five-year anniversary of their Birthright Israel trip they wanted an even bigger way to become active leaders in the community. Working with the Federation, they created an Alumni Leadership Mission, a partially subsidized trip back to Israel that provided the opportunity to see Israel through a leadership lens, engage with innovation, and tackle social and inclusion issues while experiencing the Federation in action. Throughout the last six years, 120 Birthright Israel alumni have participated in this mission and upon their return have created impact projects on behalf of the Jewish community in DC as part of their follow-up work.

While on this mission, they learn the importance of leading and philanthropy. Many return home and make their first philanthropic gift, join Federation committees or even join the Board of Directors, which is made up of 25% Birthright Israel alumni. Involvement and leadership from this cohort is a priority for the entire organization.

continue to create opportunities for Birthright Israel alumni when they come,” said Rachel Barton, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington NEXT DC Coordinator, “There is a general sense in the community that this is important.”

This winter, Birthright Israel Foundation will be launching a comprehensive electronic marketplace (a cutting edge, robust smartphone app) to connect Birthright Israel alumni in the United States with the vast array of organizations, projects, and resources that can provide them with the opportunities to further explore their connection to Israel and their Jewish identity once they return home from Israel. This summer, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is partnering with Birthright Israel Foundation as we begin to beta test our new post-trip engagement app live in Israel during the Birthright Israel experience. It is our hope to connect alumni to communities and opportunities to continue their Jewish journey in the same spirit as our partners in Washington, DC.

“What makes DC so special is the standout commitment from our community to support young leadership programs so that we can JOURNEYS • ISSUE 6

NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 1090 NEW HAVEN CT