Journeys #10 - August 2019

JOURNEYS

ISSUE 10 · AUGUST 2019

THAT LAST A LIFETIME

TABLE OF CONTENTS 02 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 03 THEN & NOW: DANIEL SAMOOHI 05 8 THINGS I LEARNED BECAUSE OF BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL: BY HEATHER JESSE 07 REGIONAL ROUNDUP: THE MIDWEST 09 BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL: COMMUNITY, ACCEPTANCE AND SELF-DISCOVERY 11 SAY THANKS 12 BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL SUMMER 2019 13 EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS

EDITOR IN CHIEF: PAMELA L. FERTEL WEINSTEIN CONTENT COORDINATOR: ANDRIA AYLYAROV JUNIOR EDITOR: ALEXANDRA R. GLUCK GRAPHIC DESIGNER: PERRI A. GINSBERG JOURNEYS • ISSUE 10

DEAR FRIENDS, In 2013, Birthright Israel Foundation created the very first issue of Journeys magazine with the goal of connecting our generous supporters with the Birthright Israel program and the exciting work taking place at the Foundation. As our organization and the program has continued to grow, we have had so much to share with you over the last six years.

Today we hope you enjoy reading the 10th issue of Journeys magazine and are inspired by our alumni and the investment you have made in their Jewish journeys. In our very first issue we celebrated our Bar Mitzvah year, an early rite of passage for our organization at that time. We hit the milestone of sending our 400,000th participant thanks to the incredible support of nearly 25,000 donors that year.

Today, because of you, we have even greater milestones to celebrate. Birthright Israel is 19 years young with more than 700,000 participants, almost double in just 6 years.

It is because of over 35,000 annual supporters that we can continue to grow and impact an entire generation of Jewish young adults.

As you read this 10th issue, we want you to be in touch with us. As we look to the next issue of Journeys, we want to know what you want to see. What kind of stories and information is most relevant and of interest to you? We value your feedback and want to hear from you. Please share your thoughts with us at birthrightisrael.foundation/feedback.

We want the pages of Journeys to reflect our appreciation of your support and our passion for the continued success of Birthright Israel.

Thank you again for your dedication to Birthright Israel.

Together, we are strengthening the Jewish present and the Jewish future, and making a stronger community for us all.

THANK YOU,

PAMELA L. FERTEL WEINSTEIN VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL ALUMNA '00

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THEN & NOW: 3

DANIEL SAMOOHI

Dear Mr. Bronfman, Hope all is well. I’d like to begin by saying thank you for making the Birthright Israel trip possible for me and the thousands of others that took part in this experience. For me, it was an experience that can never be relived again.

I can’t imagine the time, thought and effort that was put into this trip. I thank you with all my heart, because if it wasn’t for your generosity, my peers and I wouldn’t have been able to experience the mystique and history of Israel in quite the same way. I can truly say that an intangible feeling for Israel was born in me on this trip.

Thanks to you I was able to visit the Kotel seven years after my grandfather, who had lived in Israel for decades, passed away. The feeling as we neared the Kotel gave me goosebumps and chills. As I prayed at the Kotel, I could feel my grandfather communicating with me and it’s a feeling I will never forget. I was also able to see and spend time with my family in Israel after the guided trip was over and for this, I am also very thankful.

I can never repay you for the moments/feelings that I experienced within myself and with the group. I feel like I can speak for the thousands who partook in this learning adventure that the entire experience was surreal.

Although my life and routines have remained largely the same after returning from Israel, I can truly say that

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what I learned about my heritage on this trip has made me even prouder to call myself a Jew and has strengthened my Jewish identity.

Although I know this trip must have cost in the millions to facilitate the accommodations for 3000 young Jews, I believe the connections that were made, the experiences that were had, and the appreciation for the Jewish heritage that was sparked, is undeniably priceless. Every Jew should be able to return to their home and learn about the history and sacrifices that were made to carry our traditions from thousands of years ago to this day.

I will make it back there again someday, hopefully with my own family and when I do, I will always remember what your generosity sparked in me, which is the relentless need to go back to my true home and where I feel at peace. I can go on forever, but I am sure you have many more letters to read so I will sign off by saying that you have helped me see where I stand on this earth and in my heart, and I am proud to say it is Israel. Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Daniel Samoohi January, 2000

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Dear Birthright Israel, It’s almost been 20 years since our group trip to Israel in January of 2000 and I can remember almost every experience I had there as if it were yesterday. That’s how deeply ingrained it is in me. The people, the places, and the feelings are something I will never forget. Because of this trip, I can call Israel my true home, and it will remain in my heart forever. Learning about my heritage in a group setting was a unique experience because we all got to learn and share our history with other Jews from all walks of life. Looking back, the experience was surreal and one that I don’t think can ever be replicated. The amount of effort, time and preparation it took to arrange a trip like that for 3000 Jews from across the United States was mind blowing to me back then and is still remarkable to me as I think about it almost 20 years later. I imagine that the other 2999 students that were selected for this trip have all benefited from this experience in one way or another and that it has perpetuated Judaism and a love and appreciation for Israel that was not there as much prior to our trip.

As I think about how this trip has affected me from then up until this day, I can truly say that it has shaped my life for the better. I’m now married to a selfless and beautiful Jewish woman who is also very much with me in maintaining our Jewish identity and traditions. Whether it’s with our immediate families, friends or in our own home, Shabbat dinner every Friday night is a must. It’s also great to have someone to appreciate and observe the high holidays with. Although we’re not the most religious people, the sense of family and Jewish tradition is something we will never leave behind. In approximately five months, we’ll also hopefully have the honor and joy of passing down our traditions to our daughter.

So much has changed in my life since my trip to Israel and I know my life wouldn’t have taken the same path had I not been able to participate in the Birthright experience.

I believe that if possible, every Jew should be able to see their homeland at least once in their life, and if they can do it with other Jews who are experiencing it for the first time, then it makes it that much more of a meaningful experience.

I don’t think words can ever truly express what I felt or how exactly Birthright has affected my life, but what I can say is that it was an extremely positive and educational experience that I will never forget.

Sincerely,

Daniel Samoohi April, 2019

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8 THINGS I LEARNED BECAUSE OF BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL

BY HEATHER JESSE, BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL ALUMNA '18 1) IT’S A CHANCE TO EXPLORE WHAT JUDAISM MEANS FOR YOU. I had a lack of knowledge about Judaism and felt a massive disconnect from religion.

I was eager to find my Jewish identity and further explore what it means for me to be a Jew.

2) BEING JEWISH MEANS SOMETHING DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE, AND THAT’S OKAY. One of the biggest takeaways from my Birthright Israel trip was learning that Judaism can be more spiritual than what I had previously known. I met new people who practiced our religion and culture differently than me, but in the end, we are all one.

3) THERE’S THIS THING CALLED KABBALAH, AND IT’S PRETTY COOL. In an art gallery in the ancient city of Tzfat, an artist connected me to the Kabbalah and spoke to me about what Judaism was to them. I found I could really identify with their approach and looked forward to learning more.

4) NO QUESTION IS A DUMB QUESTION. The thing I appreciated most about my Birthright Israel group was our ability to open up, speak up and ask questions as individuals. Our entire trip was filled with activities and places where we each shared our experiences. Having the opportunity to hear from others made me learn so much. By the end of the trip, we were family.

5) I DISCOVERED WHO I WAS. I discovered that I could travel 6,000 miles away from home and gain the confidence to challenge myself and take risks. My Birthright Israel trip was a huge leap, and it has inspired me to travel the world and see and experience other cultures.

6) ISRAEL IS MY SECOND HOME. I felt so accepted in Israel. Growing up in North Carolina, there are not many Jewish communities.

When I was younger, there were only 2 Jewish families at my elementary school. It was exuberant to be in a place where there are Jewish people everywhere who are vocal about our culture and religion.

I have never felt so accepted in that way, and Birthright has taught me that I have a second home.

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7) DON’T ALWAYS BELIEVE WHAT YOU SEE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Living in the United States, I think the perception that people have of Israel is that it is very dangerous.

My parents were hesitant for me to go on the trip because of the way that Israel is presented in the media. However, seeing the country firsthand has changed my view of Judaism because it made me feel more in touch with my religion, and not to be embarrassed about it. In the U.S. people still receive discrimination for being Jewish all the time, and I was never vocal about my religion or embraced it because of this. This trip has made me proud to be Jewish and to show my true identity.

8) IT TOOK 35,000 PEOPLE TO MAKE MY BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL TRIP HAPPEN. If it were not for the 35,000 donors who believe in young Jews like myself, I would not have had this opportunity. Without this gift, I would not be the person I am today. These people and my trip changed my life and made me embrace my religion, which was something I was previously struggling with. I’m forever grateful.

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Regional Roundup

THE MIDWEST Birthright Israel Foundation is so very fortunate to have more than 35,000 annual supporters. Our donors care deeply about Israel and the Jewish future and they are proud to be part of the Birthright Israel Foundation Family.

Get to know some of our friends from the Midwest.

"A Birthright Israel trip provides young people the opportunity to hopefully begin their lifelong connection with Israel. When they visit the historic sites, witness the array of people who call themselves Israelis, and relish the tastes in this land of our ancestors, it is the perfect antidote to any negative press. In spite of Israel’s imperfections, the young travelers can only be in awe when they see for themselves what Israel has accomplished in its short lifetime.

When donors like myself support Birthright Israel, we are making a crucial decision to keep the existence of the Jewish community alive and vibrant. This trip is our chance to engage young people at the beginning of adulthood when they face negativity about Israel and are unaware of the facts. The gift of Birthright Israel provides our younger generations the tools to build a body of knowledge about Israel, Judaism and our collective heritage."

Barbara & Rick Silverman CHICAGO

BARBARA SILVERMAN, CHICAGO, IL

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Eaton SteelCorporation/ TheGoodman family “Birthright Israel is doing a critical job at a critical time in the world when anti-Semitism and anti-Israel attacks are on the rise. It’s taking our young people who have never been to Israel and showing them firsthand the land, people and history of our homeland. They then can speak about Israel and defend her – which we need right now.

DETROIT

Many young people today are neutral or conflicted about Israel, if they don’t attend Jewish Day School. They most likely have had little education about Israel and the Holocaust.

Birthright Israel gives the young people a chance to feel the country [Israel] and get immersed in the culture alongside their Israeli peers and it's then they truly begin to understand our heritage and homeland.

Our main focus as a family when it comes to philanthropy is civic and Jewish. There are a lot of Holocaust survivors on my wife’s side and soon enough the younger generations won’t hear or see tattooed arms anymore to ask questions or remember how horrific it was. We support Birthright Israel Foundation because it helps the younger generations of Jews understand our history and form a bond with the State of Israel, which is more important today than ever before.

There’s no better way to educate young Jews about Israel than to give them the gift of touching the land and meeting their Israeli peers who they form lifelong friendships with – from here the impact of the trip will stay forever.”

MARK GOODMAN, DETROIT, MI

Robert Schuckit INDIANA

“I became a supporter of Birthright Israel for many reasons, the first is you can see how the staff is wholeheartedly invested in its mission. Second, the trips have proven to have a positive effect on young Jewish adults, especially the less connected, as they become Israel supporters.

Third, as a Birthright Israel parent, I saw the excitement my kids had when they returned, I also see it in their friends.

And finally, the trip had an impact on my community; our young Jewish adults are eager to get involved and talk about Israel which is something we need.

I believe it’s crucial others financially get involved in Birthright Israel Foundation. It’s our biggest asset to combat the negativity surrounding Israel, we need young Jewish adults to experience the land firsthand and feel connected to Judaism - this trip does just that.”

ROBERT SCHUCKIT, CARMEL, IN 8

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Birthright Israel:

COMMUNITY, ACCEPTANCE AND SELF-DISCOVERY When most people hear the words “Birthright Israel,” they usually think “free trip,” and while Birthright Israel technically is a “free trip,” it is so much more than that.

Birthright Israel is a unique partnership between the Israeli government, various Jewish communities and Jewish philanthropists. The founders of Birthright Israel created this project to send hundreds of thousands of young Jewish adults to Israel as a gift, in order to connect with themselves, the Jewish people, Jewish history and their future. It goes beyond the camel rides, social events, touring and hiking. Birthright Israel allows young Jews to explore their heritage, homeland and identity in their own way. It is one of the most unique experiences someone could enjoy in their lifetime.

Israel itself is an advanced and dynamic country, and the only modern democratic nation in the Middle East in which citizens of all political beliefs are represented.

Established as the national homeland for the Jewish people, Israel’s population includes Jews of every geographic, ethnic and religious identity. Over 75 percent of Israelis are Jewish-affiliated, coming from a widely diverse ethnic and cultural background and from all branches of Judaism. Additionally, Israel is home to many religious minorities, such as Christian, Islam and Baha’i faith, and guarantees each their right to practice freely and oversee their community life.

The advancement of women and diverse lifestyles are also significant to Israel. Since the founding of Israel in 1948, women have played a vital role in governing, developing and protecting the nation. Israel continues JOURNEYS • ISSUE 10

to lead the way in protection and acceptance of diverse lifestyles by being at the forefront of gay rights issues, prohibiting workplace discrimination, allowing openly homosexual soldiers to serve in the IDF and granting spousal benefits to same-sex couples.

Just like our homeland, Birthright Israel centers itself on community, acceptance and self-discovery. The rich cultural diversity of our Jewish homeland encourages participants to completely be themselves and interpret the trip as their own, allowing everyone to make the most out of this special journey. The trip is designed to be all-inclusive, allowing every participant to feel a sense of safety and belonging. There is no right or wrong way to feel during the trip or after returning home. Along with the core themes of a classic Birthright Israel trip, niche trips allow participants to explore Israel through the lens of a specific field of interest, such as LGBTQ, culinary, arts and culture and more. Niche trips provide a platform that weaves together Jewish identity and professional interests.

Birthright Israel is a journey through Jewish history, the contemporary Jewish state and exploration of Jewish ideas and values. The Birthright Israel experience is committed to a culture of open discussion and dialogue about all issues including, but not limited to: identity, geopolitics, religion and Jewish life. The trip is designed to build a stronger, more connected and united Jewish future by exposing participants to an open and accepting platform. The Jewish future is bright and will continue to shine for generations to come.

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QUOTES FROM PARTICIPANTS ABOUT COMMUNITY AND SELF-DISCOVERY “It provided me with the opportunity to feel more connected to my Jewish roots, something I've never felt in the 29 years of my life, because I always felt like I wasn't "Jewish enough" and was on the outside looking in.”

- Høllÿ G. “The day I decided to go to the Orthodox men’s side of the wall was so empowering for my identity as a trans man, a member of the LGBTQ community, and a member of the Jewish community. Without the amazing friends I made, I never would have been able to accomplish what I did that day.”

- Såmüël B. “[It] helped me realize how central my Jewish identity is to who I am while making amazing memories exploring the beautiful country of Israel with people just like me.”

- Såñdrå Ç.

“It encouraged me to think deeply, in a supportive environment, about what my Jewish identity means to me and how I can continue to develop my identity and sense of connection to other Jews.”

- Çårølïñë K.

Thank you!

BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL

FOUNDATION

The gift of Birthright Israel is made possible each year thanks to 35,000 generous donors. Without the generosity of supporters like you, these participants may have never had the chance to have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, float in the Dead Sea, make new friends or pray at the Western Wall. These participants want to say “thank you” and share why Birthright Israel was such a life-changing journey for them!

“This trip completely changed my life. I feel closer to Judaism and Israel, and also have 46 new friends who I will keep in touch with the rest of my life.”

– VALERIE K. “Being able to go on Birthright as a 30 year old was incredible. I really appreciated learning about Middle Eastern diplomacy, the history of Israel and the Jewish people, immersing myself in the Israeli culture, and exploring the country.”

– LAUREN L.

“[Birthright] gave me a new perspective to what Israel is, what Judaism is, and who I am and how I fit into Judaism.”

– ALEC S.

“As I am nearing the end of college, a lot of questions about what I will do with life are at every corner and having this trip really allowed me to see what I want to do with my life and how I will include Judaism into my life.”

– LUCAS F. “Thank you so much! What a special gift that will have long lasting effects on me and my little family—in learning about being Jewish and taking pride in it!

Such a special trip—and so fun!”

– INGRID Z.

“I made so many new friendships with Jewish young people from my university and community, and also with people from Israel.”

“Without this program, I would not have been able to travel to Israel any time soon, if ever. This opportunity changed how I feel about myself as a Jew, put me back in touch with my heritage, and gave me a whole community of new friends back in the US. I'm so grateful to have been given this gift!”

– TIA T.

– ANNA H.

“Since I was adopted as a baby, I never knew about my past or heritage. Learning about what I am has been life-changing. The whole experience will forever be in my memory, every day I look back at all the pictures and videos I took to relive the moments. Truly grateful.”

“I’m thankful for this life-changing experience for two reasons. One, I met some amazing Jewish people that I will stay in touch with as lifelong friends. Two, I reaffirmed my Jewish beliefs and customs that I practice today. It also confirms my need to have a Jewish home now and continue it when I have kids.”

– MICHAEL D. “This trip brought me closer to my Jewish roots and gave me new friends for a lifetime. I am so happy and grateful for an organization like Birthright.”

– SALVADOR D. “I’m thankful for this life-changing event because I got to see our motherland and have a great time with an amazing group of fellow Jews. I feel more grounded and connected with my faith and heritage.”

– BRANDON S. JOURNEYS • ISSUE 10

– MORGANE K. “Something I will always cherish from my trip is the strong connections that I made with the Israeli soldiers. Having them with us for five days really made the trip so much more meaningful.”

– LAUREN C. “It has given my life more meaning and I have become more connected to my Jewish heritage. It also brought me even closer to God and my connection with the universe.”

– KIMBERLY S. 11

THE PLACE BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL

TO BE: SUMMER 2019 MAY 01 JUNE 01 More than 32,000 participants are expected in Israel this summer; including 11,000 from the United States and Canada and 2,000 Israelis in May.

1,200 participants kicked off the first round of Birthright Israel Plus programs.

JULY 31 We joined 3,000 participants, donors, friends and dignitaries at the Caesarea Amphitheater for our exciting Mega Event!

MAY 28 Our largest landing day! 50 groups arrived in Israel with more than 2,000 participants.

JUNE 19 Young Jews and dignitaries from around the world joined us for Tel Aviv Day and a Mega Event.

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EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS

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FEBRUARY

MAY

We kicked off our 2019 events with speaking tours from three incredibly influential individuals. First, we were fortunate to have Dr. Zohar Raviv, International Vice President of Educational Strategy, join us for a week of donor meetings in Denver and Las Vegas. He began in Denver attending a dinner with The Jewish Federation of Colorado and continued his trip with one-on-one donor meetings. Following Denver, Zohar attended an event in Las Vegas co-sponsored by Federation and Israel American Council.

Our Young Leadership Council celebrated Yom Ha’Atzmaut by hosting a party at Gold Bar in New York City. We were joined by alumni, donors and friends who each donated $100 in order to attend the event. The event also included a silent auction where guests were able to bid on great prizes such as Knicks tickets, jewelry, artwork and more! We look forward to hosting more successful events for this growing community.

SPEAKING TOURS

Neil Lazarus, Middle East expert, joined us for two gatherings in Chicago. The first was a luncheon at Kirkland & Ellis hosted by Jeffrey C. Hammes. That same evening, Barbara and Richard Silverman hosted an intimate reception for nine in their home.

Lastly, we were joined by Professor Gil Troy, Chair, Birthright Israel International Education Committee, for a wonderful week in Los Angeles, New York and Miami.

MARCH

PARTY ON THE WEST COAST In March, we had the pleasure of hearing from Dr. Zohar Raviv once again where he joined us for donor meetings on the West Coast, including stops in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Zohar began in San Francisco with a gathering at the home of Jennifer and Tony Smorgon on the “Values and Vision of Birthright Israel.”

HEATING UP IN FLORIDA PALM BEACH We gathered at the beautiful home of Michele and Howard Kessler for an incredibly moving evening. 72 guests joined us and heard from National Board Member, Judith Levy, Birthright Israel Alumna, Erin Schrode, and renowned International Jewish Leader, Barry Shrage. Board members and donors joined us after the program for an intimate dinner at the Palm Beach Country Club, hosted by Rita and Charles Bronfman and Judith and Allyn Levy.

MIAMI Dr. Norman Gaylis and Joanne Sagliani hosted an event in Miami where we had the pleasure of hearing from Professor Gil Troy along with an inspiring story from Birthright Israel alum, Jacob Markey.

Barry Gould hosted an intimate luncheon at the law offices of EisnerAmper. 16 guests heard from Professor Gil Troy and Birthright Israel alumna, Andrea LeVine.

In addition to our March events, we came together in Florida in April at the beautiful home of Andrea and Mike Leven, Birthright Israel Foundation Board member, where they hosted the annual St. Andrews Club event. 85 guests joined us and heard from Erin Schrode, Mike Leven, Birthright Israel Co-Founder, Charles Bronfman and Birthright Israel Foundation Board member, Doug Ross.

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YOUNG LEADERSHIP COUNCIL CELEBRATES ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY!

CALIFORNIA LOVIN’ Jessica and Dan Minkoff hosted an intimate dinner in their home in Oakland for East Bay donors. The evening featured a conversation with Board Chair, Tom Stern, about Birthright Israel, Jewish identity, community and continuity.

Later in May, Corie and Michael Koss and Lexie and Michael Messinger hosted our inaugural Los Angeles major gifts event.

The luncheon featured an intimate conversation between Charles Bronfman and Rabbi Woznica of Stephen Wise Temple. Mr. Bronfman shared his viewpoint on family, philanthropy and the life-changing opportunity Birthright Israel Foundation aims to provide 50,000 young Jewish adults with each year. Guests included fellow board member, Shawn Evenhaim and his wife, Dorit.

NEW YORK STATE OF MIND We gathered for a special evening at the home of Birthright Israel Foundation Board member, Jane and Mark Wilf in New York City where we were fortunate to hear from a Birthright Israel alumna, along with remarks from Tom Stern. Guests included CEO and President, Izzy Tapoohi, Birthright Israel Foundation Board Vice Chair, Stephen Siderow, and Board Member Larry Cohen.

JUNE

HELLO, SUMMER! Dr. Zohar Raviv joined us in Chicago and Detroit for various donor meetings where high level donors had the opportunity to meet with Zohar one-on-one.

In mid-June, we hosted our annual Long Island event at the Nassau County Museum of Art. Over 65 supporters came together and heard from Erin Schrode, who shared the unique and inspiring impact her trip had on her. Long Island Leadership Council Chair, Barry Swidler, opened the program and Board Vice Chair Stephen Siderow, closed with a strong pitch.

JULY

MAGIC IN THE HAMPTONS In July, Linda and Seth Plattus hosted us in their beautiful backyard for the annual Hamptons event. 70 donors and prospects gathered to hear from Birthright Israel alumnus, Arel Moodie. Guests stayed well past the ending of the program, enjoying more of Arel’s Birthright Israel stories.

Hampton Synagogue hosted us for Shabbat.

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