Summer 2021 Participant Highlights

“I learned about the history of Israel and its creation. I learned of its importance. I knew of those things beforehand but being able to experience it on the ground and learn with firsthand knowledge gave more meaning to all those things that I have learned in the past.”

Zachary Solomon, Denver, CO

“It was the single best firsthand educational and cultural experience I have ever had.”

Jacob Haney, Ambler, PA

“I loved my experience with Birthright. I learned so much about Israel and learned a lot about my Jewish identity through meaningful tours and long-lasting connections with my group and the Israelis on the trip.”

Shaya Barry Belvedere, Tiburon, CA

“I loved this experience. I met so many amazing people, got in touch with Judaism in a way I never have before, and learned a lot about myself. Birthright surpassed my greatest expectations and I can’t say enough good things about it.” Addie Kahn, Ross, CA

“I really saw my peers connect with Judaism like they never have before.”

Jacob Gilbert, Las Vegas, NV

“This was an amazing trip. Our leaders and guides were great and well informed. I learned so much about my Jewish heritage, and it’s helped me feel more connected to my past roots. The community is so welcoming.”

Elin Kuzmack, Star, ID

“It was an experience of a lifetime that I was blessed and privileged to be able to undertake. For that I am grateful.”

Andrew Shpyrko, Bedford, MA

“My Birthright experience went above and beyond what I could have ever hoped I would gain from the trip. Being part of a group that was so willing to be open and vulnerable with one another about life and our varying experiences of Judaism was incredible. It was so special to create a strong bond with my fellow trip mates and to learn our history and to gain pride and understanding of who we are as Jews. Hanan, our trip leader, did a superb job of sharing the history and the culture and the nuanced complexity of our history and our current implications as Jews in the 21st century. I think about being in Israel all the time now and I would love to go back as soon as possible, hopefully, to staff a trip and help foster the same environment for others.”