Thank you Tom Stern

Dear Tom,

When I started at Birthright Israel Foundation 5 years ago, it was because of my deep commitment to the Jewish people and the State of Israel and the ability Birthright Israel has in building the same connection for young Jewish adults. Five years later, I am amazed at all this organization has accomplished because of your leadership, partnership, and friendship. You envisioned the infrastructure, the team, and the support needed to guarantee Birthright Israel continues to be the most impactful program in the Jewish world. I refer to you as our "fearless leader" because your leadership transformed our organization and pushed us to “dream big”. Your determination and dedication served as a motivator to not only me but to our Board members, local leadership, and staff who strived to achieve goals that were once out of reach. We have grown our campaign and allowed tens of thousands of participants to form unbreakable bonds to Israel and their Jewish identities. Most of all, despite a global pandemic, you never gave up. You pushed us to continue, and now that our trips are back on the ground, our hard work has paid off. Thank you for all that you have given to our organization. We know that you will remain dedicated to our mission, and for that, we are forever grateful. May we go from strength to strength. In friendship, Izzy

GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION FROM MEMBERS OF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

“Outstanding” That's what you are, Tom. And that's what your Chairmanship of the Foundation has been. Rita and I are so happy to have become fast friends of Denise and you.”

- Charles Bronfman

Co-founder, Birthright Israel

“Tom is the reason I am on the board. I met Tom at a small Birthright Israel Foundation informational meeting in Capital Group's offices. Tom shared his "Jewish journey" and Birthright story, and I could immediately sense his passion for the organization and its mission. I was hooked. It was also very clear that he was a strong leader. This was proved out as I joined the board, learned more about the instrumental role Tom had in years preceding my involvement, and I observed (and learned from) his inclusive style of board leadership. He clearly has the respect and admiration of the BRIF board and the Birthright organization. BRIF has been very fortunate to have had such a dedicated and inspiring leader over the past five years. Tom is leaving a legacy of an even stronger organization as a result of his leadership. I look forward to continuing to work with and learn from him.”

- Phil de Toledo

Treasurer, Chair Elect

"Tom Stern = An incredible leader! Tom Stern = An inspirational, passionate, committed role model! BRIF and our Jewish future is more secure through Tom’s outstanding guidance and passion. May he and we continue to go ...’from strength to strength’." - Lori Komisar

Vice Chair Elect

“Tom is one of the most thoughtful and inspiring leaders I have ever had the honor to work with. All of us at Birthright Israel Foundation are enormously grateful for his deep commitment to our organization and to the Jewish people as he leaves behind an unsurpassed legacy of achievement.”

- Doug Ross

National Cabinet Chair, Vice Chair Elect

“Tom is a model of what Jewish leadership ought to look like. Smart, passionate, generous, and well informed. He knows when to empower the team, and when to get out ahead and lead. And to top it all off he can rely on Denise for the really hard problems!” - Mark Charendoff