JOURNEYS THAT LAST A LIFETIME BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL FOUNDATION ISSUE 16 · AUGUST 2022
Table of Contents 03 ON THE GROUND: SUMMER 2022 07 HOW BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL CULTURALLY CHANGED MY LIFE: BY COREY BLACK 05 AN EVENING TO REMEMBER: BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL FOUNDATION 22ND ANNIVERSARY GALA HONORING CHARLES BRONFMAN 09 BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL FOUNDATION 22ND ANNIVERSARY MISSION TO ISRAEL 11 Q&A WITH GABRIELA COHEN: BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL AND ONWARD ISRAEL ALUMNA 13 STEPHEN GRAND Z"L: A LEGACY THAT WILL FOREVER IMPACT BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL AND THE JEWISH PEOPLE EDITOR IN CHIEF: PAMELA L. FERTEL WEINSTEIN CONTENT COORDINATOR: ANDRIA K. AYLYAROV GRAPHIC DESIGNER: PERRI A. GINSBERG 02 LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD & PRESIDENT
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Friends,DearPhildeToledo&IzzyTapoohi
As you read through this issue of Journeys, you will hear from participants who have had their lives forever impacted by the program, thanks to you. More so, you'll meet young Jews who recently discovered the richness of the Jewish homeland this summer. We hope these stories continue to inspire you. Thank you for your support. We look forward to ending 2022 on the highest of notes. Warmly,
What an action-packed summer it has been for the Birthright Israel family! We began our summer season in May with nearly 10,000 participants experiencing Birthright Israel's magic. It was one of our largest months for participation, and we did not stop there! Our summer will end with more than 26,000 participants, returning us to almost pre-pandemic numbers. These numbers were made possible because of you and your unwavering commitment to Birthright Israel Foundation. This year we hope to bring more than 35,000 Jewish young adults on this once-in-a-lifetime transformational educational experience. Additionally, we will send 3,200 participants on Onward, a mid-length internship program in Israel that we merged with at the beginning of the year. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful group of supporters who have been by our side during the most exciting and most challenging times. We have had a great deal to celebrate this year including our 22nd Annual Gala honoring our co-founder, Charles Bronfman, and our 2022 Mission to Israel in July. We invite you to read about these exciting events in the coming pages.
“I am so appreciative of this experience — the structure, planning, and all the behind the scenes work that our leaders did for us (Yossi, Marty, Jason) and of how special our group was. We clicked quickly, and even those you were not close to were still kind and considerate and loving. Having the Israelis with us was invaluable — helping us order dinner, giving us the inside scoop about Israeli life, and showing us around and being curious about our lives. The trip was exactly what I needed — connection to people and Judaism and beautiful scenery.”
- Sarit Scher, New York, NY
- Daniel Tsyvin, Boston, MA
“In addition to learning about all the history of Israel and the religious aspects of Judaism, I was able to learn and better understand what being Jewish meant to me on a deeper level.”
- Chelsea Regan, Toms River, NJ
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“Birthright Israel was the best experience. The places that I got to see and the people that I got to meet were unlike any other trip that I have taken. I had been to Israel a few times before coming on Birthright Israel (mostly family vacations), but I never got to see Israel the way that I did on my Birthright trip.”
- hannah malkofsky-berger, nashville, tn “It was genuinely amazing learning about our past. This trip is more than just a week bringing Americans to Israel, it’s a week where it opens minds, eyes, and people's hearts.”
Birthright Israel Foundation is excited to announce that this May was one of our largest and this summer we are back to almost pre-pandemic levels!
With over 800,000 young Jews adults experiencing this life-changing gift this summer because of you, we know that with every step they take in Israel they will feel prouder of their Jewish heritage. Below you will have a chance to read what young adults are saying about their recent Birthright Israel adventures!
THANK YOU!”
- Erin Williams, Spring, TX
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“The Birthright Israel trip is a truly unique and life changing experience. With a bus full of the kindest and most fun people I could have asked to meet, I had a truly fantastic time in Israel. I have met strangers who towards the end of the trip I could easily think of as a second family, it was both a physical and spiritually enlightening experience and I recommend it to anybody looking to reconnect and meet new people.”
- Victoria Goral, Philadelphia, PA
“I wasn’t totally sure what to expect as I embarked on a 10-day journey to Israel with a group of strangers. Would I have fun? Would I enjoy the company of the people in my group? Was I “Jewish enough” for the trip? These were questions that flled my mind in the days and weeks leading up to the trip. When we fnally arrived after the long fight from Newark, our amazing tour guide, Sara, took us immediately to the beautiful Aqueduct Beach. What a frst impression of Israel! From kayaking on the Jordan River to feeding camels in the desert, the whole experience was one of a dream. To be in the homeland with others my age looking for a similar experience was a dream come true.”
“It was one of the best experiences of my life. I grew up in an area with a very small Jewish population and the Birthright Israel trip was the frst time in my life that I had ever been around so many people who share my religion. It made me feel so welcome and emphasized for me that I am not alone, and there are many others who share my beliefs and take pride in them.”
“This was the most incredible experience I have ever had in my life. I credit this trip to making me more spiritual and making me far more interested in history. I used to not worry about the world around me, and now I’m way more aware and intrigued by the world around me.
- Jared Wolff, Delray Beach, FL
- Amanda Kier, Narvon, PA
The stars of the evening were our alumni, Isabel Allard, a student at University of Michigan, who participated in 2021 and Billy Steinberg, who participated in Birthright Israel in 2018 and shared what it was like to be a person with Autism and having the ability to experience this incredible gift. Their stories reminded everyone why Birthright Israel is truly a gift not just to our participants but to all of the Jewish people.
Our 22nd Anniversary Gala was years in the making and was well worth the wait. Our event co-chairs, Rita Bronfman and Denise Stern, worked tirelessly to create a spectacular evening that not only celebrated Charles but allowed us to raise more than $40 million in multi-year gifts, allowing us to continue to provide the incredible gift of Birthright Israel.
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Thank you, Charles, for believing in this magic of Birthright Israel and making the gift possible for an entire generation of Jewish young adults. May you continue to go from strength to strength.
AN EV E N IN G R E M E M B ER HONORING CH AR L E S BRON F MA N BIRTHR IG HT ISRAEL FOUNDATION 22 ANNIVERSARY GALAND TO
On May 17th, over 700 guests joined us at The Glasshouse in New York City as we honored our co-founder, Charles Bronfman, for his vision and passion in transforming the Jewish future.
The evening featured musical performances from Six13, remarks from Phil de Toledo, Birthright Israel Foundation’s Board Chair and immediate past Chair Tom Stern, our President & CEO, Izzy Tapoohi and Birthright Israel’s International CEO, Gidi Mark.
Charles’ children, Ellen Bronfman Hauptman and Stephen Bronfman and his stepson, Tony Cohen shared beautiful stories about Charles that warmed everyone’s hearts and even provided a few laughs.
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Birthright Israel culturally changed my life. I can imagine many other young Jews in America, who are secular, feel the same. The 10-days I spent on the trip showed me there is another home for me and that I can be accepted. Birthright Israel helps you to create your own definition of what it means to be Jewish. And for someone like me, this was Icrucial.lostthe desire to follow Judaism after my Bar Mitzvah. Growing up, I was surrounded by great Jewish experiences to connect to my heritage. I was born in New York City and attended the 92Y Preschool, which is known in the Jewish community for having a good foundation. My mom is also very active in the community and is the CEO of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of New York. But for some reason, I just couldn’t connect with it all. Then, I went to college, and my mom began to push me to go on Birthright Israel. She knew it would be a life-changing experience, yet, I didn’t think I was a good fit. I have tattoos and never thought I would be accepted in Israel. Before going on the trip, I imagined getting o the plane and being stuck at customs because of the way I looked.
Immediately when I got to Israel, I found a new understanding of Judaism. I knew I was accepted here. It was at Har Herzl when everything started to make sense. We were saying goodbye to our soldiers and debriefing about what we learned. During this, the soldiers were speaking and doing the prayers. You saw that they would give their lives up to defend Israel. They live and breathe Israel, and when I saw that, it hit me; this is home. And there I was saying goodbye to the Israelis whom I only knew for five days, yet they welcomed me with open arms. To this day, we still talk.
After a lot of thought, finally, I said: “Ma, I think I’m ready to do Birthright.”
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My Birthright Israel experience wasn’t over when we said goodbye to the soldiers. Each day of the trip reinforced Israel as my second home and that no matter how a person defines Judaism, they are accepted here. When it was time to go back to the States, I wasn’t ready. I spent another three and a half weeks in Israel, exploring and hanging out with the Israelis. I even met up with my mom, and we spent time together visiting more sites.
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I love it when they want to stay and revisit places we went such as Tzfat as one of the participants did. Some of the participants are even shocked when they find out we’re volunteers, and we’re using our own vacation time to be here. I always tell them that Birthright Israel allowed me to connect, and I want to give this to someone else. It’s essential young Jews can define their own idea of Judaism.
It may be months since I sta ed that trip, but I’ll always be there for my participants. Israel will never leave me. I often think of the soldiers I met and how they are protecting Israel when I get ready for work as an armed guard at a synagogue. When I put on my bulletproof vest, I always make sure to attach my Israeli flag patch so I know Israel’s by my side. It reminds me of why I do what I do and the importance of guarding the synagogue so my fellow Jews can pray – safely.
When it was time to leave Israel, I knew I had to have this experience again. My journey with Birthright Israel was not over. So, when I returned to Los Angeles, I became a Madrich and sta ed a trip. It was a great opportunity for me to give back and help my peers connect to their Judaism. You can see the impact during the debriefs each day when participants are eager to ask questions and extend their time in Israel.
My mom ingrained in me that you have to give back, and Birthright Israel reinforced it. I know my mom is proud that I was able to participant in this program and reconnect to my Jewish roots.
“I often think of the soldiers I met and how they are protecting Israel when I get ready for work as an armed guard at a synagogue. When I put on my bulletproof vest, I always make sure to attach my Israeli fag patch so I know Israel’s by my side.”
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MISSIONISRAEL
22ND ANNIVERSARY to BIRTHRIGHT FOUNDATIONISRAEL
On July 10th, Birthright Israel Foundation kicked o our 2022 Mission, bringing the magic of Birthright Israel to life for our 50 donors who joined us. From the moment we landed in Israel the excitement was incredible. Our donors came from all over the country to experience the gift they so generously provided to our participants up close and personal. With a full itinerary, our group took o on a journey of our very own. Together with our exceptional sta and tour educators, we shared a special Shehecheyanu blessing on the Tayelet overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem. The magic surrounded us and each time we had the opportunity to speak with our participants we were inspired by their experiences connecting to each other, their Jewish identities and the State of Israel and we grew even more committed to making sure this gift is available for generations to come. We joined a group of participants as they had their B'nai Mitzvot in Jerusalem and we even had a donor join for his! A true simcha indeed. Over the course of 5 days, we traveled across the country, visiting with Birthright Israel, Onward, and Excel participants, meeting with dignitaries including Ambassador Khaled Yousif al-Jalahama, the first Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the State of Israel. We were honored to be joined by Dr. Miriam Adelson as we celebrated the incredible legacy of her husband, Sheldon Adelson (z’l). We spent time at the Ramat David Air Force base and had the pleasure of hearing from alumni from our Mifgash program – we were moved to hear that meeting participants from the Diaspora was just as impactful to them as it was for our participants to meet their Israeli peers. One of the highlights was our famous Mega Event. We gathered in Tel Aviv for a special pre-reception with donors from around the globe before dancing the night away with thousands of participants from all over the world. The energy in the theatre was like nothing else and though we came to the evening as strangers, we left feeling like a family. We are thankful to our loyal supporters for joining us on this incredible mission. We cannot wait to do it again!
JULY 10 JULY 14to
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GABRIELA COHEN WITH BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL & ONWARD ISRAEL ALUMNA
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM THE TRIP?
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Gabriela Cohen is a Birthright Israel and Onward Israel alumna born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Throughout her childhood, she spent a lot of time in Israel but felt Birthright Israel gave her a deeper connection to the country. Upon returning from her Onward Israel internship, Gabriela finished her Sustainability Science and Environmental Law degree with a minor in Hebrew and Judaic Studies from the University of Albany. Today, she owns a private yoga company and devotes much of her free time to Judaism and building up Jewish programs. She is also a committed member of the Onward Israel Alumni Council. &A
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SIGN UP FOR A BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL TRIP, AND DID YOU HAVE ANY PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS?
Gabriela Cohen: "My biggest gain from the trip was the proudness I had found in being Jewish. Having the full experience of seeing the land, meeting the people, hearing the stories, and seeing the history made me feel so much stronger in my beliefs, spirituality, and dignity in being Jewish. I was so grateful for the experience that once I turned twenty-one, I signed up to lead a trip."
Gabriela Cohen: "My biggest takeaway from the trip was the sense of belonging and acceptance. I know that many look at Birthright Israel and think it's just “a free trip to Israel,” but it’s so much more. Birthright allowed me to truly feel that this was my country regardless of my birthplace or citizenship. My interactions with the people, the sta , and the Israeli soldiers made me feel accepted and loved as a Jewish person."
HOW HAS BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL PLAYED A ROLE IN YOUR LIFE SINCE COMING HOME FROM THE TRIP?
In 2022, Birthright Israel merged with Onward Israel, a mid-length internship program. Onward provides participants with a 6-10 week resume building experience where they live and work as part of Israeli society. Many Onward participants are Birthright Israel alumni, like Gabriela Cohen.
Gabriela Cohen: "I was inspired to sign up for Birthright Israel as soon as I turned 18! For many years I had traveled to Israel with my family and felt I never truly got the full experience. I wanted to experience Israel alone and from a true perspective, which meant hiking Masada, roaming around Tel Aviv, visiting the north, and meeting Israeli soldiers. The time spent with my family only gave me snippets of what Israel is like. Before my Birthright Israel trip, I only had positive thoughts about the program. I knew many people who had done Birthright and were head over heels for it."
Q
"Luckily for me, I was raised in a Jewish community in Brooklyn, New York. Since Birthright Israel and Onward, I have been heavily involved with pro-Israel and Jewish organizations on campus. Once I graduated, I became very involved with Jewish learning programs online and in-person organizations. But most importantly, I joined Onward Israel’s Alumni Council, where I have been an active member for two years." ABOUT ONWARD ISRAEL WHY WANTED TO PARTICIPATE
TELL US HOW YOU LEARNED
AND
IN THE INTERNSHIP?
Gabriela Cohen:
HOW DO YOU THINK ONWARD ISRAEL ASSISTED YOU IN ACHIEVING YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS?
HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED MORE IN YOUR JEWISH COMMUNITY BECAUSE OF YOUR BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL AND ONWARD EXPERIENCES?
Gabriela Cohen: "Onward Israel’s internship is what pushed me to continue to be motivated to complete my Sustainability Science & Environmental Law degree. Before my internship, I felt unsure if I had made the right decisions regarding my major. However, after spending two months at a sustainable development company while on Onward, I was reassured that this was my passion. I loved every minute of my time spent at the Interfaith Center of Sustainable Development in Jerusalem and couldn’t have gotten a more real-world experience."
"Although my Birthright Israel experience and Onward Israel internship were two di erent programs, I found that Birthright gave me a sense of familiarity. When I returned to Israel for Onward, I felt it wasn’t anything new; it was like I was returning home. The places and the people were of familiarity to me, and that was the greatest feeling. Birthright gave me a glimpse into what would be the experience of a lifetime for two months."
Cohen:
YOU
Gabriela Cohen: "After spending two and a half months in Israel, my perspective totally changed. Those two months gave me challenges, hardships, love, happiness, and appreciation for the Jewish state. Living and working there just like a common citizen made me feel at home. I had my routine, housemates, coworkers, mentors, and so much more. After leaving the program, I felt a sense of emptiness, like I was losing a connection that was so strong. I still feel extremely connected to Israel, the society, the land, culture, and people. I can honestly say that my love and understanding for the country has grown immensely because of Onward."
Gabriela Cohen:
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THEM IF YOU COULD MEET THE PEOPLE WHO MADE YOUR EXPERIENCES POSSIBLE?
"I was lucky enough to find Onward my junior year of college. I had come in contact with a man who was visiting my campus and promoting an internship in Israel for a very low cost. I did not know much about the program or what to expect, yet it was one of the most life-changing experiences. I was most eager to join the program and spend some time in Israel as an “Israeli” and not just as an American tourist. I wanted to feel what it was like to deal with the highs and lows of the country and all that came with it." DID YOUR BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL EXPERIENCE PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR ONWARD ISRAEL INTERNSHIP?
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SHARE MORE ABOUT WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO LIVE AND WORK IN ISRAEL?
Gabriela
Gabriela Cohen: "If I had the chance to meet the people who generously give their money to programs such as Birthright Israel, I would say THANK YOU! Thank you for providing me with an experience that has moved me beyond words. Thank you for your hard work and generosity. I appreciate your kindness. Most of all, thank you for continuing to build and grow the Jewish nation from all corners of the world. Without each other, we have nothing. Your donation and generosity di erentiate us from the rest of the world. No other nation does what we do for our own. The love and support your donations provide are giving us more than we can comprehend."
When Stephen decided to travel Europe as a young adult, he began his journey in Israel, something that made his father happy. Within hours of landing at Ben Gurion Airport and making his way to the beach in Tel Aviv, Stephen was smitten. Being in Israel as an independent, swashbuckling young man shifted his perspective, and soon his love a air with the land began. Stephen’s visit turned into a year abroad, and he studied and worked in Tel Aviv. The experience left an indelible mark, which Stephen carried in his heart and into his philanthropy.
Stephen Grand z"l
Stephen spent significant time and resources dedicated to causes that strengthened Israel and the Jewish future. His generosity to Birthright Israel Foundation underwrote the trips of over 3,600 young adults in the Bay Area. Stephen’s close friend Doug Herst described him as “simply a mensch with a huge heart,” and it was his huge heart that impacted the hearts of thousands of young Jews throughout his Helifetime.believed deeply that the seeds of Jewish citizenship, belonging, and responsibility are planted by giving young adults opportunities to build their own relationships with the land and people of Israel. He called Birthright Israel the “gold standard” to accomplish just that. He understood that immersive education in Israel was a crucial stepping stone in the journey of one’s commitment to Jewish life. Stephen himself set this standard for investing in the future of Israel by prioritizing Birthright Israel as a philanthropic priority, both during and after his lifetime. He viewed himself as passing a baton to a new generation, whom he trusted to one day take his place as the guarantors of Birthright Israel. Birthright Israel and the young adults whose lives would be impacted meant the world to Stephen and he dedicated a significant amount of time to building awareness and support for the program in the Bay Area, serving on its Ambassador Council, and as the host of many fundraisers over the years with his wife Nancy. Stephen ensured that events were always on-point, candid, vibrant, and focused on alumni.
Why Stephen Invested in Birthright Israel
When Stephen was introduced to Birthright Israel Foundation in 2006, it was almost an immediate philanthropic match. “He loved Israel and everything it stood for. What thrilled him most was that these young Jews would experience the same rush he did when he first landed as a twenty-something in Israel himself… It simply made him proud and happy knowing that these young American Jews — and young Jews around the world — would get to see Israel,” said However,Nancy.
at the time the Grands were introduced to Birthright Israel, there was a waitlist for trips, and the Grands saw this as a challenge they were ready to take on. Nancy told us that they tried to give enough money to dissolve the waitlist in the Bay Area and in Detroit. Fortunately for young adults waiting to claim their birthright, Stephen and Nancy stepped up to the plate with a first-time gift of $5 million. However, this was only the beginning of the Grands’ dedication to Birthright Israel and young Jews everywhere. Nancy and Stephen co-chaired Birthright Israel Foundation’s 2015 fall fundraiser, titled “Why We Give,” in the Bay Area with Ben Abram, and the call to support from the community slowly increased. In the years to follow, Nancy and Stephen put their hearts into the program and continued to give.
Today, the Grands’ total support to Birthright Israel Foundation is over $11 million, making it possible for thousands upon thousands of young adults to consider Jewish life from informed perspectives — where belonging does not mean conforming, where unity does not mean uniformity, and where standing up for Israel does not mean selling out. These values, alongside the strategic importance of building people-to-people bonds between Diaspora Jews and their peers, were priceless for Stephen.
How His Love of Israel Began
In a speech Stephen delivered upon receiving an honorary doctorate from Technion, he spoke about his parents’ love for Israel and how it held a special place in their hearts. Throughout his childhood, Stephen witnessed their continued generosity and philanthropy to Jewish and Israeli causes — which set the stage for building his own legacy as a mega-philanthropist.
A Legacy That Will Forever Impact
Stephen Grand believed in Birthright Israel so much that he wanted to ensure its success and impact would live on after his lifetime. Stephen bequeathed $5 million to Birthright Israel Foundation, leaving his mark on the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and Birthright Israel, forever.
Birthright Israel and the Jewish People
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Rabbi Brian Lurie Fellow Birthright Israel Foundation Donor & Northwest Ambassador Council Member
The philanthropic legacy of Stephen Grand will forever impact the hearts of Birthright Israel participants, and we hope it will inspire his fellow donors everywhere. If you, like Stephen, want the next generation to make Israel and all its contributions to our world a priority, invest in Birthright Israel Foundation. Gift Planning o ers you the opportunity to use financial, estate, investment, and philanthropic options to help meet your current philanthropic goals and extend your generosity well into the future. Join the ranks of supporters who have committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of Birthright Israel. The Foundation o ers several planned giving opportunities through a variety of financial vehicles—from direct bequests and retirement account distributions to specialized endowment funds and the Birthright Israel Charitable Gift Annuity.
Doug Herst Close Friend & Fellow Birthright Israel Foundation Donor
“Stephen’s giving started with Ahavat Yisrael, love of the Jewish people. He respected Birthright Israel for its educational approach, which transcends any moment in time, any political perspective, any religious a liation. Through the lens of his own experiences as a young adult, Stephen saw the intrinsic value of taking young people to Israel. He had a clear understanding of Birthright Israel as a vital program that needed to flourish past his lifetime.”
P.J. Cherrin Associate VP, Northwest Region, Birthright Israel FoundationIsrael Foundation
Ensure Jewish Continuity Through a Planned Gift
“He admired Birthright Israel because of its importance in history, its success in inspiring a generation of young people, and its leadership. He liked visionary, transformative strategies that delivered results, and Birthright Israel was all of that. He wanted the participants to forge their Jewish identities from a position of knowledge and inspiration, and then build Jewish homes and communities around the world. From his own life, Steve understood that time in Israel was a key educational experience.”
“For Stephen, writing Birthright Israel Foundation into his estate plan wasn’t an abstract ‘legacy.’ Stephen made a sacred bequest that expressed his values and vision at the peak of his health and wisdom. He planned an investment that will build the Jewish People far beyond his lifetime. He followed his heart and wanted to inspire other donors to follow his lead. Stephen’s true legacy is his good name.”
What Others Say About Stephen’s Life and Legacy
Learn more about Planned Giving with Birthright
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