EL
R BI
A
IGHT IS R R TH
Annual Report 2017
FO
UNDATION
Table of
Contents
03 LETTER FROM OUR CHAIR + PRESIDENT 04 BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL: A RECORD BREAKING YEAR 06 THE VISION + THE MISSION 08 DONORS THAT LIGHT THE WAY 10 THE EXPECTATION 12 THE TRIP 14 IT'S ALL IN THE NUMBERS 16 THE MIFGASH FACTOR 18 EVENTS 26 GIVING TUESDAY 28 BOARD OF DIRECTORS + PROFESSIONAL TEAM 30 LEADERSHIP COUNCILS 32 ANNUAL GIVING CIRCLES 36 FEDERATION SUPPORT 38 FINANCIALS 41 CONTACT US
Dear friends, For Birthright Israel Foundation, 2017 was a year of significant change. With new leadership at the helm of the organization, both professional and lay, we began the year with a vision: to build the strongest team with the right structure to grow our campaign to new heights. It’s our belief that Birthright Israel remains the most impactful educational program in the Jewish world. Our passionate commitment to its mission has served as inspiration to ensure the Foundation succeeds in being a consistent and meaningful source of funding for Birthright Israel. We spent considerable time and energy in 2017 working with CCS Consulting, a firm steeped in evaluating non-profit organizations and implementing successful fundraising campaigns. CCS has been a key partner in helping the Foundation re-work its organizational structure, fundraising methodologies, and strategies for success. We have moved to a donor-centric model, where our funders are at the core of all Birthright Israel Foundation activity. We are intensively focused on building lasting relationships with the people who are helping to ensure the Jewish future. Our work with CCS allowed us to imagine new avenues for growth. This has necessitated adding several new roles and professionals to our team. We believe that 2017’s investments will provide us with the building blocks for future success. In concert with the restructuring, we sought to heighten brand awareness of the Birthright Israel Foundation. With increased investment in digital marketing and fundraising, we were not only able to grow our donor base, but to more broadly educate the community on Birthright Israel and how every Jew who cares must play a role in perpetuating the Jewish future. It goes without saying that the expansion of Birthright Israel Foundation staff, our work with CCS and our goal of increasing brand awareness has been a journey unto itself, but a journey well worth it. It has been over a year that we have served together as Chairman of the Board and President & CEO. We have built a relationship based on trust and an eagerness to succeed. Most importantly, we feel tremendous pride in the energy, engagement, collaboration and determination of our Board and staff. With the challenges of the initial implementation of its new strategic plan, Birthright Israel Foundation, nonetheless raised a record $103 million in 2017. We are hopeful that as the new structure, talented professionals, processes and approach to fundraising gain traction, the Foundation will surpass this milestone in 2018 and beyond. We must ensure that every young adult who says they want to go on Birthright Israel will have the opportunity to do so for generations to come. As our 18th “Chai” Anniversary year is underway and looking brighter than ever, we know the success we see in 2018 is due to the dedication and hard work of our Board, staff and committed volunteers. Thank you for your continued support. May we go from strength to strength.
Tom Stern, Chairman of the Board
Israel (“Izzy”) Tapoohi, President & CEO
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A RECORD Breaking Year 2017 was a record breaking year, with Birthright Israel bringing an all-time high of 48,000 participants from all over the world joined by 8,400 Israeli Mifgash participants. The summer season alone saw us reaching new heights with 32,000 participants, making it the largest summer for Birthright Israel and the largest educational tourism season in the history of Israel. These seasons brought us to the milestone total of 600,000 participants, including 100,000 Israelis, who have had a life changing experience since Birthright Israel’s inception in 2000. It is no wonder that Birthright Israel is the largest educational program in the Jewish world today. This historic number of hundreds of thousands of participants was made possible by our emphasis on quality, rigorous evaluation and constant innovation. The participants of 2017 are not the participants of 2000, and the rapid change in their profile, desires and interests makes it necessary for us to constantly move forward with attractiveness and relevance. Bearing this in mind, we continue to enlarge the scope of specialty groups in order to enable every young Jewish adult a perspective on Israel that is relevant to them. In 2017, we held hundreds of niche trips, covering a broad range of topics and interests including Urban Experience, Israeli Film & Food, LGBTQ, Extreme Outdoor Adventure, Mindfulness and Spirituality in Israel, Arts, Music, & Entertainment, Medicine, Business and Finance and much more. All of these are aimed at ensuring that as many participants as possible find a trip that is tailored to their interests. We are also highlighting participants’ connection to contemporary Israel as part of their search for a meaningful professional trajectory. The Birthright Israel Innovation Center, launched last year at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and showcasing Israeli technological innovation, has become a major attraction not only for more than 60,000 Birthright participants who have visited thus far, but also for distinguished delegations of innovation minded officials and entrepreneurs from all over the world. Birthright Israel aims at presenting to our participants all modern Israel has to offer in various ways. The “Tel Aviv Your Way” module which allows participants time to explore the history, art and cuisine of Tel Aviv in small groups or on their own is proving to be successful, and we continue to examine “Your Way” for other cities as well. In a broader sense, our “Social Diversity” module and “Arts and Culture” enhancements are also aimed at providing our participants with an appreciation for modern Israel and all it has to offer. New and Special Programs In 2017, we implemented several new and innovative programs aimed at expanding our reach and bringing more participants than ever to Israel. Birthright Israel Study Abroad Our study abroad programs bring students from universities for an intensive academic experience at leading Israeli academic institutions, giving them a first-rate exploration of Israel and up to 3 college credits for their efforts in partnership with the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya (IDC), Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in various fields. 4
In 2017, we held six successful programs: • Innovation and Entrepreneurship (twice, once in partnership with IDC Herzliya and once with Tel Aviv University) • Conflict Management and Counter- Terrorism (twice, in partnership with IDC Herzliya) • Science and Technology (in partnership with Hebrew University of Jerusalem) • Israeli Multiculturalism (in partnership with Hebrew University of Jerusalem) We will expand into new fields of interest in 2018. Birthright Israel Plus Funded by the Maimonides Fund, this program allows participants to extend their stay in Israel by 4-5 days and join a smaller group experience focused on a topic of their choice. Program options are varied and include spirituality, Israeli cuisine, social action, hiking and fashion. Birthright Israel Plus has proven to be in great demand with close to 1,000 participants joining an extension program during summer 2017 (7 programs) and winter 2017-2018 (5 programs), far exceeding our expectations. We are planning 8 programs for summer 2018, adding Hebrew and Israeli social diversity to our repertoire. Groups for 27-32 Year Olds Implementing the recommendations of a leading international consulting agency, we started testing new groups for participants aged 27-32. In winter 2017-2018 we had a brief “pre-test” as a first step towards a broad pilot in summer 2018. Through this expanded program, we have the opportunity to provide the gift of a Birthright Israel trip to tens of thousands of those who could not participate in previous years. I am proud to report that the responses so far have been overwhelmingly positive. Officer Groups As part of our ongoing cooperation with the IDF, we have invested in increasing the number of promising officers participating in specialized groups. These Officer Groups have proven extremely successful and the dozen groups held in 2017 have enjoyed special programming and content, which gave the officers a deep understanding of their role in the relationship between Israel and young Jews around the world, and reinforced their sense of mission in defending Israel and the Jewish people. 18 "Chai" Years for Birthright Israel While 2017 was indeed a year to celebrate, 2018 is the 18th "Chai" Anniversary for Birthright Israel. We will mark this anniversary throughout the year, at our Mega Events, Tel Aviv Days and more. We work hard to break previous records of both quality and quantity in order to achieve our goal of strengthening participants’ Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish community and the State of Israel, thus ensuring the thriving future of the Jewish people.
Gidi Mark, International CEO, Birthright Israel 5
Our Mission Birthright Israel Foundation raises funds in the United States to support Birthright Israel, a program which currently provides over 50,000 young Jewish adults annually the gift of an educational trip to Israel. It is our goal to ensure every eligible young Jewish adult around the world, especially the less connected, is given the opportunity to visit Israel on this educational journey.
Our Vision Birthright Israel began with a bold idea – offer the gift of a life-changing trip to Israel to young Jewish adults between the ages of 18 and 26 – and in doing so, transform the Jewish future. Founded in 1999 by a remarkable group of committed Jewish philanthropists led by Charles Bronfman and Michael Steinhardt, Birthright Israel aims to ensure a vibrant future of the Jewish people by strengthening Jewish identity, Jewish communities and connections with Israel.
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“Birthright Israel is without a doubt the most impactful program in the last quarter century in the Jewish world, but it’s not over yet, and we have a long way to go.”
- Michael Steinhardt “One of the greatest things in the Jewish world is l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation. When we get into the second generation of Birthright Israel participants, then we’ll know that we’ve not only hit a home run, but a grand slam.”
- Charles Bronfman
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The donors that light the way to the next generation “Without Birthright Israel, which has been proven to be the most effective continuity program, there is no Jewish future. The fact that every participant that goes says ‘it changed my life’ is quite an accomplishment.”
- Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson 8
Thanks to the generosity of numerous philanthropic foundations and over 30,000 individual donors annually, Birthright Israel is a gift. Without the support of our most generous friends this gift would remain a dream out of reach and unrealized. We are so thankful for the support of those that lead the way in providing the gift of Birthright Israel. Ewa and S. Daniel Abraham Amy and David Abrams Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Adelson Family Foundation Rita and Leonard Adelson Aronson Family Foundation Debra and Leon Black Irma and Norman Braman Rita and Charles Bronfman Roberta and Irwin Chafetz Family Ulrika and Joel Citron Kristen and Rob Clarfeld The Crown Family Mark Cuban William Davidson Foundation Dorit and Shawn Evenhaim Dr. Nily Falic and Family Edward Fein Foundation Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation Jane and Charles Forman Aaron Frenkel Lauren Schor Geller and Martin Geller Susie and Michael Gelman Goldring Family Foundation Barney Gottstein Farah and Steve Gozini Nancy and Stephen Grand Marcy Gringlas and Joel Greenberg, Seed The Dream Foundation Harold Grinspoon Foundation Hollis Hills Bayside Jewish Center Marjorie and Jeffrey Honickman Estate of Shirlee Jacobs Jim Joseph Foundation Ivan Kaufman Howard Kessler and Michele Kessler Lori Komisar and Morrie Silverman Koret Foundation Robert K. Kraft Family Harry Krakowski Janet and Eugene Lerner Family Foundation Andrea and Michael Leven Petra and Stephen Levin
Abe Levine The Leon Levine Foundation Felicia and Sander M. Levy Estate of Shirley Liebowitz Allison and Howard Lutnick Maimonides Fund The Marcus Foundation, Inc. Gila and Adam Milstein Family Foundation Linda Mirels and The Kirsh Family Mikhael Mirilashvili Beth and Joshua Nash Jane and Daniel Och Arline and Buddy Pepp Ronald Perelman Lisa and John Pritzker Family Fund Dena and Michael Rashes Malki and J. Philip Rosen Carolyn and Marc Rowan Cari and Michael J. Sacks Rebecca and Arthur Samberg Samberg Family Foundation Schottenstein Family Foundation Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation The Beacon and Shapira Foundations The Gould and Shenfeld Families Jane F. and D. Lawrence Sherman Saskia and Stephen Siderow Jacqueline and David Simon Skolnick Family Charitable Trust The Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life Denise R. and Thomas D. Stern Family Foundation Barry Sternlicht Geraldine AcuĂąa-Sunshine and Gabe Sunshine Debbie and Jeffrey Swartz Judy and Sidney Swartz Merryl and James Tisch Viterbi Family Foundation Leslie and Abigail Wexner The Wilf Family Foundation Woldenberg Foundation Wendy Wright Zell Family Foundation
The above list of supporters is comprised of foundations and families who supported the 2017 Annual Campaign at the $100,000 and above level. To see a complete list of our donors $10,000 and above see pages 32-35. To see a complete list of local Jewish Federations please see pages 36-37.
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The Expectation
10 DAYS. 40 NEW FRIENDS. A ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE.
With only a suitcase and ticket in hand, I am on my way to the airport. I feel nervous, yet excited. I can’t believe the day has finally come. I’ve been thinking about this for quite some time and it’s hard to believe that I’m about to travel half way around the world with 40 strangers. For the next 10 days, we will be roommates and bus mates. We will spend every minute together and become friends as we explore a country rich with history, culture, and tradition. I’ve heard from numerous people how important it is for me to go on this trip and that it will change my life. Today I am going to Israel. Today I am claiming my birthright. I had no idea what to expect. From the moment I took my seat on that El-Al flight, the only thing I was certain of was the excitement within me. I hadn’t visited Israel in over 6 years and having been raised as a modern-orthodox Jew, I knew that this expedition was long overdue.
"I couldn’t believe I was here. I couldn’t believe I was home."
After 11 hours of watching movies, reading magazines and struggling to sleep, we finally touched down on the Israeli soil. Tears began to well up in my eyes and I instantly started reciting “Shemah.”
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The next ten days were undoubtedly some of the best days of my life. I made long lasting friendships, ate mounds of falafel and hummus, prayed at the Western Wall, climbed to the top of Masada (and trekked back down), rafted in the Jordan River, floated in the Dead Sea, toured Yad Vashem, slept in Bedouin tents, frolicked on the beach in Tel Aviv and so much more. I was hopeful that this trip would be a fun and educational adventure, but I never imagined that it would completely change my life. I didn’t think I could mesh so naturally with a group of strangers, but it felt like we’d been in each other’s lives forever. I didn’t think I would learn so much from the young Israeli soldiers who joined our trip as part of the Mifgash, but I did. They taught us about Israeli culture and what it means for them to be Jewish. They have a strong love for their country and are not only serving for their family and Israeli’s, but for us too. They’re making a difference for Jewish people everywhere. Bus 379 clicked in a remarkable and unexplainable way.
Most people look at Birthright Israel as a free trip—little do these people know that it’s a gift offered to young Jewish adults by other Jewish people for nothing in return. Birthright Israel is much more than a free trip, it’s a lifechanging, eye-opening experience that is beyond incomparable. Not only did Birthright Israel impact my life during the trip, but it continued to have a large effect on my life months after… until this very day. I began working at Birthright Israel Foundation nearly 5 months after returning home from my trip. I truly believe that I wouldn’t be where I am today without Birthright Israel, and for that I’m eternally grateful. I’m honored to say that I now dedicate every day to paying it forward so other young Jews can experience the wonderful gift that I’ve experienced. My Birthright Israel journey fully exceeded my expectations. Although the trip only lasted ten days, I made memories, friendships, and a connection to my homeland that will last a lifetime.
We may have all come from different places, but we shared the same common denomination of a Jewish background. While we each possessed different levels of observance, spirituality and religiousness, we all had a connection to Judaism in one way or another, and that was enough to unite us all.
- Alexandra Gluck Summer 2017
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The Trip Birthright Israel offers the gift of an educational trip to Israel for eligible young Jewish adults between the ages 18-26. This trip allows participants to connect to their heritage and homeland, meet people with the same common denomination, embark on a journey of self-discovery, and learn what being Jewish means to them.
The trip has three insightful objectives:
1
Strengthen participants' Jewish identity
2
Build a long-lasting bond with the land and people of Israel
3
Reinforce the solidarity of the Jewish people worldwide 12
2017
44 Countries represented 48,000 participants 10,000 Mifgash participants 600,00th participant: Jonathan Lipnicki
Since inception
Over 600,000 participants 67 Countries represented 1,000 North American Colleges & Universities More than $1.4 billion contributed to the Israeli Economy
* Countries since 1999 Argentina Australia Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Boliva Brazil Bulgaria Bosnia & Herzegovina Canada Chile
Colombia Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Czech Rep. Denmark Ecuador England Estonia Finland France Georgia Greece
Germany Guatemala Hungary Ireland India Italy Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lithuania Mexico Moldova New Zealand
Netherlands Norway Panama Peru Poland Portugal Paraguay Russia Romania South Africa Scotland Serbia Singapore Slovenia
Slovakia Spain Sweden Switzerland Surinam Turkey USA Ukraine Uraguay Uzbekistan Venezuela Wales Japan Zimbabwe 13
Its all in
THE NUMBERS BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL PARTICIPANTS ARE 36%
MORE LIKELY TO
get involved
74% OF
OF PARTICIPANTS FEEL
A CONNECTION TO ISRAEL:
PARTICIPANTS ARE
IN THEIR COMMUNITY
40% MORE LIKELY
30%
THAN NON-PARTICIPANTS
OF PARTICIPANTS
RETURN TO ISRAEL
TO FEEL THIS CONNECTION PARTICIPANTS ARE 40% MORE LIKELY
TO HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE JEWISH
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BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL PROVIDES AN INCREDIBLE RETURN ON INVESTMENT Since inception of the program, Brandeis University has conducted research through the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies with participants upon the return of their trip. The studies are to measure the long-term effects of Birthright Israel and their choices as they relate to Jewish life.
PARTICIPANTS ARE 54% MORE LIKELY
TO MARRY SOMEONE
85%
BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL PARTICIPANTS
BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL
TO DONATE TO JEWISH
EXPERIENCE
TO SAY IT’S VERY IMPORTANT
JEWISH PAY IT FORWARD THEY ARE 30% MORE LIKELY OR ISRAELI CAUSES
OF PARTICIPANTS
CONSIDER
A LIFE-CHANGING The majority of the statistics shown are reflective of the 2017 study. 15
The Mifgash Factor Mifgash, or “encounter” in Hebrew, is used to describe one of the most central and integral aspects of the Birthright Israel trip. During the Mifgash, Birthright Israel participants are introduced to young Israeli’s, most of whom are IDF soldiers, to create long lasting bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. On a typical Birthright Israel trip, six to eight young Israeli’s join the group for a good portion of the trip. They are just as much participants as the Diaspora participants and become a significant part of the trip. The Mifgash gives American participants a close look into the lives of Israeli’s, allowing them to see similarities beyond the surface of differences in their lives. Group members develop a personal connection to Israel by engaging in creative, educational and recreational activities with Israeli peers. The Israeli’s placed on the trip aren’t random, they are the participant’s peers who are just as interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Israel, Judaism, Jewish identity, and the Jewish community at large. It is also an opportunity for them to understand the nature of Jewish life outside of Israel through the inner worlds of contemporary peers. For the participants from overseas, it is an opportunity to understand the nature of life in Israel as experienced by their Israeli peers.
“I grew up in a traditional family. We keep kosher and celebrate all the Jewish holidays. I was educated in a Yeshiva and served as a combat soldier in an infantry regiment named Shaked. During my service, I participated in a Birthright Israel trip as a Mifgash soldier. I had the privilege of meeting people who grew up in a different environment than me. I found out that we have a lot in common despite the different backgrounds. We spent a very meaningful week together and it has changed the way I feel about the Jewish Diaspora. Before meeting these people, I felt no real connection to them. Now I feel closer to them than I ever did before. We are all part of the same religion and tradition even though we live in different parts of the world. Birthright Israel has become part of the Israeli landscape—Israeli people are familiar with the program and the Jewish Americans who visit here become part of us. I believe it is important because we share so many things in common. In addition, I think many Jewish people share the same concern for our country. Birthright Israel helps young people feel part of Israel—some of these people feel more attached to the country and consider ways in which they can contribute their share in the future. My Birthright Israel experience helped me realize the importance of my Jewish identity and how strongly I feel about Israel. I am very proud to be an Israeli and honored that I was able to serve my country,”
- Carmel Binyamin Mifgash alumnus
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To date, 100,000 young Israeli’s have participated in the Mifgash program. Their experience has not only had a transformative effect on next-generation Israel, but Jewish communities and the larger Jewish world alike.
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&
s t n e v E ations r b e l e C
This year, Birthright Israel Foundation supporters came together in their communities for over 40 events. Here’s a look at some of the incredible events that helped us towards our annual goal!
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February This year, we started things off in Waban, Massachusetts with an event hosted by Jill and Mitch Roberts and Valerie and Mark Friedman. Professor Gil Troy, Chairman of Birthright Israel International Education Committee, American historian, author, and scholar, was our keynote speaker. Guests also heard from both a Birthright Israel and a Mifgash alumnus. Our young leadership came together in New York City for the first of a three-part speaker series. Stephen Siderow, Board Vice Chair, hosted us at his office for “Cocktails and Conversation” with Ricky Sandler, CEO/CIO and Founder of Eminence Capital. Ricky shared his abundance of business knowledge and his passion for philanthropy with the young leaders in attendance. Supporters gathered at the office of Kirkland & Ellis for a special breakfast seminar hosted by Edward Sassower and David Fox. Guests were lucky to hear from an remarkable line up of speakers including Shlomit Barnea Farago, Legal Advisor and Manager of the Legal Department of the Prime Minister’s Office, and Dan Lahav, Deputy Director General of Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office and Head of the Prime Minister’s Office Home Affairs, Planning and Development Department.
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March Along with the New Year came a new era for Birthright Israel Foundation as we introduced Izzy Tapoohi, President and CEO, Thomas D. Stern, Board Chair, and J. Phillip Rosen and Stephen Siderow, Board Vice Chairs in New York City. Jenny and Jon Steingart hosted guests in their home to hear from Izzy, Tom, Phil and Stephen, as well as Ambassador Danny Danon, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations. At our annual Palm Beach event, we honored Judith A. Levy, Florida Chair and Board Member. Michele and Howard Kessler hosted guests in their home for a cocktail reception and a powerful program which included an emotional tribute to Judith by Charles Bronfman, Co-Founder and Barbara Kay, four Birthright Israel alumni stories and an exciting presentation by Dr. Zohar Raviv, International VP of Education, Birthright Israel. During the program, Allyn Levy made a surprise gift of an entire bus in Judith’s honor. Following the Jewish Funders Network Conference this spring, we held our third annual Birthright Israel Forum for Foundation Professionals. The program included an insider session with Birthright Israel leadership including Gidi Mark, International CEO, Elizabeth Sokolsky, Executive Director and Carolyn Kupietzky, Director of Planning and Strategy Implementation. Guests also enjoyed a fireside chat with Charles Bronfman and Harold Grinspoon, Founder & Trustee, Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
April Judy and Mark Goodman hosted a parlor meeting in New York City where Shimon Mercer-Wood, Mifgash alumnus and Spokesperson and Consul for Media Affairs at the Consulate General of Israel in New York, shared his perspective with those in attendance. Guests also heard from Erin Schrode, Birthright Israel alumna and citizen activist, social entrepreneur and storyteller. 20
May This spring Birthright Israel Foundation visited the Lone Star State for a chain of events. We started out in Austin where supporters gathered at the home of hosts, Phil & Adam Loewy, for an evening in collaboration with Shalom Austin, Texas Hillel and University of Texas Chabad. Three local Birthright Israel alumni were present to share their stories. Phil Rosen hosted intimate events in Houston and Dallas where Birthright Israel alumni gave guests an inside look into their journeys. The second portion of our young leadership speaker series, “Cocktails and Conversation� was hosted by Joel Citron, Board Member. Mark Gerson, Co-Founder and Chairman of Gerson Lehrman Group and Co-Founder and Chairman of United Hatzalah, keynoted the evening, and our young leaders also heard from a Birthright Israel alumnus as well as Young Leadership Council Chair, Chad Schwartz.
Westchester residents gathered in Purchase, New York, home of hosts, Farrel and Steven Starker, for an inspiring evening to support Birthright Israel Foundation. Jacob Baime, Birthright Israel alumnus and Executive Director of Israel on Campus Coalition, shared his anecdotes as well as another Birthright Israel alumnus and Izzy Tapoohi.
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June This June, we hosted our annual event in Long Island at Glen Oaks Country Club. Over 100 supporters attended and we had a variety of speakers including Ambassador Dani Dayan, Counsel General of Israel in New York and Phil Rosen. Guests enjoyed a selection of the Birthright Israel Monologues – a series of spoken word monologues exploring Jewish identity inspired by Birthright Israel trips – which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. We held our first Young Leadership Event in Philadelphia this summer, in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. The young leaders in attendance enjoyed deliberations from Marjorie Honickman, Board Member and Andrew Yaffe, Event Chair as well as a silent auction and beer tasting. Our young leaders assembled again for our NYC Young Leadership Annual Summer Kickoff. We were privileged enough to be hosted at AppNexus, where those in attendance heard from Laurie Blitzer, Board Member and Co-Chair of the Board’s Alumni Development Committee. Supporters joined us in the Chicago Area for our Inaugural Annual Event, hosted by Lori Komisar, Board Member and Brian Shaw, Chair of our Chicago Leadership Council. Dan Raviv, former correspondent for CBS news, shared his experiences as a journalist as well as his perspective as a parent of a Birthright Israel alumnus. Several Birthright Israel alumni shared how the program has impacted their lives.
July This summer, Birthright Israel Foundation traveled to the Hamptons for our third annual Hamptons event at the lovely home of hosts, Suzanne and Martin Schulman. Erin Schrode, Birthright Israel alumna and Shimon Mercer-Wood, Mifgash alumnus, shared their stories of impact. We were fortunate enough to have many board members in attendance including Sander Levy, Doug Ross, Wendy Shenfeld, and Stephen Siderow. Following our Hamptons Event, Izzy Tapoohi visited The Hamptons Synagogue with three Birthright Israel alumni to speak to the congregation. 22
September This fall, Elyse and Charles Weisenfeld hosted a parlor meeting at their home in Mount Kisco, Westchester. Ninety guests attended and had the pleasure of hearing from Justin Bell, Birthright Israel alumnus, as he interviewed his grandfather, Aron Bell, the last surviving member of the famous Bielski Brigade.
This October, Sara and Leonard Aronson hosted a beautiful evening at the Mandarin Oriental in Boston for a pre-celebration of our 18th Anniversary Gala. There were over 100 guests in attendance who were honored to hear from Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson. The Adelsons shared their inspiring personal journeys that led them to Birthright Israel Foundation, and both strongly encouraged attendees to increase their efforts in support of Birthright Israel Foundation. Attendees also heard from Stephen Siderow, and Combined Jewish Philanthropies, President Barry Shrage, as well as moving stories from two local alumni and a Mifgash alumnus.
October
Donors gathered for our fourth annual Los Angeles event, chaired by Corie and Michael Koss at The Stephen Wise Temple. The program featured Birthright Israel’s 600,000th participant and actor, Jonathan Lipnicki, as well as Israel advocate, Chloe Valdary. Guests also listened to Rabbi David Woznica of The Stephen Wise Temple as he shared his Birthright Israel parent story. We hosted our annual San Francisco community event at The Pearl, co-chaired by Amy Friedkin and Sean Taube with Honorary Co-Chairs Dianne and Tad Taube. Over 120 guests attended this event including board members and executive staff from Jim Joseph Foundation, Koret Foundation, East Bay Jewish Federation, and members of the San Francisco Jewish community. This program highlighted several alumni whose lives were significantly impacted by their Birthright Israel trips. 23
November Linda and Seth Plattus hosted an extraordinary evening to benefit Birthright Israel Foundation at their home in Scarsdale, New York. Guests had the pleasure of hearing from Arel Moodie, a Birthright Israel alumnus, best-selling author, entrepreneur and professional speaker. We were also lucky enough to hear the inspirational story of Mifgash alumnus, Rom Carmel. Los Angeles Leadership Council Member, Simon Mendelson, and wife Sharon, opened their home for a Birthright Israel Parlor meeting where 31 people attended, all who were new to Birthright Israel Foundation. Stephen Siderow spoke about the impact of Birthright Israel and why he has chosen to make Birthright Israel Foundation his top philanthropic priority. Birthright Israel Foundation held its Annual Atlanta Fundraising Event honoring Doug Ross, Atlanta Chair and Board Member, for five years of visionary leadership. Five-hundred guests attended from Atlanta and the broader Birthright Israel Foundation community. Mike Leven, Event Co-Chair and Board Member, was the MC for the evening and the program included a beautiful tribute to Doug by Tom Stern and Gidi Mark, as well as Doug’s family. Rachel Gerrol, Board Member, shared her Birthright Israel story. Mike Leven also moderated an interview of Ambassador Danny Danon.
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Birthright Israel's Miami community gathered for an evening of celebration at the Miami Auto Museum at the Dezer Collection. Over 250 guests attended the event and enjoyed a program featuring three amazing Birthright Israel alumni, Arel Moodie, Andrea LeVine and Sumiko Ruiz Zayon, as well as an interview of Tom Stern moderated by Howard Socol, Miami Leadership Council Co-Chair. We gathered at the beautiful home of Tracey and Shanin Specter for an evening to benefit Birthright Israel Foundation with over 80 guests in attendance from the Philadelphia community, and special guest speaker, Randi Zuckerberg, tech media personality and Birthright Israel alumna. We were also fortunate to hear from local alumna Alix Ablaza, as well as Board Member and Philadelphia Leadership Council Co-Chair Marjorie Honickman, and Philadelphia Leadership Council Co-Chair, Gail Norry.
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EL
R BI
A
IGHT IS R R TH
y a d s e u Giving T FO
UNDATION
On November 28th, we gathered in New York City where Birthright Israel Foundation partook in Giving Tuesday for the 4th year. Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving, celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Unlike the widely known shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday focuses on charity and end-of-year giving. Recognized as #GivingTuesday, this phenomenon has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy events throughout the year.
This year, Birthright Israel Foundation raised over $90,000 surpassing our goal of $60,000 and making this our most successful Giving Tuesday to date. Any gift donated this year had the chance to be tripled thanks to the 2017 Adelson Challenge and our Board of Directors match. This triple match gave everyone an opportunity to make a difference and allowed even the smallest donors to feel like they are stakeholders in the Jewish future. The match was a huge success, resulting in us attaining three times our desired objective.
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Because of its hashtag, #GivingTuesday gets much of its activity and attention on social media. Thanks to outlets like Facebook, Twitter and most recently, Instagram, we were able to spread awareness of our campaign, reach a broad audience, and turn “likes” into donations. We announced our participation in Giving Tuesday in August, urging supporters to save the date. Partnering with influencers and young leadership ambassadors also gave us an upper hand and enabled us to reach even more potential supporters. Social media enhanced this campaign by directly engaging with donors online, helping us reach our final goal. Giving Tuesday was one of our most successful fundraising days in 2017 and we couldn’t be more grateful . A big thank you to our donors and supporters who generously contributed to this campaign, bringing us one step closer to our annual goal.
WE RAISED A TOTAL OF:
$90,824 27
BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DIRECTORS
Thomas D. Stern Chair J. Philip Rosen Vice Chair Stephen M. Siderow Vice Chair Douglas M. Ross Treasurer Mark Charendoff Lori Komisar Sander Levy Joshua Nash Ex Officio*
Sara Aronson Laurie Blitzer Joel Citron Lawrence J. Cohen David Engel Ex Officio* Shawn Evenhaim Rachel Gerrol Joel Greenberg Marjorie Honickman David Koonin Harry Krakowski Michael A. Leven
HONORARY BOARD Judith A. Levy Marlene Post Jeanie Schottenstein Wendy Gould Shenfeld Jane F. Wilf *Non-voting
Madlyn Abramson Dr. Miriam Adelson Sheldon G. Adelson Charles R. Bronfman Co-Founder Susie Gelman Chair Emeritus Daniel S. Och Chair Emeritus Lynn Schusterman Jane F. Sherman Michael H. Steinhardt Co-Founder Edgar M. Bronfman z�l
DIRECTOR
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MANAGEMENT TEAM Israel Tapoohi President & CEO Jessica Feldan Chief Development Officer S. David Shapiro Chief Financial Officer
OPERATIONS Pamela Fertel Weinstein Vice President, Marketing & Communications Jaclyn Soleimani Vice President, Leadership & Development
Zhe Yang Vice President, Information Technologies Daniel Kraus Associate Vice President, Strategic Partnerships Ruvym Gilman Associate Vice President, Legal Affairs & Business Operations Samona Sufian Director, Human Resources
DEVELOPMENT Carole-Ann Levine Vice President, Southeast Region Art Paikowsky Vice President, Western Region Diane Romirowsky Vice President, Principal Gifts Lorraine Kaikow Associate Vice President, Institutional Giving Adina Kissner Director, Events
PROFESSIONAL STAFF Hilary Boch Talia Borenstein Susan Brent Milner Joyce Chen PJ Cherrin Roxana Chiriac Deborah Dolgin Margot Ettlinger Deborah Fuld Perri Ginsberg Alexandra Gluck
Sean Hallerud Laura Kassen Elizabeth Klein Sara Klein Caryn Lazaroff Marissa Levey Stacey Levit Cruz Marina Markina Jana Neil Jenna Neulander Stuart Newberg
Eleanor Reis Dawn Saidel Judy Secunda Margaux Streep Kobi Tav Jason Thompson Irina Topuzis Ben Wan Gabrielle Weinblatt Jessica Yonatan Rachel Zolna 29
LEADERSHIP COUNCILS ATLANTA Eliot Arnovitz Jeremy Becker George Birnbaum Lois Blonder Bennie Cohen Claire D’Agostino Ann Davis Ron Eichel Larry Frank Sherry Frank Viki Freeman Nancy Galanti Russell Gottschalk Adrian Grant Lisa Greenberg Barry Hyman Hadara Ishak Ross Kogon David Koonin^ Jon Leven Michelle Leven Shawn Leven Andrew Levin Abe Levine Bernie Marcus** Harry Maziar Larry Miller Matthew Oppenheimer Lynn Oves Beth Paradies Aviva Postelnik Eyal Postelnik Dan Regenstein Doug Ross*^ Marc Salzberg Cathy Selig Kuranoff Michelle Simon David Skid Allen Soden Kelly Stewart Lynda Walker Jesse Wellner
BAY AREA Valli Benesch Julie Chaiken Steve Fayne Nancy Grand** Stephen Grand** Oded Hermoni Russ Holdstein Susan Holdstein Yasmin Lukatz Rabbi Brian Lurie
Jessica Minkoff Roselyne C. Swig Michelle Tandler Robert Tandler Howard Zack*
BOSTON Sara Aronson^ Debbie Cable* Gregg Darish Mark Friedman Jill Goldenberg Larry Goodman Dan Guttell Judith Levy+^ Marc Lowenthal Roberta Menzin Adam Newman Dimitry Neyshtadt Suzanne Priebatsch Jill Roberts Jonathan M. Sandler Sharon Shane Anne Sternlicht
LONG ISLAND Barbara Cooper Steven Cooper Ned Dorman Jonathon Held Susan Held Stewart Hescheles Arlene Horowitz David Horowitz Mindy Horowitz Freddi Kadden Michael Lax Sabrina Levin Patricia Loeb Larry Magid Millie Magid David Pelton Rebecca Schaja Steven Shenfeld Susie Schulman David Sterling Barry Swidler* Carol Swidler
LOS ANGELES Donna Bender Nancy Beiser Scott Beiser Betsy Berger Dahlia Bilger Arthur Bilger William Comanor Helgard Field
Irwin Field Jodie Fishman* Steve Fishman* Marsha Jacks Susan Kane Corie Koss Michael Koss Simon Mendelson Robert Meth Michael Messinger Farshad More Zev Opos Arlene Pepp Buddy Pepp Paul Reitzin Jay Sanderson Carrie Scott Michael Scott Michele Seltzer Jeffrey Seltzer Robin Shatz Auna Simon Joel Simon
MIAMI Beth Adler Les Adler Evelyn Drezner Behar Joe Victor Behar Jeffrey Bercow Julie Bercow Robert Berrin Nancy Luria Cohen Steve Gretenstein Rav Daniel Hadar Judith Rohatiner Stuart Rohatiner Elena Salomon Sheree Savar David Schaecter Sydney Schaecter Linda Schechter Howard Socol* Sharon Socol*
MIDWEST Michael Anisfeld Joseph Frank Alan Goldberg Harold Kaplan Lori Komisar*^ David Lerner Michael Levin Andy Lucas David Ritter Brian Shaw* Leonard Sherman Kenneth Stolman
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Gary Wool Lauren Wool
NYC Kim Berliant Abram Bohrer Melissa Bohrer Melissa Brooks Larry Cohen Lisa Cohen Evan Feinberg Samantha Feinberg Judy Goodman Mark Goodman Lauren Haskin Paul Haskin Lesley Heller Raquel Herz Steve Herz Janine Hoffman Richard Hoffman Karen Spar Kasner Howard Kivell Shelly Kivell Alan Leavitt Susan Leavitt Sam Levine Felicia Levy Amy Miller Deborah Raiman Larry Raiman Kelli Roiter Eliot Rubenzahl Meredith Rubenzahl Madeleine Schnell Paul Schnell Laura Schwalbe Steve Shenfeld Mitchell Steir Nancy Steir Robby Weisenfeld Adam Wolfson
NYC YOUNG LEADERSHIP Julie Alfin Michael Baron Benjamin Bass Alex Berman Drew Braver Jacqui Braver Eli Bronfman Corey Dicker Evan Feinberg Chelsea Fisher Max Fisher Adam Ginsberg Michael Gutman Rick Hoffman Daniel Ioffe
Ben Kaminsky Allison Kasirer Jonathan Kasirer Maurice Kaufman Robert Kempner Evan Klebe Zoe Lawrence Michael Levenson Samantha Levenson Daniel Mael Jenna Pfeffer Simon Scemama Adam Schwartz Chad Schwartz* Alex Shaftal Casey Shaftal Amanda Shane Kyle Shenfeld Brielle Shulman Brandon Singer Mitch Soiefer Janine Stichter David Swidler Mindy Swidler Stuart Tishman Peter Weidler Jessica Weinreb Robby Weisenfeld David Yarus
PALM BEACH Sara Aronson^ Linda Berns David Brodsky Charles Bronfman+ Deborah Cable Nathaniel Dalton Barbara Danenberg Hal Danenberg Nanci Dephoure Stephen Dephoure Meryl Gallatin Rani Garfinkle Gayle Gross Barbara Kay* Judith Levy*^ Brahm Levine Harriet Levine Ed Levine Susan Pertnoy* Gilda Slifka Judy Swartz
PHILADELPHIA Alix Ablaza Madlyn Abramson+ Rabbi Zev Baram Connie Berg Bryna Berman
Sharyn Berman Cindy Dannenbaum Alison Garber Harvey Goldberg Brett Goldman Marjorie Honickman*^ Rabbi Isabel de Koninck Susanna Lachs Adler Rabbi Daniel Levitt Mark Levy Paulina Marcucci Gail Norry* Beth Reisboard Rachel Satinsky Brooke Schostak Susan Schwartz Joy Stember Rabbi Michael Uram Nancy Wolfson Andrew Yaffe
SOUTHWEST David Barish Allen Bodzy* Scott Birnbaum Evan Gremont Sarah Golman Suzanne Jacobson Stuart Prescott Ronit Sherwin Carol Silverberg Louri Sullivan
WESTCHESTER Lisa Barse* Beth Waldenberg* David Barse* Wendy Wright Eileen Bloom Keri Zaro Jeremy Cohen Stuart Zaro Bruce Evans Lynn Zerbib Jeannie Evans Nick Zerbib Thomas Fleisch Alex Greene Lori Greene Ellen Horing Mark Jurish Annie Kramer Barry Kramer Michael Lowenstein Jane Och Linda Plattus Seth Plattus *Chair Tina Price **Honorary Chair Heidi Rieger +Honorary Member Barrie Rosen ^Board Member Tara Rutman Morgan Rutman Barry Silberzweig Stephanie Spiegel 31 Alan Waldenberg*
Thank you to our generous supporters who are stakeholders in the Jewish future at the $10,000 and above level.
$1,000,000 + Adelson Family Foundation Anonymous (2) Rita and Charles Bronfman Marcy Gringlas and Joel Greenberg, Seed The Dream Foundation Estate of Shirlee Jacobs Jim Joseph Foundation Allison and Howard Lutnick Maimonides Fund The Marcus Foundation, Inc. Mikhael Mirilashvili Jane and Daniel Och Ronald Perelman Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation The Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life Denise R. and Thomas D. Stern Family Foundation
$100,000 - $999,999 Ewa and S. Daniel Abraham Amy and David Abrams Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Rita and Leonard Adelson Anonymous (9) Aronson Family Foundation Debra and Leon Black Irma and Norman Braman Roberta and Irwin Chafetz Family Ulrika and Joel Citron Kristen and Rob Clarfeld The Crown Family Mark Cuban William Davidson Foundation Dorit and Shawn Evenhaim Dr. Nily Falic and Family Edward Fein Foundation Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation Jane and Charles Forman Aaron Frenkel Lauren Schor Geller and Martin Geller Susie and Michael Gelman
Goldring Family Foundation Barney Gottstein Farah and Steve Gozini Nancy and Stephen Grand Harold Grinspoon Foundation Hollis Hills Bayside Jewish Center Marjorie and Jeffrey Honickman Ivan Kaufman Howard Kessler and Michele Kessler Lori Komisar and Morrie Silverman Koret Foundation Robert K. Kraft Family Harry Krakowski Janet and Eugene Lerner Family Foundation Andrea and Michael Leven Petra and Stephen Levin Abe Levine The Leon Levine Foundation Felicia and Sander M. Levy Estate of Shirley Liebowitz Gila and Adam Milstein Family Foundation Linda Mirels and the Kirsh Family Beth and Joshua Nash Arline and Buddy Pepp Lisa and John Pritzker Family Fund Dena and Michael Rashes Malki and J. Philip Rosen Carolyn and Marc Rowan Cari and Michael J. Sacks Rebecca and Arthur Samberg Samberg Family Foundation Schottenstein Family Foundation The Beacon and Shapira Foundations The Gould and Shenfeld Families Jane F. and D. Lawrence Sherman Saskia and Stephen Siderow Jacqueline and David Simon Skolnick Family Charitable Trust Barry Sternlicht Geraldine AcuĂąa-Sunshine and Gabe Sunshine
Debbie and Jeffrey Swartz Judy and Sidney Swartz Merryl and James Tisch Viterbi Family Foundation Leslie and Abigail Wexner Wendy Wright The Wilf Family Foundation Woldenberg Foundation Zell Family Foundation
$60,000 - $99,999 Susanna Lachs Adler and Dean Adler Anonymous (1) Sharyn Berman Nancy and Jamie Better Art and Dahlia Bilger Toby and Leon Cooperman Arthur Dantchik Ann and Jay Davis Michael and Neomi Dezer Feinberg Foundation Arlene and David Horowitz Amy and Michael Morhaime David and Inez Myers Foundation Peggy and Steven O'Connor Annette and Paul Roberts Doug and Robyn Ross Family Foundation Debbie and Netanael Saidoff Shear Family Foundation Leonard Sherman in Memory of Diane Sherman Joseph and Sarah Weinberg Foundation
$30,000 - $59,999 Anonymous (5) Sara and Leonard Aronson Debbie and Mark Attanasio Arlene Kaufman and Sanford Baklor Lisa and David Barse Bryna and Fred Berman Eileen and Jay Bloom Buller Foundation 32
Donald and Carole Chaiken Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Milton Cooper Herman Dana Trust Dezer Family Foundation Eaton Steel Corporation Catherine and John Farahi Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Helgard Field-Lion and Irwin S. Field Jodie and Steven Fishman Amy and Mort Friedkin Valerie J. and Mark A. Friedman Linda and Michael Frieze Meryl and Ron Gallatin Paz and Richard Goldberg Susan and Jeffrey Goldenberg Joyce and Irving Goldman Family Foundation Judy and Mark Goodman Dennis Gralla Susan and Jon Held Iranian American Jewish Federation of New York Kristin Johnson Karp and Michael Karp Barbara Kay Corie and Michael Koss Larry Heller and Dayna Langfan Alice and Nahum Lainer Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas Lee Ellen and Irwin Levy Margaret Munzer and Daniel S. Loeb Michael Lustig The Malkin Family Milton and Tamar Maltz Steve Mikhov Debra and Eitan Milgram The Mirowski Family Foundation Bernard Osher Jewish Philanthropies Foundation Alan and Brigitt Potamkin Lezlie and Miguel Poyastro Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler Michael B. Rukin Charitable Foundation Stephen M. Ross Lawrence J. and Anne Rubenstein Foundation
Adrienne and Arnold Rubin Jenna and Paul Segal Irma and Aaron Spencer The Bley Stein Foundation & Ronald Stein Nancy Ganz Steir and Mitchell Steir Laurie and Sy Sternberg Wagner Family Foundation Beth and Alan Waldenberg Mozel Charitable Trust Tina and Joe Wolf Andi and Larry Wolfe Richard Yulman
$10,000 - $29,999 Ruth Abrams Foundation Debbie and Stuart Acker Karen Ann Herskovitz and William Ackman Gisela Alouan and Daniel Ades Tracy and Dennis Albers Alexander Family Foundation Randi Schatz and Joseph Allerhand Martin Alloy Jane and Norman W. Alpert Alpha Epsilon Pi American Friends of Ariel University Anonymous (21) Phyllis and Eliot Arnovitz Amy and Robert Arogeti-Arborvista Family Philanthropic Fund Gregory Arovas Lovee and Bob Arum Bank Hapoalim Linda Jayaram and David Barish Nancy and Scott Beiser Louise and Leo Benatar Vicki and Gerry Benjamin David Berkowitz and Nancy Berkowitz Diane and Jordan Berman Judy and Howard Bernick Amy Bernstein Michael Bernstein and Sara Bernstein Miriam G. Bernstein The Bialer Family Foundation
Suzie Blumenthal and Scott Birnbaum Amy and Jason Blavatt Allison and David Blitzer Laurie Blitzer and Sam Levine Penny and Harold Blumenstein Sandra and Robert Borns Hon. Lili and Jon Bosse Martin and Mary L. Boyer Foundation Carolyn and David Brodsky Jane and Dennis Carlton CCS Fundraising Shirley Glass Charitable Lead Trust Brae Burn Country Club Carol and Isaac Chera Aubrey and Joyce Chernick David and Rhonda Cohen Jack M. and Nancy Cohen Lisa N. and Lawrence J. Cohen Hannah S. and Samuel A. Cohn Memorial Fund Ruth and Leonard A. Cole Jean and Sandy Colen Lisa and Christopher Conti Steven B. Crystal, The Crystal Family Foundation Christine and Alan Curtis The Dalton Family Fund Marvin and Betty Danto Family Foundation Danielle and Gregg Darish Leah and Richard Davis Alyce and Philip de Toledo Nanci and Stephen Dephoure Development Corporation for Israel Ronald Eichel Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg Sarah and Rachel Elias Maxine Marks and Donald Ephraim Debbie and Jerry Epstein Nancy and Dr. Kenneth H. Falchuk Leslie and David Fastenberg Bunny and Steve Fayne Michelle and Andrew Feinberg Susan and Leonard Feinstein Foundation Oscar Feldenkreis and Ellen Feldenkreis 33
Sherry and Joseph Felson Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Nicole Felton and Paul Ginsberg Household Hilary and Joe Feshbach Rachel and David J. Fine Sheila and Milton Fine Sandra and Gerald Fineberg Jill and Mark Fishman Meira and Tom Fleisch David and Judy Fleischer Alice and Jon Flint Charlotte Florence Trust David Fox and Caryn Schacht Diane and Alan Franco The Sharna and Irvin Frank Foundation Lois and Larry Frank Viki and Paul Freeman Theresa and Leonard Friedman Lorraine and Ray Friedman Barrie and Richard Galanti Barbara and Mike Gamson Eva and Leo Gans Alice and Nathan Gantcher Cindy and Howard Garoon Fredric Garvett Lisa and David Genecov Sarah and Bernard Gewirz Glen Oaks Country Club Andrea and Laurence Goldfarb Stephanie and Jay G. Goldman Goldman Sachs and Co. Cathy Dobbs Goldstein and Philip Goldstein Robert G. Goldstein Penny M. and Lawrence J. Goodman Scott Goodman Ellen Feldberg Gordon and Michael Gordon Paula and James Gould Larry and Beth Greenberg Joel Greenblatt Lori and Alexander Greene Jana and Jesse Greenfield Rhonda and Greg Greenstein Nancy and Jim Grosfeld Gayle and Paul Gross Caroline and Michael Hackman Hadassah, The Women’s Organization of America, Inc.
Murray Halpern Halpern Oppenheimer Family Foundation Iris and Igal Hami Linda and Jeffrey Hammes Abbe and Lloyd Hascoe Kim and Gary Heiman Leslie Bluhm and David Helfand Sandy Heller Terri and Andrew Herenstein Lila and Doug Hertz Ronnie Heyman Audrey and Jeffrey Hiller David Himelberg Foundation The Henry and Etta Raye Hirsch Heritage Foundation Sandra and Howard Hoffen Susan and Russ Holdstein Ellen and David Horing Mindy and Ron Horowitz Nancy Stark and Stanley Iezman Anne and Norman Jacobson Rachel and Bruce Jeffer Janet and Marvin Jubas Judy Yavitz and Mark Jurish Susan and Daniel Kane Rikki and Barry Kaplan David and Meredith Kaplan Foundation Hilary and Stewart Karlinsky Shelly and Michael Kassen Marilyn and Stanley Katz Maurice Kaufman Joy and Joel Kellman Jan and Randy Kessler Linda and Michael Keston E. Leon Kier Sheryl and Jon Kimerling Shelly and Howard Kivell Arlene and Robert Kogod Dorothy and Sidney Kohl Lisa and Victor Kohn Eydie and Steve Koonin Malinda and David Krantz Cathy and Stewart Kriegstein Leonard and Judy Lauder Fund Judy and Dr. Nathan Laufer Lynn and Michael Lax Maribelle and Stephen Leavitt Larry Leeds Ruth and Gerald Legow Marcia and Alan Leifer David Leinwand
Pam and Ken Lester Kathy and Richard Leventhal Sabrina and Jahn Levin Carole-Ann and Brahm Levine Harriet and Edwin Levine Eileen and Yale Levine Judith A. and Allyn Levy Fran and Jack Levy Jerome Levy Foundation Debra and William Lewin Lewis Family Trust Susan and Moses Libitzky Brenda and Mark Lichtenstein Jody and David Lippman Lipsitz and Koffman Family Patricia and Thomas Loeb Andrea and Jeffrey Lomasky Michael Lowenstein Morton and Eleanor Lowenthal Yohan Lowie Lunder Foundation Peter and Paula Lunder Family Caroline Fromm Lurie and Rabbi Brian Lurie Robert Margolis Foundation Adrienne and Rick Matros Jill and Paul Meister Sue and Fred Menowitz Roberta and Joseph Menzin Lexie and Michael Messinger Barbara and Henry Miller Martha and Larry Miller Carol and Paul Miller Susan and Robert Miller Jack and Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund Julie and Ken Moelis Susie and Larry Mondry Keira and Farshad Morè Sharon and Colin Morris Sheryl and Peter Morrison Jay Myers Judith and Bernard Newman Douglas Nili Gail and Elliot Norry Jane Novick and David Novick Steven Odzer Tamar and Stephen Olitsky Mark Oren and Nedra Oren Beth and Gregg Paradies Toni and Ronald Paul Elaine and Trevor Pearlman Cheryl and Jaime Peisach 34
Donna and David Pelton Carolyn and Phillip Perelmuter Phi Epsilon Pi at Boston University Lisa and Hal Philipson Estate of Gerald Phillips Ina and Murray Pitt Gerald Platt Stuart and Shirley Podolsky & Jay and Sharon Podolsky Aviva and Eyal Postelnik Melinda Bieber and Norman Pozez Tina and Steven Price Sharon and Scott Prince J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation Norman and Lindy Radow Susan and Evan Ratner Kathy Fields and Garry Rayant The Myra Reinhard Family Foundation RM2 Foundation Debbie and Clifton Robbins Jill and Mitchell Roberts Nancy and Ed Roberts Leslie and Russ Robinson Katie and Amnon Rodan Judith and Stuart Rohatiner Ruth and Mark Rosenberg Barbara and Richard Rosenberg Allison and Bennett Rosenthal Helen T. Ross Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein Michael Rubinoff Debbie and Ricky Rudy Tara and Morgan Rutman David A. and Karen Richards Sachs Jane Dresner Sadaka and Nedim Sadaka Dan Safier Dr. Marc and Carole Salzberg The Samueli Foundation Claudia and Sandor Samuels Faryl R. and Jonathan M. Sandler Wendy and Neil Sandler Mara and Ricky Sandler Kim and Marty Sands Andrea and Richard Saperstein Wendy and Edward Sassower
Sandra and Gary Schaevitz Regina and Israel Tapoohi Phyllis and Gary Schahet Lynne Tarnopol Rebecca and Morty Schaja Lonnie Karotkin Taub Pam and Tony Schneider and Albert Taub Suzanne and Martin Schulman Taube Philanthropies Dr. Lee and Susan Schulman Shelley and Joel Tauber Jocelyn Schultz William and Anna and Joseph Schultz Tenenblatt Foundation Kim and Marc Schwartz Carol and Norman Traeger & Bill Bass Foundation Andrea Pollack Ted Schwartz and Adam Usdan Joyce and Henry Schwob Keren and Robert Vishny Scott Seligman Lisa and Neil Wallack Donna and Stewart Senter Richard Weindruch Uri Shabto Steven Weinstein and Beth Scharfman-Shabto and Ellen Weinstein The Nathan and Fannye Shafran Weinstein Foundation, Inc. Foundation, a Supporting Melody Howe Weintraub Foundation of the Jewish and Jerald Weintraub Federation of Cleveland Elyse and Charles Weisenfeld The Shapiro Foundation Paula and Kenneth Weissman Jennifer and Bram Shapiro Rebecca and Aaron Weitman Keller-Shatanoff Foundation Jesse Wellner Faye and Irwin Siegel Melinda Wertheim Barrie Rosen and Steve Wertheim and Barry Silberzweig Leonard Wilf Slomo and Cindy Silvian Winn Family Foundation, Inc. Charitable Foundation Barbara and Richard Silverman Karen and Gary Winnick Shelly and Steve Silverman Sue and David Wishnow Klara and Larry Silverstein Bernie Wolfson Michelle and Gary Simon and Jessie Wolfson Alisa and Yossi Simsoly Nancy and Richard Wolfson Gilda Slifka Walter and Marilyn Wolpin Rosalyn and Richard Slifka Anita and Ronald Wornick Sara and Joshua Slocum Diane and Howard Zack Sharon and Howard Socol and Family Sokolof Foundation Helen and David Zalik Murray Spain Robert Zarnegin Stephanie and Lee Spiegel Lynn and Nick Zerbib Tracy and James Sprayregen Anne Bakar and Yossi Zadik Jenny and Jon Steingart Stanley Shalom Mona and David Sterling Zielony Foundation Burton Stern and Barbara Stern Jane and Michael Stolper Marjorie and Aron Suna Marla and David Susser Donald Sussman Swieca Family Roselyne C. Swig Barbara and Dave Sylvan Valli Benesch and Robert Tandler 35
FEDERATION SUPPORT We are grateful for the partnership of Jewish Federations of North America and the generosity of local Jewish Federations for their annual allocation.*
$1,000,000+
$10,000-$49,999
UJA-Federation of New York
Jewish Community Federation of Richmond Jewish Federation of Cincinnati Jewish Federation of Delaware Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte Jewish Federation of Greater Columbus Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City Jewish Federation of Greater Portland Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona Jewish Federation of the Desert Jewish Federation of the Greater East Bay Memphis Jewish Federation Milwaukee Jewish Federation Nevada's Jewish Federation The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey The Jewish Federation of Greater Austin The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Youngstown Area Jewish Federation
$500,000-$999,999 The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles
$100,000-$499,999 Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston Greater Miami Jewish Federation Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund of San Francisco, Peninsula, Marin & Sonoma Counties Jewish Federation of Cleveland Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Jewish Federation & Family Services, Orange County The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
$50,000-$99,999 Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas Jewish Federation of Greater Houston Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County Jewish Federation of San Diego County Jewish Federation of St. Louis Minneapolis Jewish Federation
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$3,000-$9,999 Birmingham Jewish Federation Canton Jewish Community Federation Charleston Jewish Federation Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County Jewish Community Board of Akron Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County, New York Jewish Federation of Central New York Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts Jewish Federation of Collier County Jewish Federation of El Paso Jewish Federation of Fort Worth & Tarrant County Jewish Federation of Jacksonville Jewish Federation of Louisville Jewish Federation of Madison Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks Jewish Federation of Pinellas and Pasco Counties Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley Savannah Jewish Federation Tampa Jewish Community Center and Federation The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires
LESS THAN $2,999 Augusta Jewish Federation Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation Greensboro Jewish Federation Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids Jewish Community Alliance of Northeastern Pennslyvania Jewish Federation of Greater New Bedford Jewish Federation of New Mexico Jewish Federation of Peoria Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties Jewish Federation of Springfield, Illinois Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties Lewiston-Auburn Jewish Federation
*This listing includes local Federations within the United States. The Federations listed are those who have made their payment within the 2017 calendar year. *The annual allocations from Canadian Federations are directed to Birthright Israel Foundation of Canada.
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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Cash held in escrow Contributions receivable - net Prepaid expenses and other assets Investments Fixed assets - net
$14,705,600 240,036 15,926,275 358,346 11,353 287,744
TOTAL ASSETS
$31,529,354
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts payable - shared services Accrued severance Capital leases payable Deferred compensation Obligations to annuitants Deferred rent TOTAL LIABILITIES
$1,149,841 11,245 604,340 41,976 161,319 135,387 158,500 $ 2,262,608
NET ASSETS Unrestricted Undesignated Board designated
$7,314,911 4,500,000
Total unrestricted Temporarily restricted
11,814,911 17,451,835
TOTAL NET ASSETS TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
$29,266,746 $31,529,354 38
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 REVENUES AND OTHER SUPPORT Contributions Special Events - net Interest Realized loss on donated securities
$94,141,871 2,658,361 28,286 (1,345)
TOTAL REVENUES AND OTHER SUPPORT
$96,827,173
EXPENSES PROGRAM EXPENSES Educational Trips Post programming
$84,164,736 1,213,215
TOTAL PROGRAM SERVICES
$85,377,951
SUPPORTING SERVICES Management and general Fundraising TOTAL SUPPORTING SERVICES TOTAL EXPENSES CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
$3,611,789 9,602,692 $13,214,481 $98,592,432 (1,765,259)
NET ASSETS - BEGINNING OF YEAR
$31,032,005
NET ASSETS - END OF YEAR
$29,266,746
The statements of Financial Position and of Activities were derived from the 2016 audited financial statements of the Birthright Israel Foundation. A copy of the audited financial statements and form 990 for 2016 are available upon request. Our independent auditor is Grant Thornton. 39
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2017 (PROJECTED*) REVENUES AND OTHER SUPPORT Contributions Investments and other income
$96,834,000 74,000
TOTAL REVENUES AND OTHER SUPPORT
$96,908,000
EXPENSES Program services Supporting services
$80,057,000 13,746,000
TOTAL EXPENSES
$93,803,000
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
$3,105,000
*AS OF MAY 2018
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Contact Us FOUNDATION MAILING ADDRESS Birthright Israel Foundation P.O. Box 5892 Hicksville, NY 11802
FOUNDATION MAIN OFFICE (212) 457-0036
BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL TRIP HOTLINE (888) 994-7723
FOLLOW US Birthrightisrael.foundation Birthright Israel Foundation @Brifgiving @Birthrightisrael_foundation
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