2018 ANNUAL
REPORT BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL FOUNDATION
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
03
LETTER FROM OUR CHAIR AND PRESIDENT
05
OUR MISSION AND VISION
07
DONORS THAT LIGHT THE WAY
09
2018 SUPPORTERS
16
GIVING TUESDAY
17
ALUMNI STORY: A JOURNEY THAT CHANGED ME FOREVER
19
THE TRIP
21
A YEAR IN REVIEW
23
IT'S ALL IN THE NUMBERS
25
THE MIFGASH FACTOR
27
NEW VENTURES AT BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL
29
18TH ANNIVERSARY MISSION TO ISRAEL
30
54TH ANNUAL CELEBRATE ISRAEL PARADE
31
EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS
37
OUR 18TH ANNIVERSARY GALA: HONORING DR. MIRIAM AND SHELDON G. ADELSON
39
LEADERSHIP COUNCILS
41
FEDERATION SUPPORT
42
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
43
BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL FOUNDATION STAFF
45
FINANCIAL REPORT
48
CONTACT US
DEAR FRIENDS,
For Birthright Israel Foundation, 2018 was a milestone year. It was a year full of celebration, as we marked the 18th anniversary of Birthright Israel and a year of collaboration, as we implemented our new donor centric fundraising strategy. We were keenly focused on ensuring all facets of this new strategy coalesced to produce growth and success in our annual campaign. Thanks to more than 35,000 donors, we raised over $98 million in 2018. We are dedicated to ensuring that each and every eligible Jewish young adult can claim their birthright. To make this goal a reality, we have spent much of 2018 enhancing our staff and fundraising processes as well as optimizing our organizational structure. With a fundraising staff that nearly doubled from the previous year, we laid important groundwork across the country by building brand awareness and a compelling case for support.
Capitalizing on our enhanced data mining and wealth screening tools, we strengthened our fundraisers’ toolkits with valuable knowledge about our current and potential donors, and a better understanding of their respective communities. This allowed us to maximize passion and possibility to not only grow our campaign, but to form important relationships, the building blocks of success. With increased stewardship of our supporters, we are working harder to regularly demonstrate our deep appreciation of their generosity while advancing their connection to our work. Additionally, we took on some large-scale endeavors in 2018, including our Gala honoring Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson and our 18th Anniversary Mission to Israel, which you will learn more about in the coming pages. None of these would have been successful without the teamwork and positive work culture, which we have worked hard to build. While we are fortunate to have talented and committed professionals, our efforts would not be fully achievable without our dedicated lay leaders. Every member of our Board of Directors brings a passion for our mission and talents that collectively enable us to achieve our objectives. Additionally, our Leadership Councils in key communities across the country bring together committed donors, parents and alumni, who volunteer their time, expertise and personal connections to advance our efforts. We are fueled by their love of Birthright Israel and are striving to appropriately support and integrate them into our fundraising apparatus. As we reflect on 2018 and now pivot to 2019, we are truly excited by the immense opportunities ahead of us. With a strong team, both professional and lay, we are operating with even greater passion, sophistication and momentum than we had before. Together we will strive to provide nearly 50,000 young Jewish adults annually with the transformational gift of Birthright Israel. Thank you for your continued support. May we go from strength to strength.
TOM STERN
Chair, Birthright Israel Foundation
IZZY TAPOOHI
President & CEO, Birthright Israel Foundation 4
OUR MISSION
Birthright Israel seeks to ensure that every eligible young Jewish adult around the world, especially the less connected, is given the opportunity to visit Israel on this educational journey. Birthright Israel Foundation raises funds in the United States to support Birthright Israel. The Birthright Israel program aims to give the gift of an educational trip to Israel to 50,000 young Jewish adults each year.
OUR VISION
Birthright Israel aims to ensure a vibrant future of the Jewish people by strengthening Jewish identity, Jewish communities and connections with Israel. Birthright Israel began with a bold idea — offer the gift of a lifechanging 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, Birthright Israel Foundation has given this gift to 700,000 young Jewish adults. 5
6
8
THE DONORS THAT LIGHT THE WAY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION Thanks to the generosity of numerous philanthropic foundations and over 35,000 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.
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We gratefully acknowledge our donors who have so generously supported Birthright Israel Foundation’s 2018 Annual Campaign at the $1,000,000 and above level.
Adelson Family Foundation Blavatnik Family Foundation Bloomberg Philanthropies Rita and Charles Bronfman Jim Joseph Foundation Koum Family Foundation Allison and Howard Lutnick Maimonides Fund The Marcus Foundation, Inc. Mikhael Mirilashvili Jane and Daniel Och Cheryl and Haim Saban Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation Seed The Dream Foundation The Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life Denise R. and Thomas D. Stern Family Foundation Anonymous 8
THANK YOU TO OUR DEDICATED SUPPORTERS WHO ARE STAKEHOLDERS IN THE JEWISH FUTURE AT THE $100,000-$999,999 LEVEL Ewa and S. Daniel Abraham Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Geraldine AcuĂąa-Sunshine and Gabe Sunshine Aronson Family Foundation The Beacon and Shapira Foundations Allison and David Blitzer Irma and Norman Braman Ulrika and Joel Citron The Crown Family William Davidson Foundation Ronald Eichel Dorit and Shawn Evenhaim Edward Fein Foundation The Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation Meryl and Ron Gallatin Lauren Schor Geller and Martin Geller Susie and Michael Gelman Goldring Family Foundation and Woldenberg Foundation Judy and Mark Goodman The Gottesman Fund The Gould and Shenfeld Families Farah and Steve Gozini Nancy and Stephen Grand Harold Grinspoon Foundation Paul Gross and Gayle Gross Dana and Yossie Hollander Marjorie and Jeffrey Honickman Harris C. Jeffer Foundation Ivan Kaufman 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 The Leon Levine Foundation Gila and Adam Milstein Family Foundation Linda Mirels and The Kirsh Family Beth and Joshua Nash Arline and Buddy Pepp John Pritzker Lisa Stone Pritzker Dena and Michael Rashes The Rodan Family Foundation Malki and J. Philip Rosen Rotem Rosen Carolyn and Marc Rowan Rebecca and Arthur Samberg The Samberg Family Foundation Miriam and Isaac Shepher Jane F. and D. Lawrence Sherman Saskia and Stephen Siderow Jacqueline and David Simon Skolnick Family Charitable Trust Barry Sternlicht Judy and Sidney Swartz Jeffrey and Mara Talpins Merryl and James Tisch Viterbi Family Foundation Leslie and Abigail Wexner The Wilf Family Foundation Wendy Wright Zell Family Foundation Ruth Ziegler Trust Anonymous (6)
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WITH APPRECIATION FOR OUR 2018 DONORS WHO HAVE MADE SO MANY DREAMS A REALITY
$60,000 - $99,999 Susanna Lachs Adler and Dean Adler Sharyn Berman Nancy and Jamie Better Lisa N. and Lawrence J. Cohen Toby and Leon Cooperman Arthur Dantchik Ann and Jay Davis Judith and Marc Felgoise Tamar and Eric Goldstein Arlene and David Horowitz The Lisa and Michael Leffell Foundation Amy and Michael Morhaime David and Inez Myers Foundation Doug and Robyn Ross Family Foundation Leonard Sherman in Memory of Diane Sherman Leno and Paul Sislin Sharon and Howard Socol Laurie and Sy Sternberg Ruth and Andrew Suzman Joseph and Sarah Weinberg Foundation Nancy and Richard Wolfson
$30,000 - $59,999 Debbie and Mark Attanasio Rosalyn August Robert and Toni Bader Charitable Foundation Becky and Avi Banyasz Lisa and David Barse Bryna and Fred Berman Art and Dahlia Bilger Buller Foundation Donald and Carole Chaiken Foundation
Marci and Jeremy Cohen Pippa Cohen The Dalton Family Fund Dezer Family Foundation Eaton Steel Corporation Bernard Ellman Helgard Field-Lion and Irwin S. Field Jodie and Steven Fishman Amy and Mort Friedkin Valerie J. and Mark A. Friedman Alice and Nathan Gantcher Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Shirley Glass Charitable Lead Trust Paz and Richard Goldberg Susan and Jeffrey Goldenberg Andrea and Laurence Goldfarb Joyce and Irving Goldman Family Foundation Dennis Gralla Doris Greenberg Iris and Igal Hami Susan and Jon Held Larry Heller and Dayna Langfan Hittman Family Foundation Iranian American Jewish Federation of New York Kristin Johnson Karp and Michael Karp Arlene Kaufman and Sanford Baklor Barbara Kay (Z'L) Corie and Michael Koss Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas Lee Betty and John Levin Harriet and Ed Levine The Malkin Family 10
Lexie and Michael Messinger Debra and Eitan Milgram The Mirowski Family Foundation Julie and Ken Moelis Mozel Charitable Trust Rebecca Pidgeon and David Mamet Ina and Murray Pitt Aviva and Eyal Postelnik Alan and Brigitt Potamkin Norman and Lindy Radow Stephen M. Ross Lawrence J. and Anne Rubenstein Foundation Michael B. Rukin Charitable Foundation Saidoff Foresight Foundation Pam and Tony Schneider The Schoenbaum Family Foundation, Inc. Dr. Lee and Susan Schulman Scott Seligman David and Fela Shapell Family Foundation Alisa and Yossi Simsoly Susan and Eric L. Smidt The Snider Foundation Irma and Aaron Spencer The Bley Stein Foundation and Ronald Stein Mona and David Sterling Barry Swidler Lisa and Steven Tananbaum Beth and Alan Waldenberg Scott Weiner Tina and Joe Wolf Andi and Larry Wolfe Richard Yulman Lynn and Nick Zerbib Anonymous (4)
$10,000 - $29,999 William Ackman Alexander Family Foundation Gail Alexander and Ross Davis Martin Alloy Jane and Norman W. Alpert Alpha Epsilon Pi Amy and Robert Arogeti Sara and Leonard Aronson Anne Bakar and Yossi Zadik Michael Baron Irina and Mark Barrocas Brucie and Edward Baumstein Nancy and Scott Beiser Valli Benesch and Robert Tandler The Benevity Community Impact Fund Connie and Don Berg Stefany and Simon Bergson Amy Berk Judith and Howard Berkowitz Bryna and Fred Berman Diane and Jordan Berman Judy and Howard Bernick Amy Bernstein Miriam G. Bernstein Sara and Michael Bernstein Lawrence and Mickey Beyer The Bialer Family Foundation Melinda Bieber and Norman Pozez Marsha and Brian Bilzin Sarah Biser Amy and Jason Blavatt Laurie Blitzer and Sam Levine Penny and Harold Blumenstein Sandra and Robert Borns Brae Burn Country Club Carolyn and David Brodsky Jane and Dennis Carlton 11
Pamela and Sam Chawkin Aubrey and Joyce Chernick Kristen and Rob Clarfeld David and Rhonda Cohen Hannah S. and Samuel A. Cohn Memorial Fund Ruth and Leonard A. Cole Jean and Sandy Colen Mr. and Mrs. Milton Cooper Mrs. Carol and Dr. Lawrence Cooper Judith Creed and Robert Schwartz Steven B. Crystal, The Crystal Family Foundation Christine and Alan Curtis Herman Dana Trust Marvin and Betty Danto Family Foundation Danielle and Gregg Darish Leah and Richard Davis Rosalee and Richard Davison Alyce and Philip de Toledo Nanci and Stephen Dephoure Debra and David Dermer Toby and Neal Deutsch Barak Diskin Patti and Michael Dweck Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg Donald M. Ephraim for the Donald M. Ephraim Foundation Debbie and Jerry Epstein Robert Epstein Haley and Daniel Erem Catherine and John Farahi Susan and Ben Farahi Leslie and David Fastenberg Susan and Leonard Feinstein Foundation Marla and Stewart Feldman Hilary and Joe Feshbach Rachel and David J. Fine
The Sharna and Irvin Frank Foundation Diane and Guilford Glazer Philanthropies Penny M. and Lawrence J. Goodman Herman Goldman Foundation Ellen Feldberg Gordon and Michael Gordon Larry and Beth Greenberg Charles Haar and Suzanne Keller-Haar Charitable Foundation Linda and Jeffrey Hammes Abbe and Lloyd Hascoe Kim and Gary Heiman Mona and Steve Heyer Audrey and Jeffrey Hiller David Himelberg Foundation The Henry and Etta Raye Hirsch Heritage Foundation Brad Hirschfield Lynne and Harold Honickman Mindy and Ron Horowitz HWL Family Foundation Sharon and Phil Jacob Anne and Norman Jacobson Frederika Jacobson The Bernard M. and Audrey Jaffe Foundation Amy and Scott Jaffee Linda Jayaram and David Barish Rachel and Bruce Jeffer & the Harris C. Jeffer Foundation Janet and Marvin Jubas 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 Tati and Ezra Katz The David and Vivienne Kaufman 12 Charitable Trust
Maurice Kaufman Keller-Shatanoff Foundation Joy and Joel Kellman Jan and Randy Kessler Linda and Michael Keston E. Leon Kier Shelly and Howard Kivell Hersch Klaff Arlene and Robert Kogod Dorothy and Sidney Kohl Lisa and Victor Kohn Eydie and Steve Koonin Kooper Fellman Foundation, Howard Kooper and Tom Fellman Krakowski Sisters Richard Kramer Cathy and Stewart Kriegstein Richard Kringstein Cathy Selig Kuranoff and Steve Kuranoff Lynn and Michael Lax Maribelle and Stephen Leavitt Larry Leeds Dr. Ruth and Gerald Legow Lori and Frederic Leif Marcia and Alan Leifer David Leinwand Richard Leventhal and Kathy Leventhal Sabrina and Jahn Levin Carole-Ann and Brahm Levine Ellen and Irwin Levy Judith and Allyn Levy 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
Michael Lowenstein Morton and Eleanor Lowenthal Yohan Lowie Lunder Foundation – Peter and Paula Lunder Family Caroline Fromm Lurie and Rabbi Brian Lurie Daniel Lurie/ Mimi and Peter Haas Fund M & P Foundation Milton and Tamar Maltz Barbara and Robert Margolis Gilda and Robert Marx Fortunee Massuda and Charles Hannon Adrienne and Rick Matros Jill and Paul Meister Sharon and Simon Mendelson Roberta and Joseph Menzin Lynne and Joel Mesznik Allison Metselaar and Jason Hiller Bea and Larry Metzman Gordon Meyer Jack and Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund Carol and Paul Miller Judy and Lester Miller Martha and Larry Miller Robert Miller and Susan Miller David Mitchell Susie and Larry Mondry Keira and Farshad More Morris Family Foundation Sharon and Colin Morris Sheryl and Peter Morrison David Moscow Stanley Moser Jay Myers The New York Mets Foundation Gail and Elliot Norry Jane Novick and David Novick
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Steven Odzer Judy Opper Mark Oren and Nedra Oren Robin Panovka Beth and Gregg Paradies Toni and Ronald Paul Donna and David Pelton Carolyn and Phillip Perelmuter Lisa and Hal Philipson Janet Meyers and Mark Pollak Lezlie and Miguel Poyastro Sharon and Scott Prince J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation Randhill Cemetery Association The Myra Reinhard Family Foundation Brenda and Hal Reiter Richard Weindruch RM2 Foundation Debbie and Clifton Robbins Jill and Mitchell Roberts Leslie and Russ Robinson Judith and Stuart Rohatiner Michelle and Doug Rose Barrie Rosen and Barry Silberzweig Michele and Stan Rosen Barbara and Richard Rosenberg Ruth and Mark Rosenberg Helen T. Ross Judy and Arnie Rubenstein Linda and Lee Rubin Robin and Gary Rubin Debbie and Ricky Rudy David A. and Karen Richards Sachs Jane Dresner Sadaka and Nedim Sadaka Dan Safier Angela and Steven Sall The Samueli Foundation Dr. Claudia and Sandor Samuels
Diane and Lee Sandler Karen and Nathan Sandler Wendy and Neil Sandler Kim and Marty Sands Phylise and Richard Sands Elaine and Norton Sarnoff Phyllis and Gary Schahet Rebecca and Morty Schaja Uri Shabto and Beth Scharfman-Shabto Robert Schuckit Suzanne and Martin Schulman Schultz Family Bobbe Schwartz Kim and Marc Schwartz and Bill Bass Foundation Joyce and Henry Schwob Muriel Scoler Michael Scott Donna and Stewart Senter Diane and Fred Shaftman Jennifer and Bram Shapiro The Shapiro Foundation Faye and Irwin Siegel Philip Sigel Linda and Mark Silberman Barbara and Richard Silverman Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein Klara and Larry Silverstein Michelle and Gary Simon Isador Simon Family Foundation Trust Jill and Sanford Sirulnick Gilda Slifka Rosalyn and Richard Slifka Sara and Joshua Slocum Jennifer and Tony Smorgon Marian Scheuer Sofaer and Hon. Abraham Sofaer Sokolof Foundation
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David M. Solomon/ Goldman Sachs Gives The Samuel and Helene Soref Foundation Susan Sosnick and Robert Levenson Murray Spain Tracey and Shanin Specter Stephanie and Lee Spiegel Tracy and James Sprayregen Nancy Stark and Stanley Lezman Farrel and Steven Starker Nancy Ganz Steir and Mitchell Steir Burton Stern and Barbara Stern Donna and Harvey Sternberg Stewart J. Rahr Foundation Marla and David Susser Swieca Family Roselyne Chroman Swig Israel and Regina Tapoohi Joseph and Arlene Taub Foundation Shelley and Joel Tauber Carol and Norman Traeger Esther and David Vered Keren and Robert Vishny Wagner Family Foundation Lisa and Neil Wallack Audrey Weiner and Jeffrey R. Solomon Marcia and Stewart Weinhoff Steven Weinstein and Ellen Weinstein Melody Howe Weintraub and Jerald Weintraub Elyse and Charles Weisenfeld Paula and Kenneth Weissman Jane and Stuart A. Weitzman Barbara Wertheimer Winn Family Charitable Foundation Karen and Gary Winnick Sue and David Wishnow Walter and Marilyn Wolpin
Anita and Ronald Wornick Judy Yavitz and Mark Jurish Diane and Howard Zack and Family Helen Zalik and David Zalik Robert Zarco Adrianne and Robert Zarnegin Andrew Zaro May and Richard Ziman Etta and Raymond Zimmerman Roy J. Zuckerberg Anonymous (11)
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18
GIV
20
IN
G
TU E S DAY
HT
D
R
AT
TH
ION
BIR
IG
ISRAEL FOU
N
On November 27th, we gathered in New York City for our 5th Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving, celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Unlike the well-known shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday focuses on charity and end-of-year giving. Stylized 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 enough money to send a full group, making this our most successful Giving Tuesday yet. Staff members contributed to the success of this year’s campaign by participating in an organization-wide color war competition which collectively raised nearly $30,000. Any gift donated this year had the chance to be tripled thanks to the 2018 Adelson Challenge. This triple match allowed even the smallest donors to make a difference and help strengthen the Jewish future. Because of its hashtag, #GivingTuesday gets much of its attention and activity on social media platforms. Thanks to outlets like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, we were able to spread awareness of our campaign, reach our target audience and turn “likes” into donations. We announced our participation in Giving Tuesday back in August, urging followers to mark their calendars and save the date. This year, we partnered with Elizabeth Savetsky of Excessories Expert, who shared her Birthright Israel story with her followers. Working with influencers gave us an upper hand and enabled us to reach more supporters that we may not have connected with otherwise. Social media improved this campaign by directly engaging with donors online and allowing us to make it clear how important it is to give the gift of Birthright Israel.
A JOURNEY
“
THAT CHANGED ME FOREVER Before I went on my trip, in the summer of 2009, I knew nothing about Israel. I was so naive and could not have told you where she was on the map. I knew Israel was the only Jewish country, but that was about it. Who knew it was the size of New Jersey! I didn’t know about the innovations in med-tech, sci-tech, global humanitarian aid missions, the culture, the music, the food… I could go on and on. I had no idea what a melting pot Israel was as well! Walking the streets of Jerusalem, I was surrounded by endless cultures of people. I became her biggest fan when I learned that she is the only true Democracy in the Middle East.
Because I didn’t come from a huge Jewish community, once in Israel, it was like nothing else I had ever experienced before; to be surrounded by all these new Jewish friends from around the States. I never thought I would experience the most amazing journey in the most beautiful place in the world.
I could write novels upon novels about how beneficial Birthright Israel is and how this trip changed my life for the better. Growing up, I really didn’t know much about Judaism or my culture. I am 100% Jewish on both sides, but I was not in touch with my roots. 17
There is no other place in the Middle East where all people—regardless of race, religion, sex, etc.—are protected under the legislature. There is only one country, and that is Israel. One of my favorite parts of the trip had to be the day that we climbed Masada and went to the Dead Sea. It was like being on another gorgeous far away planet. Hiking the fortress of Masada in the scorching desert heat is challenging (especially when you take the snake-pit route!) but bathing in the Dead Sea following is the most therapeutic and relaxing experience I’ve ever had! When it was time to go home, I left Israel feeling proud of my heritage, my people and my ancestry. I am so proud of our people — after thousands of years we have beaten the odds and are still here and thriving. Israel is a beacon of light in the Middle East and to learn of all of Israel’s humanitarian work all over the globe is tremendous. We continue to fight for our lives and our right to selfdetermination while providing aid and saving those in need. Israel is truly a G-d send. Birthright Israel changed me forever. The trip completely changed my outlook on the world. To truly appreciate who we are as a people is to understand where we came from and what we’ve been through. We are still fighting for the safety and security of our people today. Determination and perseverance of the Jewish people is an unstoppable force. We have our home back and we are home again. I think that it’s imperative for every young Jew to visit Israel with Birthright Israel—the trip takes young people who may have had no or little exposure to their Jewish identity and throws them directly into a whirlwind adventure so rich in culture, heritage, history and friendships. Visiting Israel made me realize how special we are as a people. I went back to visit two more times since my trip and am planning on returning again this year. I will forever be thankful to Birthright Israel for giving me the most precious gift. For making me truly understand how blessed I am to be a Jew.
“
KATE EPPERS 2009 BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL ALUMNA
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THE TRIP
WHAT IS BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL? WHAT IS AT THE HEART AND SOUL OF BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL? A PROGRAM THAT HAS IMPACTED THE LIVES OF 700,000 PEOPLE SINCE ITS INCEPTION. Birthright Israel offers the gift of an educational trip to Israel for eligible Jewish young adults between the ages 18-26. For the first time since Birthright Israel was founded in 1999, the age of eligibility has been raised to 32, broadening the pool of applicants ready to strengthen their Jewish identity and their relationship to Israel. This trip allows participants to connect to their heritage and homeland, meet people with the same common values, embark on a journey of self-discovery and learn what being Jewish means to them.
THE TRIP IS FOUNDED ON THREE VALUES THAT ARE CENTRAL IN THE JEWISH WORLD: UNITY COMMUNITY MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY
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THE PROJECT ITSELF IS A GIFT FROM THE JEWISH PEOPLE TO ITS YOUNGER MEMBERS BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL IS A JEWISH, EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN ISRAEL WITH THREE MAIN GOALS: CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPANTS TO EXPLORE THEIR JEWISH IDENTITIES STRENGTHEN PARTICIPANTS' CONNECTION TO ISRAEL AND ITS DIVERSE SOCIETY ENSURE THE VIBRANCY OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE WORLDWIDE Birthright Israel’s programs are not structured as “sight-seeing” trips, but rather “insight-seeing” journeys. The sites explored are important, but they serve a much higher purpose – to promote a culture of reflective and critical thinking through dialogue, discussion and the exchange of ideas in meaningful landscapes and supportive climates. “The heart of Birthright Israel is not Masada, it’s not Yad Vashem, it’s not the camels and it’s not the beach. It’s the participant.”
–
Dr. Zohar Raviv
INTERNATIONAL VP OF EDUCATIONAL STRATEGY, BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL
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A YEAR IN REVIEW I’m proud to report to you that in our 18th "Chai" year we broke our own record and sent more than 48,000 participants to Israel! They were welcomed by 8,000 of their Israeli peers who joined them for their educational journeys. It is hard to believe, but in 19 years Birthright Israel has created a sea change in the Jewish world. We have gone from just 2,000 Jewish young adults coming to Israel annually in the mid-1990s to nearly 50,000 per year by 2018. Based on the bold vision of our founders, we have impacted over 700,000 young Jewish lives, including 100,000 Israelis, and we still have much work to do. Throughout Birthright Israel’s history, the demographics of our target audience have drastically shifted. Following our continued success in increasing the quantity of participants in 2018 and previous years, in 2019 we will also focus our investment on improving the quality of the program through the training of our educational staff, to ensure our relevance to Millennials and Generation Z. Furthermore, in 2018, we started new ventures and ran several educational pilots to help us determine the best ways to connect young Jewish adults to their Judaism and the State of Israel.
For instance, feedback has shown that many participants would like free time during their trip. In response to this, we piloted a module on 30% of all trips in summer 2018, that gave participants the opportunity to explore an Israeli city on their own with the help of engaging educational tools. Due to its extraordinary success in winter 2019, the module was offered to 100% of trips. As we look to summer 2019, we intend to work closely with Trip Organizers to build on this success and improve the quality of the tools participants utilize in this module. Birthright Israel has also been working hard on several other new ventures. Our 27-32-year-old pilot program has been very successful, offering thousands of individuals from this age group the gift of a Birthright Israel trip. We have expanded the number of niche trips we offer including trips that focus on culinary, photography, cycling, extreme outdoors, innovation and more. We saw impressive growth in the demand for our Birthright Israel Plus programs that cater to the interests of our participants with subjects such as Judaism and Spirituality, Trekking Throughout Israel, Israeli Cuisine, Fashion, Hebrew and more. Study Abroad trips focused on various topics such as Counter Terrorism,
Diplomacy in the Middle East, People and Perspectives, Archaeology, and Entrepreneurship to name a few. Your generosity has enabled us to reach these unprecedented achievements and to execute these pilot programs, making us the most successful and innovative educational venture in the Jewish world today. 700,000 individual Jewish life-changing experiences are hard to grasp because the impact is so much more than numbers. Birthright Israel is creating a strategic impact that ensures a better, vibrant future for the Jewish people. Thanks to you, we have become a rite of passage for Jewish young adults, and while I may not know what the Jewish world will look like in the next generation, I do know that Birthright Israel will be a central element of the future Jewish DNA.
Gidi Mark, International CEO, Birthright Israel
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IT'S ALL IN THE NUMB 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
BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL PROVIDES AN INCREDIBLE RETURN ON INVESTMENT
ERS
Since inception of the program, Brandeis University has conducted research through the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies with participants upon returning from their trip. The studies measure the long-term effects of Birthright Israel and the participants' 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.
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THE MIFGASH FACTOR Mifgash (encounter), 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 Israelis, most of whom are IDF soldiers, to create bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. On a typical Birthright Israel trip, six to eight young Israelis join the group for a good portion of the 10-day 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 Israelis, 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 Israelis 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.
“In Israel when you’re a soldier, you understand that your life in the army might be hard at times, but you have the option of going on Birthright and everyone gets really excited about it. The moment I heard about Birthright Israel, I really wanted to participate. I woke up on a Friday morning – when you’re a soldier, Friday morning is the best time because you pretty much stay home and it’s not Shabbat yet, so everything is still open – but instead of really enjoying my free time, I took a bus to Jerusalem to meet the Birthright group I’d be joining.
The trip was a starting point in a life experience that I am still undertaking. The American Jews told me about their traditions and their cultures and I told them about mine. Even though we didn’t live in the same place or have the same traditions, we were able to hang out together as brothers and sisters, as part of the same people. I told them very clearly that I cared about Israel, defending the Jewish people and about Birthright Israel – just doing so much for our country – that’s something that they really appreciated. Knowing that they were able to learn from me to be proud of their Jewish heritage and proud of who they are made me a prouder Jew. Made me a more aware Jew. And it’s something that changed me. Those encounters and those meetings make a big difference, and I think they empowered me to become a leader in my own Jewish community.
The funny thing is that they didn’t even know that they were teaching me an important life lesson. In the 21st century, the Jewish people face a challenge: so many Jewish people either aren’t aware or have forgotten about their culture and their heritage. I think what Birthright Israel does is give everybody the opportunity to say “I am part of this people." Being part of this experience makes me excited, makes me want to wake up in the morning and do another trip and engage more Jews. I thought I knew everything about Judaism, but Birthright Israel helped me understand that there is so much to learn and there is so much to do. It doesn’t end when the trip ends – it’s about continuing the community. It’s about defending the values that we really care about. The most important thing that I want to tell the donors who made this trip possible is: Todah. Todah means “Thank You” in Hebrew. The donations and all the hard work that Birthright Israel is putting in will make such a big difference in the lives of so many people. I know that it made my life better. The future of the Jewish people is being written today. Birthright Israel is a major part in writing that future. And I’m more than honored and more than humble to be part of that history. It’s not just 10 days – it’s much more than that.”
- DORON, BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL MIFGASH ALUMNUS
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BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL
FOUNDATION
NEW VENTURES AT
BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL SELF-EXPLORATION
The “Self-Exploration” module provides participants the chance to explore an Israeli city on their own within a structured framework. Trip Organizers are responsible for supplying participants with a map, points of interest and additional tools to encourage engagement with the Israeli streets and people. We aim to strengthen the group experience by empowering the personal journey and allowing for discussion once again within the group setting. We piloted this educational module within the “YourWay” module successfully over the last year, testing it on 30% of the trips. Given its extraordinary success, we aimed to broaden its appearance in group itineraries. In Winter 2019 it was offered to 100% of groups. We will be offering Self-Exploration opportunities during the Summer 2019 trips, while working with each Trip Organizer to ensure the quality of tools they give to the participants in order to "Self-Explore."
NICHE AND POPULATION SPECIFIC TRIPS Niche trips are innovative educational trips reaching out to a special interest group, demographic or cohort. A Niche trip should develop innovative itineraries that incorporate Birthright Israel’s overall thematic and pedagogic standards, while enhancing the program in the relevant areas of interest in an integrative fashion. Niche trips must have four unique components tied to the focus of the trip, the intended population, or a combination of the two. Population Specific trips serve a unique community and do not require special programming and can be implemented through the classic Birthright Israel program. The most popular categories for niche trips were Sport and Extreme, Culinary, Hiking, Art and Culture, and LGBTQ.
27-32 YEAR OLD TRIPS A two-year pilot for trips for young Jewish adults ages 27-32 began in summer 2018 to meet the shifting behavioral patterns of our target population. When Birthright Israel was founded in 1999, the average age of marriage in North America was 26. Accordingly, Birthright Israel set the age range for its participants at 18-26. Today, the average age of marriage in North America is 32 years old. Both the Summer 2018 and Winter 2019 27-32 year old trips saw a record number of participation, exceeding our expectations. We were thrilled to welcome young Jewish adults from North America, Argentina, Former Soviet Union and the UK.
STUDY ABROAD TRIPS Birthright Israel Study Abroad partners with Israeli universities to offer participants a 12 to 14-day program that combines the classic experience with a three-credit academic course. The academic content is taught in an experiential manner, using the landscape of Israel as the backdrop for learning. Students explore Israel based on their personal interests, while building their resumes. During Winter 2019 we had 6 groups in the fields of Counter Terrorism, Hotel Management and Culinary, Multiculturalism in Israel, Archaeology, Innovation, and Sustainability. For Summer 2019 we intend to add two campus-based groups. This will bring us to 8 groups during the summer.
BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL PLUS TRIPS Birthright Israel Plus programs are designed for participants who wish to continue their Birthright Israel journey while remaining in the country. The Birthright Israel Plus program provides added content and experiences, tailored to meet a participant's interests and passions which will serve to enhance the connection forged on their trip to Jewish life and Israel, with the potential to have a remarkable and lasting impact. Birthright Israel Plus programs last between 4-7 days and are open to current participants and all alumni. During winter 2019, Birthright Israel Plus had over 550 registered participants coming from 8 countries (USA, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Russia, UK, Ukraine). We offered 5 programs over 6 sessions, 4 of which were guided in Spanish. This season we are excited to announce a new program called MultiCultural Israel which is being run in conjunction with the Hinam Center for Social 28 Tolerance in Israel.
18TH ANNIVERSARY MISSION TO ISRAEL From June 24–28, 2018, we hosted our 18th Anniversary Mission to Israel and were joined by over 80 supporters who got to see, feel and experience the magic of Birthright Israel. The Mission kicked off with a Havdalah ceremony on the balcony of the Hilton Hotel in Tel Aviv overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The following days were filled with excursions to various sites in the country including The Island of Peace, Independence Hall and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Mission attendees even got to experience a Birthright Israel Mega Event at Sultan's Pool in Jerusalem with over
6,000 trip participants, Mifgash, and community leaders The Mission concluded with special guests peaker, Avi Issacharoff, Co-Creator of the hit Netflix show Fauda. Participants then traveled to the beautiful Beit Andromeda in Jaffa for lunch and an intimate conversation with Birthright Israel Co-Founder, Charles Bronfman, and Founding CEO Shimshon Shoshani.
MISSION CO-CHAIRS Judith & Allyn Levy Saskia & Stephen Siderow Lori Komisar & Morrie Silverman
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54TH ANNUAL
CELEBRATE ISRAEL PARADE
On Sunday, June 3rd, over 200 members of the Birthright Israel family, including staff and alumni, came together to march down Manhattan’s 5th Avenue for the 54th Annual Celebrate Israel Parade in honor of Birthright Israel’s 18th Anniversary. Following the parade, Birthright Israel leadership, alumni, family and friends mixed and mingled at our post-parade soirée. The parade is the largest public event celebrating Israel in the world highlighting Israel’s lively culture, rich heritage, and the positive impact the Jewish state has on the lives of people around the world. With different themes every year, this year’s parade theme was “70 and Sababa (70 and Awesome)!” We were fortunate enough to be joined by our 600,000th participant, Jonathan Lipnicki, actor and producer, who served as the parade’s Honorary Grand Marshal. “I really love the organization and it was such a life-changing experience for me, I support them whole-heartedly!” stated Jonathan Lipnicki in a number of interviews. Lipnicki is just one of hundreds of thousands of young Jewish adults who feel this way about Birthright Israel. Everyone who joined us had an amazing time singing along to Hebrew music, dancing down 5th Avenue, and showing onlookers how important Israel is to the Jewish people in the United States. Our high energy, spirit and support showed that we don’t have to live in Israel to express immense love for, and feel a strong connection to, our homeland. The wide smiles on everyone’s faces truly showed how grateful we are to have our country and how proud we are to be Jewish. 30
EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS JANUARY 2018
Boca Raton
We started 2018 off at the home of Andrea and Mike Leven, with our annual Boca event on Tuesday, January 23. Approximately 45 guests in attendance heard life-changing stories from two local Florida alumnae, Andrea Levine and Sumiko Ruiz Zayon. Mike, a National Board Member, opened and closed the evening, sharing remarks about his connection to Birthright Israel Foundation, and promoting our upcoming 18th Anniversary Mission. We are so thankful to Andrea and Mike for opening their home to us and keeping the Boca community strong and vibrant.
MARCH 2018
Palm Beach
The 2018 event season continued at the beautiful home of Rita and Charles Bronfman, for an incredible evening of celebration in honor of Birthright Israel’s 18th Anniversary “Chai” year. 115 guests attended and enjoyed our program, which featured remarks by Charles, National Board Member Judith Levy, local alumna Sumiko Ruiz Zayon, and special guest speaker Rachel Gerrol, Birthright Israel alumna and National Board Member. The event was followed by an intimate dinner hosted by Charles, at the Palm Beach Country Club, exclusively for Board Members and high-level donors.
SEPTEMBER 2018
Scarsdale
In the beginning of September, Patti and Michael Dweck hosted an event in their home with approximately 70 people in attendance. Our program featured Dean Sysman, a Mifgash alumnus who credits his success in business to his experience on Birthright Israel. Dean was joined by his wife, Elise, whom he met on the trip. Barry Shrage, professor at Brandeis University and past President of CJP of Greater Boston closed the program with a strong ask for support.
Upper Westchester
Later that same month, Lisa and Mark Neporent opened their home to 50 guests in Armonk, New York, for an evening to benefit Birthright Israel Foundation. Benjamin Sklar, a Birthright Israel Excel alumnus and Lone Soldier in the IDF, shared his incredible story. Beth and Alan Waldenberg, Westchester Leadership Council Co-Chairs, also shared why they support Birthright Israel.
OCTOBER 2018
Miami
This past October, the Birthright Israel community in Miami gathered for its third annual event. The evening was hosted in the beautiful DACRA offices in the Miami Design District and featured the personal art collection of Craig Robins, who is the founder and CEO of Dacra Development, co-founder and co-owner of Design Miami and developer of the Miami Design District. The evening program featured special remarks by Craig Robins, Norman Braman, and two exceptional Birthright Israel alumnae, Casey Dresbach and Erin Schrode. Sharon and Howard Socol, event hosts and Miami Leadership Council Co-Chairs, both opened the program with introductions and closed with the call to action. The event was attended by 115 guests. 32
NOVEMBER 2018
Long Island
In early November we hosted our annual Long Island community event at the Ritz-Carlton residences. Our program spotlighted two Birthright Israel alumni, Mifgash participant Lior Navon and Troy Valberg. We had over 40 guests in attendance. We were also joined by Barry Shrage, professor at Brandeis University and past President of CJP of Greater Boston, who closed the program.
Atlanta
We headed South in November to the home of Lindy and Norman Radow in Atlanta, where they hosted 35 people to hear from Birthright Israel Co-founder Charles Bronfman, Mike Leven, National Board Member, Birthright Israel Alumna Erin Schrode as well as Atlanta’s Leadership Council Chair and Birthright Israel National Board Member, Doug Ross. Everyone enjoyed hearing the importance of Birthright Israel from the perspective of the Co-founder, who has been involved since inception. Erin Schrode brought many guests to tears by sharing how her life was and continues to be impacted by the gift of Birthright Israel. The following evening, Ron Eichel hosted a separate gathering in his home. Over 40 guests heard from National Board Members, Mike Leven and Doug Ross, Erin Schrode and Birthright Israel’s International VP of Educational Strategy, Dr. Zohar Raviv. The audience was once again moved by the program’s varying perspectives from our National Board members, alumni, and senior Birthright Israel staff.
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San Francisco Then we headed to San Francisco where we celebrated Birthright Israel’s 18th anniversary at our annual event at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, with Board Member and Birthright Israel alumna, Rachel Gerrol as the special guest speaker. This event was co-hosted by Rabbi Brian Lurie and alumnus Alexander Fromm Lurie, who also shared remarks. Over 160 guests were in attendance.
Los Angeles
Next we traveled to Los Angeles where, again, we celebrated the 18th anniversary of Birthright Israel with the fifth annual LA event, chaired by Jodie and Steven Fishman. More than 230 guests attended which included an incredible mix of alumni, supporters, and passionate lay leadership, including Shawn Evenhaim, National Board Member. Our speakers, Arel Moodie, Birthright Israel alumnus and Barry Shrage, renowned Jewish leader, left everyone wanting to hear more about the impact of Birthright Israel.
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DECEMBER 2018
Palm Springs We kicked off the winter with Joyce and Henry Freund and Jane and Larry Sherman as they hosted 100 guests at the Tamarisk Country Club in Rancho Mirage for an evening to celebrate 18 years of Birthright Israel. Program highlights included a keynote alumnus address from California native and entrepreneur, Adam Mendler as well as remarks by National Board Member Jane Sherman.
Philadelphia
We gathered at the beautiful home of Brucie and Ed Baumstein. Over 50 guests attended our final event of the year. Local Birthright Israel Alumna Sophie Noble shared how her Birthright Israel experience transformed her life. Dan Raviv, former CBS News Correspondent and best-selling author, spoke not only of his professional experience but his experience as a parent of Birthright Israel alumni. National Board Member and Leadership Council Co-Chair, Marjorie Honickman, opened the evening’s program, and Leadership Council Co-Chair, Gail Norry, closed the program with a meaningful memory from her involvement and a strong ask for support.
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OUR 18TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
HONORING DR. MIRIAM AND SHELDON G. ADELSON
On Sunday, April 15th, we held our 18th Anniversary Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. Not only did we celebrate 18 years of Birthright Israel, but also the extraordinary philanthropy of Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson, recipients of the Guardians of the Jewish Future Award. More than 650 guests helped us raise a record-breaking $125 million dollars at this sold-out event. In addition to numerous donations from institutional and individual donors, the Adelson’s surprised guests by contributing a $70 million gift. To date, the Adelson’s have contributed $410 million in support of Birthright Israel. Sheldon Adelson shared:
“Before Israel was founded, my father always said he wished there was a place where Jewish people could live. He always wanted to go, but by the time I could send him, he said he was too old and too sick. I don’t want any kid to say they were too old or too sick to visit Israel.” This exciting and engaging evening was hosted by actor, comedian, and former Saturday Night Live cast member, Jon Lovitz. We heard from our Founders, Charles Bronfman and Michael Steinhardt, who also presented the Guardians of the Jewish Future Award to the Adelsons. Additional speakers included, Birthright Israel Foundation Chairman of the Board Thomas D. Stern, Birthright Israel CEO Gidi Mark, Birthright Israel Foundation President and CEO Izzy Tapoohi, a former Mifgash participant and Rachel Gerrol, Board member and an alumna who participated in the first-ever Birthright Israel trip in 2000. All our speakers beautifully articulated the incredible impact of this program and the responsibility we, as a community, have to ensure the Jewish future. All our alumni who joined us and shared their story proved that this gift has changed their lives forever thanks to the generosity of the Jewish community.
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LEADERSHIP COUNCILS ATLANTA
Eliot Arnovitz Jeremy Becker Lois Blonder Barak Cohen Bennie Cohen Carol Cooper Ann Davis Ron Eichel Larry Frank Sherry Frank Viki Freeman Nancy Galanti Russell Gottschalk Adrian Grant Lisa Greenberg Barry Hyman Hadara Ishak Jon Leven Michelle Leven Shawn Leven Andrew Levin Bernie Marcus** Harry Maziar Larry Miller Matthew Oppenheimer Lynn Oves Beth Paradies Aviva Postelnik Eyal Postelnik Dan Regenstein Doug Ross*# Marc Salzberg Michelle Simon Allen Soden Jesse Wellner
BAY AREA Rabbi Ryan Bauer 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* Rabbi Jessica Zimmerman-Graf
LONG ISLAND Heather Balizer Marc Balizer Barbara Cooper Steven Cooper Ned Dorman Jonathon Held Susan Held Stewart Hescheles David Horowitz Mindy Horowitz Amy Jaffee Scott Jaffee Michael Lax Jahn Levin Sabrina Levin Patricia Loeb David Pelton Rebecca Schaja Susie Schulman Wendy Shenfeld# Amy Smith Scott Smith David Sterling Barry Swidler* Carol Swidler
LOS ANGELES Donna Bender Nancy Beiser Scott Beiser Betsy Berger Dahlia Bilger Arthur Bilger William Comanor Richard Entin Helgard Field Irwin Field Jodie Fishman* Steve Fishman* Marsha Jacks Susan Kane Corie Koss Michael Koss
Aaron Leff Simon Mendelson Robert Meth Michael Messinger Farshad More Zev Opos Arline Pepp Buddy Pepp Paul Reitzin Jay Sanderson Michael Scott Jeffrey Seltzer Kamyar Shabani Robin Shatz Auna Simon Joel Simon Carol Stein
MIAMI Les Adler Evelyn Drezner Behar Joe Victor Behar Robert Berrin Nancy Luria Cohen Steve Gretenstein Rav Daniel Hadar Stuart Rohatiner Elena Salomon Sheree Savar Sydney Schaecter Linda Schechter Howard Socol* Sharon Socol*
MIDWEST Michael Anisfeld Joseph Frank Alan Goldberg Harold Kaplan Daniel Klionsky Lori Komisar*# David Lerner Andy Lucas David Ritter Brian Shaw* Robert Schuckit Leonard Sherman Kenneth Stolman
NEW ENGLAND Sara Aronson# Sara Bernstein Debbie Cable* Gregg Darish
Mark Friedman Dan Guttell Judith Levy+ Marc Lowenthal Roberta Menzin Adam Newman Suzanne Priebatsch Jill Roberts Jonathan M. Sandler Sharon Shane Anne Sternlicht
Corey Dicker Adam Ginsberg Maurice Kaufman Robert Kempner Michelle Levine Jenna Pfeffer Chad Schwartz Amanda Shane Kyle Shenfeld Samantha Wenig
NEW YORK CITY
PALM BEACH/ SOUTH PALM BEACH
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 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 Alex Berman Eddie Chabbott
Sara Aronson# Linda Berns David Brodsky Charles Bronfman+ Debbie Cable Nathaniel Dalton Barbara Danenberg Hal Danenberg Nanci Dephoure Stephen Dephoure Meryl Gallatin Rani Garfinkle Gayle Gross* Barbara Kay* (Z'L) Judith Levy*# Brahm Levine Ed Levine Susan Pertnoy Bobbe Schwartz Gilda Slifka Judy Swartz Etta Zimmerman
PHILADELPHIA Alix Ablaza Madlyn Abramson+ Rabbi Zev Baram Ed Baumstein Connie Berg Bryna Berman Sharyn Berman Abby Cohler Michael Cohler Cindy Dannenbaum Rabbi Isabel de Koninck Judith Felgoise Alison Garber Harvey Goldberg Brett Goldman Marjorie Honickman*# Susanna Lachs Adler
Rabbi Daniel Levitt Mark Levy Paulina Marcucci Gail Norry* Beth Reisboard Rachel Satinsky Susan Schwartz Joy Stember Rabbi Michael Uram Nancy Wolfson Andrew Yaffe
SOUTHWEST David Barish Allen Bodzy* Leonard Friedman Evan Gremont Sarah Golman Suzanne Jacobson Stuart Prescott Carol Silverberg Louri Sullivan
WESTCHESTER
Lisa Barse* David Barse* Eileen Bloom Jeremy Cohen Thomas Fleisch Alex Greene Lori Greene Ellen Horing Mark Jurish Annie Kramer Barry Kramer Jane Och Linda Plattus Seth Plattus Tina Price Heidi Rieger Barrie Rosen Tara Rutman Morgan Rutman Barry Silberzweig Stephanie Spiegel Alan Waldenberg* Beth Waldenberg* Wendy Wright Lynn Zerbib Nick Zerbib *Chair **Honorary Chair +Honorary Member #Board Member
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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 Federation of Cincinnati Jewish Federation of Columbus Jewish Federation of Delaware Jewish Federation of the Desert Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton 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 Rochester Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle Jewish Federation of Greater St. Paul Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Federation of Nashville & Middle Tennessee Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York Jewish Federation of San Antonio Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona Milwaukee Jewish Federation Savannah Jewish Federation Shalom Austin- Jewish Federation of Greater Austin The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
$500,000-$999,999 Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles
$100,000-$499,999 Combined Jewish Philanthropies Greater Miami Jewish Federation Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, Peninsula, Marin & Sonoma Counties Jewish Federation of Cleveland Jewish Federation of Greater Houston Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit The Associated: Jewish Community Fed. of Baltimore The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
$50,000-$99,999 Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest NJ Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh 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
LESS THAN $2,999
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 Central Massachusetts Jewish Federation of Central New York Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County New York Jewish Federation of Greater Portland Jewish Federation of Jacksonville Jewish Federation of Louisville Jewish Federation of Madison Jewish Federation of Omaha Jewish Federation of Pinellas & Pasco Counties Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
Augusta Jewish Federation Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation Fall River United Jewish Appeal Greensboro Jewish Federation Jewish Community Alliance of Northeastern Pennsylvania Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine Jewish Federation of Arkansas Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids Jewish Federation of New Mexico Jewish Federation of Peoria Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities Jewish Federation of Springfield, Illinois Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler Counties, Inc. The Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks
*This listing includes local Federations within the United States. The Federations listed are those who have made their payment within the 2018 calendar year. The annual allocations from Canadian Federations are directed to Birthright Israel Foundation of Canada.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DIRECTORS
Thomas D. Stern CHAIR J. Philip Rosen VICE CHAIR Stephen M. Siderow VICE CHAIR Douglas M. Ross TREASURER Sander Levy Mark Charendoff Lori Komisar Joshua Nash EX-OFFICIO*
Sara Aronson Laurie Blitzer Joel Citron Lawrence J. Cohen David Engel EX-OFFICIO* Shawn Evenhaim Rachel Cohen Gerrol Joel Greenberg Marjorie Honickman David Koonin Harry Krakowski Michael A. Leven Judith A. Levy Marlene Post Jeanie Schottenstein Wendy Gould Shenfeld Jane F. Wilf
HONORARY BOARD 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
* Non-voting
MANAGEMENT TEAM Israel Tapoohi President & CEO Jessica Feldan Chief Development Officer S. David Shapiro Chief Financial Officer
DEVELOPMENT
OPERATIONS
Allyson Greenbaum Vice President, Central Region Carole-Ann Levine Vice President, Southeast Region Art Paikowsky Vice President, Western Region Jayne Rosengarten Vice President, Northeast Region Diane Romirowsky Vice President, Principal Gifts Lorraine Kaikow Associate Vice President, Institutional Giving Adina Kissner Director, Events
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
PROFESSIONAL STAFF Rachel Altfield Andria Aylyarov Andrew Bernstein Hilary Bloch Susan Brent Millner Joyce Chen PJ Cherrin Roxana Chiriac Nalani Daniel Benji Davis Deborah Dolgin
Jonathan Dugal Margot Ettlinger Deborah Fuld Mirit Gendelman Perri Ginsberg Alexandra Gluck Caryn Gold Sean Hallerud Diane Hiller Laura Kassen Sara Klein
Elizabeth Klein Marissa Levey Stacey Levit Cruz Marina Markina Kristen May Libi Michelson Jana Neil Jenna Neulander Stuart Newberg Eleanor Reis
Dawn Saidel Ginger Sands Diane Scherer Sarah Schreiber Sarah Schugel Judy Secunda Margaux Streep Jason Thompson Irina Topuzis Ben Wan 44
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Cash held in escrow Accounts receivable - net Prepaid expenses and other assets Investments Fixed assets - net TOTAL ASSETS
$ 21,311,142 242,267 12,521,750 716,442 29,005 274,095 $ 35,094,701
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued expenses Due to BRI International Accounts payable - shared services Accrued severance Deferred revenue Capital leases payable Obligations to annuitants Deferred rent TOTAL LIABILITIES
$ 1,321,189 772,879 6,809 231,846 168,200 26,627 126,986 68,113 2,722,649
NET ASSETS Unrestricted: Undesignated Board designated Total unrestricted Temporarily restricted Permanently restricted
13,742,414 4,500,000 18,242,414 13,129,638 1,000,000
TOTAL NET ASSETS
32,372,052
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
$ 35,094,701
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 REVENUES AND OTHER SUPPORT Contributions Interest Realized gain (loss) on donated securities TOTAL REVENUES AND OTHER SUPPORT
$ 96,834,324 74,225 (250) 96,908,299
EXPENSES Program expenses Educational trips Post programming TOTAL PROGRAM SERVICES Supporting Services Management and general Fundraising
78,929,396 1,093,454 80,022,850
4,233,465 9,546,678
TOTAL SUPPORTING SERVICES
13,780,143
TOTAL EXPENSES
93,802,993
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS NET ASSETS - BEGINNING OF YEAR NET ASSETS - END OF YEAR
3,105,306 29,266,746 $ 32,372,052
The statements of Financial Position and of Activities were derived from the 2017 audited financial statements of the Birthright Israel Foundation. A copy of the audited financial statements and form 990 for 2017 are available on our website. Our independent auditor is Grant Thornton. 46
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2018 (UNAUDITED) REVENUES AND OTHER SUPPORT Contributions Investments and other income TOTAL REVENUES AND OTHER SUPPORT
$ 121,802,000 184,000 121,986,000
EXPENSES Program Services Supporting Services TOTAL EXPENSES CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
80,540,000 15,996,000 96,536,000 $ 25,450,000
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CONTACT US FOUNDATION MAILING ADDRESS Birthright Israel Foundation P.O. Box 21615 New York, NY 10087
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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BIRTHRIGHTISRAEL.FOUNDATION
711 THIRD AVENUE, 10TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10017