Birthright

Jewish-American speedskater, four-time Olympian Emery Lehman wins silver in Winter Olympics

Lehman has said he plans to retire from speedskating after the 2026 Olympics.

(L-R) Silver medalist Ethan Cepuran, Casey Dawson and Emery Lehman of Team United States celebrate on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Speed Skating Men's Team Pursuit on day eleven of the Milano Cortina 2026, February 17, 2026.
Demonstrators hold US and Israeli flags during a rally in Central Park marking 150 days since hostages were taken in attack on Israel on March 10, 2024 in New York City.

We backed Birthright. Now it’s time for more big ideas for a post-Oct. 7 world - opinion

Welcoming guests.

Spirit of Herzl: Central Jerusalem hotel with history, comics, and charm

Newly arrived visitors from the US.

Birthright gears up for winter as 10,000 visitors expected in Israel, from America to Europe


Birthright Israel sees 40% drop in Diaspora participants

Budget cuts, Covid-19 and the "government's attitude towards Birthright Israel" have resulted in a dramatic change in participation.

 BIRTHRIGHT PARTICIPANTS gather in Jerusalem for a mega-event in 2017.

Birthright Israel: Making trips accessible for Jews with disabilities

Thanks to the committed efforts of many players, Birthright is becoming increasingly accessible to any Jewish young adult who wants to experience the country.

 THE BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL group of challenged young adults arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport in Feburary.

Birthright Israel's contract hasn't been extended by Israeli gov't

The Diaspora Affairs minister is typically in charge of Birthright on behalf of the government, but the current Minister, Amichai Chikli, hasn't received this mandate yet.

Birthright participants and IDF soldiers during a visit to Israel before the pandemic.

US orgs meet to aid educational trips to Israel

The diverse group included representation from dozens of organizations, from Birthright-Israel to Chabad on Campus International to the Christian Passages organization.

 Eric Fingerhut introduced a meeting of the IETA with Minister Amichai Chikli.

Birthright Israel considering canceling all camel rides during Israel trips - exclusive

The often highly-anticipated tourist activity of riding camels may come to an end for Birthright Israel participants.

A CAMEL enjoys a salad in the Negev’s Ramat Arad vineyard.

First Ukrainian Birthright group since war arrives in Adelson private jet

For some of the participants, it is the first time they have left Ukraine since the Russian invasion.

 Dr. Miriam Adelson and Gidi Mark with the group, right after landing at Ben Gurion International Airport.

An inspired partnership to employ autistic adults

An innovative new method to help adults with autism engage in society.

 MOBILEYE EMPLOYEES who are part of the Shekel partnership at work.

2023 is a New Year for Birthright Israel - opinion

Birthright may not be magic, but it’s a magnet that pulls the sparks inside the next generation toward Israel and the Jewish people. 

 BIRTHRIGHT PARTICIPANTS visit the Western Wall for the first time as part of their free tour (Illustrative).

Amichai Chikli must help Israelis understand Diaspora Jews - opinion

Israel needs to send people to get to know Diaspora Jews all over the world, and to learn about the challenges they face.

 DIASPORA AFFAIRS Minister Amichai Chikli will have to fight in the government on behalf of Jewish communities all over the world, says the writer.

Taglit Birthright: Coming to terms with my Jewish identity in 10 days

I realized, finally, maybe for the first time in my life, that, yes, I want to continue the Jewish family; and, no, I am not practicing Judaism because it’s all I’ve ever known but because I want to.

 Members of the Taglit Birthright delegation in 2019.