Birthright Israel Foundation – Celebrates 25 Years with Alumni

May 27, 2025 by Sue Weston

By The Jewish Voice And Opinion Staff

Birthright Israel celebrated turning 25 years with NYC alumni and supporters filling The Ivory Peacock in New York on May 14. The event recognized Birthright’s success at providing young Jewish adults with opportunities for transformative and immersive experiences in Israel.

Since its inception, over 900,000 young Jewish adults from 70 countries have participated in the Birthright Israel programs. Andria Aylyarov, Birthright Israel Foundation’s Vice President of Donor Experience, set our expectations for the future.“As Birthright Israel Foundation kicks off the next 25 years, we want our alumni at the forefront of our mission.”

Young Professional Taking the Helm

The evening showcased the talented alumni, beginning with a welcome by Alexa Schwab, who introduced the NYC 25th Anniversary Alumni Host Committee, which consisted of about 30 young alumni who, like herself, are dedicated to shaping the future of our Jewish story. “Birthright Israel isn’t just a free trip—it’s a life-changing journey’ establishing a strong connection with Jewish identity.

Schwab was followed by two alumni who are vocal advocates for Israel. Adela Cojba, a Mexican-born author, podcaster, and Zach Sage Fox (Comic, Actor, Writer, Producer, Journalist, UPenn Alum, PROUD JEW). They shared how they were transformed from their Birthright experiences. Zach’s bold advocacy and Adela’s national leadership reminded us that our voices matter now more than ever.

Alexa Schwab with Adela Cojba, podcaster, and Zach Sage Fox

The enthusiasm and energy from these alumni was electric. We spoke with many attendees, some of whom had returned to lead tours (one had led over 45 groups). They all spoke about the friendships they had made on the trip, and many spoke of meeting other alumni on the UWS of New York. They all agreed that Birthright was a game changer, giving them a connection to their Jewish identity.

Alumni events, like these, provide opportunities for networking and building stronger connections to Israel. These professionals are each a Birthright success story.

Birthright Israel trips are made possible through innovative partnerships between Jewish philanthropists, Jewish communities and Federations, the people of Israel through the Government of Israel, tens of thousands of alumni, their families, and individual donors from around the world. Birthright is not a one-way street. Since the program’s inception, Birthright Israel trips have contributed over $2.3 billion to Israel’s economy.

The Birthright Magic

The Birthright magic is its ability to forge connections, creating bonds between participants and a lasting connection to Israel. For many participants, Birthright was their first trip to Israel. We attended the event, chatted with the alumni, and each had a different story, but the results were similar. They returned from the Birthright experience trip changed, with friendships that would last a lifetime, and having discovered their Jewish identities (54%). A poll of alumni 85% said that Birthright was a life-changing experience, 100% were very connected to Israel, even 20 years after their trip, and 35% have returned to Israel since their trip.

Birthright is a movement, not a moment. As these young professionals take the helm, radiating optimism, Jewish Pride, and a love of Israel, they will become a powerful force combating the climate of negativity and rising antisemitism. Birthright offers hope for the future, giving participants a connection and Jewish identity through shared experiences with program participants and Israelis. These bonds provide the foundation and knowledge necessary to withstand the social pressure. There has been a clear increase in Birthright participants throughout 2025.

“Now more than ever, it’s important for young Jews to experience Israel firsthand — to connect with the people, understand the complexity, and see the reality beyond the headlines. Today, Birthright is more than just the famous 10-day trip — we offer a range of opportunities for Jews aged 18 to 50 to engage with Israel in meaningful ways,” said Gidi Mark, CEO, Birthright Israel. In addition to providing their iconic 10-day trips, Birthright offers internships, academic studies, and fellowships through Onward Israel, as well as opportunities to participate in the Excel Fellowship or to volunteer.