Jim Joseph Foundation Awards $10 million to Birthright Israel Foundation

September 21st, 2016

Grant will subsidize trips as Birthright Israel continues to raise the quality of educational experience

New York, NY — The Jim Joseph Foundation today announced a $10 million grant to Birthright Israel Foundation (BRIF). This is the largest total gift the Foundation has awarded to Birthright Israel, which will be paid out over three years. The award will subsidize Birthright Israel experiences for young adults from North America, and comes as BRIF continues to increase the breadth and depth of the Birthright Israel educational experience. More than 45,000 North American young adults are expected to participate in Birthright Israel next year, which will bring the total number of participants to more than half a million since 2000.

“Birthright Israel is without a doubt one of the greatest innovations to come out of the Jewish philanthropic community,” says Al Levitt, President and Chair of the Jim Joseph Foundation. “The ten day experience can influence a lifetime—igniting deep connections among young adults between each other, Israel, and the Jewish people. We are committed to supporting Birthright Israel shape a vibrant Jewish future and engage even more young adults.”

This is the 11th major grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation to BRIF for trip support; the first grant was awarded in 2006. The per year totals of this grant also represent a significant increase from the previous grants, indicative of the strong and growing relationship between BRIF and the Foundation.

Studies conducted by the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University show the positive influence Birthright Israel has on young adults, including:

  • Nearly 3 out 4 participants called their Birthright Israel trip a “life-changing experience;”
  • Participants are 42% more likely to feel “very much” connected to Israel compared to individuals who did not go on the program; and
  • Nearly 30% of all participants returned to Israel after their trip.

“In the last 16 years Birthright Israel has sent more than 500,000 young Jewish adults to Israel and we continuously strive to be innovative and relevant to our participants and the world we live in,” said Joshua Nash, Chair, Birthright Israel Foundation. “With additions like the Innovation Center in Tel Aviv and our wide array of niche trip offerings we know this gift will continue to impact the Jewish community for generations to come.”

 

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