Birthright Israel Foundation announces the launch of the Birthright Israel “Fund for the Jewish Future,” a legacy initiative aimed at growing its endowment to ensure that the transformative programs connecting young adults to their Jewish identity and Israel are available for generations to come.
Charles Bronfman, philanthropist and co-founder of Birthright Israel, has made a legacy commitment of $25 million to support the initiative.
Bronfman, honorary chair of the Birthright Israel Fund for the Jewish Future, said his gift reflects his commitment to the future of the Jewish people and serves as an example for the entire community. “Birthright Israel is the most important educational program in the Jewish world, and it must continue. It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure its long-term success. Legacy is about what you leave behind—did you make a difference? Did you create something meaningful for your children, grandchildren, and your people?” he posed.
“By making a legacy commitment, you’re making a lasting investment that will strengthen and empower the Jewish people for years to come,” he continued. “If you take pride in being Jewish and feel a connection to our community, don’t hesitate to express it—take action to support it.”
A legacy gift is a commitment made through an estate plan to support an organization’s endowment.
Bronfman has also expressed his deep pride in his involvement with the program since its inception in 1999: “Birthright Israel is one of those phenomena that happen once in a generation. To witness its success makes me feel absolutely wonderful.”
He now seeks to take the next step in his commitment to the State of Israel and the next generation of Jewish young adults, believing that Birthright Israel’s life-changing programs must be sustained, and that ensuring financial support is a collective responsibility.
“Charles’ $25 million legacy gift will help ensure that countless Jewish young adults, including many second-generation participants, continue to benefit from this transformative Israel experience,” said Elias Saratovsky, president and CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation.
Birthright Israel Foundation has established the “Fund for the Jewish Future” to ensure the program’s enduring impact. According to the Jewish Future Pledge, over the next 25 years, more than $65 trillion will be transferred to the next generation with Jewish donors expected to direct approximately 20% of that wealth to charitable causes—resulting in more than $600 billion in support for Jewish and Israeli organizations.
