Birthright Israel officially launched its summer session this week, welcoming the first groups of U.S. participants as the season gets underway in full force. Running from mid-May through September, the program expects to bring more than 20,000 Jewish adults from across the United States, Canada and 30 additional countries.
Participants will arrive from countries including France, Argentina, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, India, Russia and Ukraine.
Birthright Israel is actively working to arrange alternative flights for participants affected by recent airline schedule changes. Despite these unexpected disruptions, the organization remains fully committed to welcoming all participants as planned and ensuring a successful season.
This summer also marks a significant increase in student participation. In total, more than 30,000 participants are expected to join Birthright Israel’s various programs throughout 2025—a 60% increase compared to 2024, when close to 20,000 young Jewish adults took part. Notably, Birthright Israel accounted for 87% of all young Jews who traveled to Israel through educational programs last year.
“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 CEO Gidi Mark.
This milestone-filled summer coincides with Birthright Israel’s 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter-century of impact as the world’s largest educational tourism organization. Since its founding, the organization has provided more than 900,000 young Jewish adults with the gift of a 10-day educational journey through Israel, as well as internships, fellowships and volunteer opportunities —deepening Jewish identity, strengthening communities, and forging lifelong connections to the land and people of Israel.
“I’m excited to explore my culture here in Israel through many different lenses and to experience a society built to accommodate my Jewish identity,” said Evan Fennessey, a Florida State University student who arrived on May 19 with the first Birthright group from the United States.
The gift of a Birthright Israel experience is made possible through the support of tens of thousands of donors to Birthright Israel Foundation (U.S.), Birthright Israel Foundation of Canada, and in partnership with Jewish communities around the world and the government of Israel.
