Birthright Israel Foundation Announces Launch of the ‘Fund for The Jewish Future’ with A $25 Million Legacy Gift from Charles Bronfman
Birthright Israel Foundation announced the launch of the Birthright Israel Fund for the Jewish Future, a legacy initiative aimed at growing its endowment, to ensure the transformative programs connecting young adults to their Jewish identity and Israel are available for generations to come.
The Foundation is honored to announce that philanthropist and co-founder of Birthright Israel, Charles Bronfman, has made a legacy commitment of $25 million to support this new initiative.
“Birthright Israel Foundation is dedicated to building a robust endowment to ensure the growth and sustainability of our essential programs for generations to come,” said Elias Saratovsky, President and CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation. “With $80 million already committed from 100 donors, we invite you to join this transformative effort. Including a bequest to the endowment ensures that your legacy will provide vital financial support for Birthright Israel well into the future.”
Bronfman, honorary chair of the Birthright Israel Fund for the Jewish Future, stated that 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?” said Bronfman.
“By making a legacy commitment, you’re making a lasting investment that will strengthen and empower the Jewish people for years to come. 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.”
Bronfman has also expressed his deep pride in his involvement with Birthright Israel. “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 to 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.
A legacy gift is a commitment made through an estate plan to support an organization’s endowment. Birthright Israel Foundation has established the Birthright Israel 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 over $600 billion in support for Jewish and Israeli organizations.