Birthright Israel officially launched its Summer 2025 season today, greeting the first groups of participants from the United States as trips begin in full force. Running from mid-May through September, the program is set to bring more than 20,000 young Jewish adults from the U.S., Canada, and over 30 additional countries.
This summer also marks a significant rise in student participation. In total, more than 30,000 individuals are expected to join Birthright Israel programs in 2025 — a 60% increase from 2024, when nearly 20,000 young Jewish adults took part. Last year, Birthright accounted for 87% of all young Jews who traveled to Israel through educational programs.
Participants will arrive from around the globe, including France, Argentina, Brazil, the United Kingdom, India, Russia, Ukraine, the Netherlands, and many others.
In response to recent disruptions in airline schedules, Birthright Israel is actively coordinating alternative travel arrangements to ensure all participants arrive as planned. Despite these challenges, the organization remains fully committed to delivering a successful and seamless experience for every attendee.
“Now more than ever, it’s important for young Jews to experience Israel firsthand — to connect with its people, understand its complexity, and see the reality beyond the headlines,” said Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel. “Today, Birthright is more than just the iconic 10-day trip — we offer a wide array of opportunities for Jews aged 18 to 50 to engage with Israel in meaningful and personal ways.”
This landmark summer coincides with Birthright Israel’s 25th anniversary, celebrating 25 years of impact as the world’s largest educational tourism organization. Since its founding, the organization has provided over 900,000 young Jewish adults with transformative experiences in Israel — from classic 10-day tours to internships, fellowships, and volunteer programs — deepening Jewish identity, strengthening communities, and building enduring connections to Israel.
“I’m excited to explore my culture here in Israel from many different perspectives and to experience a society that embraces my Jewish identity,” said Evans Fennessey, a Florida State University student from Orlando, who arrived with the first U.S. group of the season.
The Birthright Israel experience is made possible thanks to the generosity of tens of thousands of donors through the Birthright Israel Foundation (U.S.), the Birthright Israel Foundation of Canada, and in partnership with Jewish communities worldwide and the Government of Israel.
