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Birthright Israel announced the launch of its 2025/26 winter season, the organization’s first since the end of the war in Gaza. The new season signals a strong resurgence in global interest in visiting Israel despite a complex international climate.

Running through March 2025, the winter season is expected to bring over 300 groups from around the world, totaling approximately 10,000 participants, most of them young Jewish adults. About 5,000 participants will take part in Birthright Israel’s traditional 10-day educational trip, while others will join volunteering programs, community engagement initiatives, and internship opportunities across the country.

Participants this season will arrive from 40 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, and Argentina. Roughly 50% of all tours will take place in Israel’s northern and southern regions, supporting communities and local businesses through educational activities and volunteer service.

Since October 7, Birthright Israel has already brought more than 43,000 participants on its various programs. Notably, 95% of all young adults who visited Israel on an educational trip in the past year did so through Birthright Israel.

Since its founding, Birthright Israel has become one of the most influential Zionist initiatives of the 21st century, with over 900,000 alumni worldwide.

“Birthright Israel is the strongest bridge young Jews have today to deepen their identity, strengthen their resilience, and build a personal understanding of Israel,” said Gidi Mark, International CEO of Birthright Israel. “Participants return home with greater confidence, a stronger sense of belonging, and a circle of new Jewish friends who continue to shape their lives and communities. In a moment when Jewish unity is essential, Birthright’s role has never been more vital.” n

After 27 Years Of Service, Birthright Israel Executive Vice President Elizabeth Sokolsky To Step Down Next Year

Birthright Israel announced that Elizabeth (Liz) Sokolsky, Executive Vice President of Birthright Israel North America, will retire in 2026, marking the conclusion of a remarkable 27-year tenure with the organization.

Sokolsky has been part of Birthright Israel since the program’s launch in 1999, initially joining as Vice President of Education and Operations for North America. Over the past decade, she has served as Executive Vice President, shaping the organization’s strategy, programming, and educational impact across the continent.

A Jewish communal professional for 30 years, Sokolsky has dedicated her career to strengthening Jewish identity, leadership, and community engagement. She began in experiential Jewish education as Assistant Director of BBYO in Montreal, then spent three years overseeing youth and teen programs at the Ottawa Jewish Community Center. In Toronto, she spent nine years at the JCC, culminating as Branch Director, and later served as National Director of BBYO Canada for three years.

In 1996, Sokolsky became the National Executive Director of the newly established Canada Israel Experience, significantly expanding Israel educational programs for Canadian teens and young adults. Three years later, she joined Birthright Israel, guiding the program through decades of growth and global influence.

“On behalf of myself and everyone at Birthright Israel, I want to express our heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to Liz for her 26 years of visionary leadership and dedicated service to the Jewish people,” said Gidi Mark, International CEO of Birthright Israel. “Her work has shaped the experiences of hundreds of thousands of young adults and strengthened Jewish identity across North America and beyond.”

“Birthright Israel has been a gift not only to the more than 900,000 participants who have experienced its lifelong impact, but also to those of us entrusted with carrying forward its mission,” said Sokolsky. “Over 26 years, I have witnessed participants arrive in Israel as individuals and leave with a stronger sense of identity, connection, and belonging. Working alongside my inspiring and dedicated colleagues, our thoughtful stakeholders who continually bring wisdom and perspective, and our generous donors has been a continual reminder of the power of collective purpose.”

Birthright Israel has partnered with Sandler Search to recruit the organization’s next Executive Vice President for Birthright Israel North America. 

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