Birthright, a Jewish Experience

COMMUNITY

By Lauren Rickoff , Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

Staci Fortun on her Birthright trip to Israel (Far Right).

For more than 20 years, Birthright Israel, a transformational Jewish experience, has become synonymous with travel to Israel. Since its inception in 1999, hundreds of thousands of young Jews have experienced Israel with their peers, connecting to the people, the history, and the culture of the Jewish homeland. This memorable opportunity was founded by philanthropists with a vision to create a game-changer in the Jewish world, a program that would allow young people access to their homeland for free, and connect them to their Judaism. We are proud that our support of Birthright provides a life changing trip for young Jews from ages 18 to 32. In addition, the trip is supported by the State of Israel, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and private philanthropists. The program seeks to ensure the future of the Jewish people by creating a long-lasting connection with Israel, while encouraging participants to take an active role within their Jewish community.

Staci Fortun, current BRIDGES Leadership Development Initiative participant said, “Going on Birthright made Israel a community for me. It became more about the people and the friendships than a mysterious place so far away. There is no question that without Birthright, I would not be the same Jewish woman I am today.”

Birthright brings Jews from across the world together, making the world feel more connected.

“During the height of the pandemic, the Federation off ered a virtual tour of Israel. Little did I know I would be participating in a virtual tour with the same tour guide who led me through Israel on Birthright. It brought to light how full circle Federation was in my life. His name is Ami Braun and he is a friend I'll never forget,” said Oleg Fortun, another current BRIDGES participant.

As an alum of Birthright, I felt the program had a signifi cant infl uence on my own life. I returned from my trip committed to my Judaism. I signed up for Hebrew lessons so I would feel more comfortable in synagogue, which led to my Bat Mitzvah at the age of 25. I turned what was a job in Jewish communal work into a career in philanthropic development, and most importantly, my husband and I are raising our daughter to be proud of her Judaism. I hope that she will have the opportunity to travel to Israel one day with her peers.

In addition to Birthright, the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida off ers a variety of other Israel and overseas experiences. These include Masa Israel, Entwine, Teen Exchange, and Tikkun Olam. For more information, contact info@jewishjacksonville.org or (904) 4��-5000.

JFCS HOSTS VIRTUAL TOURS TO MARK HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Family & Community Services

Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 26 and 27 with a special event off ering virtual tours of the Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery.

The online program provided a creative and COVID-safe way to mark this year’s remembrance and help educate the community during the ongoing pandemic. More than 2,200 people watched one of the two programs live, or afterwards on video, including more than 560 students representing 15 diff erent area schools.

JFCS CEO Colleen Rodriguez provided the introduction for each of the two virtual tours, and the gallery’s guest curator, Hope McMath, gave a preview of the new exhibit: Art in the Holocaust.

A highlight of the event featured interactive conversations with local Holocaust survivor, Morris Bendit, and two speakers, Irene Jaff a and Gloria Einstein, who are both members of our second-generation group, "Memories of the Holocaust: Sharing Family Stories."

“Almost daily, we meet people who haven’t heard of the Holocaust and don’t understand what happened during that period in history,” Rodriguez said. “We continue to build relationships and come to know our survivors, and encourage them to tell their stories, so the Holocaust doesn’t happen again.”

Donors including the Frisch Family, Florida Blue, The Dr. Larry and Kathy Kanter Art Fund, the Theodore and Pauline Cohen Charitable Trust, and others, allow JFCS to continue to educate the entire community through art. If you would like to learn more about our new exhibit or the Holocaust Education program, visit https://jacksonvilleholocaustmemorial. com.

JFCS is a benefi ciary of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida. Their funding helps support several of the programs and opportunities we provide for the Jewish Community. 17