IsraelCast Episode 123

If you’ve been a young Jewish adult or have raised one in the last twenty two years, chances are that you’ve heard of Birthright—a once-in-a-lifetime odyssey to the land of Israel. Since 1999, Birthright Israel Foundation has gifted more than 750,000 young Jewish adults from over 68 countries with this ten day trip to their ancestral homeland. This, in turn, has ensured a vibrant future of the Jewish people by strengthening their Jewish identities, communities and connections to Israel. According to a study at Brandeis University, Birthright alumni are 93% more likely to feel very connected to Israel than non-participants while 84% ultimately raised their children Jewish! Tune into this week’s episode of IsraelCast as host Steven Shalowitz sits down with the President and CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation, Israel “Izzy” Tapoohi, to discuss the crucialness of gifting young Jewish adults with this trip to Israel and why it has such a positive, long-lasting impact on its participants.

Born in Israel and raised in Australia, Israel “Izzy” Tapoohi has built an illustrious career since graduating from University of Melbourne with a degree in Economics, Business Administration & Accounting. Prior to joining Birthright Israel Foundation as their President and CEO, he held the same title at Israel Bonds, which generated more than $1 billion in domestic sales per year under his guidance. Mr. Tapoohi has also lent his talent to numerous councils and corporations dealing with Israeli interests while also volunteering his time to the Israeli Prime Minister’s office over the years.