(Courtesy of Birthright Israel) A groundbreaking new study from the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies (CMJS) at Brandeis University highlights the transformative impact of Birthright Israel across generations. For the first time, the study reveals how the effects of the program extend beyond participants to their children, finding that the children of participants, compared to the children of those who applied but did not participate in Birthright Israel, are significantly more likely to have had formative Jewish experiences. The research shows that Birthright participants are not only more likely to marry Jewish partners but also more likely to pass on their Jewish traditions and values to their children.

Most notably, the study provides new evidence that Birthright influences how the children of participants are being raised. Due in part to Birthright’s impact on partner choice, children of Birthright participants are more likely to be raised as Jews, more likely to have had a Jewish circumcision or naming ceremony, and more likely to be enrolled in formal and informal Jewish education compared to the children of nonparticipants. Additionally, regardless of their partner choice (whether Jewish or non-Jewish), Birthright participants are more likely to raise children who celebrate a bar or bat mitzvah as compared to nonparticipants.

The study tracks the long-term outcomes of Birthright participants from multiple cohorts and demonstrates that the effects of the program extend far beyond the individuals who participated. As the children of Birthright alumni grow older, they are more likely to be raised in Jewish households with higher rates of Jewish education, involvement in Jewish rituals, and the celebration of key milestones.

Professor Leonard Saxe of Brandeis University, whose team conducted the study, noted: “We have been surveying the same group of individuals — those who participated in the program and similar peers who applied but did not go — since 2009. We have looked at how our panel members’ lives evolve as they age and the decisions they have made about family formation and engagement in Jewish life. What we have consistently found is that Birthright’s impact continues after the program ends and even for decades later.”

The new study reveals that compared to their peers who applied to Birthright Israel but never participated:

• 84% of Birthright Israel alumni are raising their children exclusively Jewish, regardless of their spouse’s background.
• Birthright Israel alumni are 122% more likely to celebrate their child’s bar or bat mitzvah.
• Birthright Israel alumni are 65% more likely to send their children to Jewish sleepaway camp.
• Birthright Israel alumni are 50% more likely to enroll their children in Jewish day camps.
• Birthright Israel alumni are 44% more likely to place their children in Jewish supplementary education programs.
• Birthright Israel alumni have a 21% higher likelihood of providing their children with formal Jewish education.
• Birthright Israel alumni have a 42% higher likelihood of providing their children with informal Jewish experiences.

These findings confirm the far-reaching benefits of Birthright Israel, demonstrating its lasting impact on Jewish engagement across generations, said Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel. “Birthright Israel is the most powerful investment in securing the Jewish future. With over 900,000 participants, we are witnessing an intergenerational ripple effect — some may have had their bar mitzvah celebration for the first time on their Birthright Israel trip and are now raising their children to have one back home. This study proves that Birthright Israel is not just a journey; it’s a catalyst for strengthening Jewish identity, deepening connections to Jewish traditions, and fostering a lifelong bond with Israel.”

Additional findings include:

• Birthright Israel alumni are twice as likely to feel very connected to Israel, even 20+ years after their trip.
• Birthright Israel alumni have a 49% higher likelihood of having a Jewish spouse.
• Birthright Israel alumni have a 100% higher likelihood of being “very connected” to Israel.
• Birthright Israel alumni have a 53% higher likelihood of having mostly Jewish friends.
• Birthright Israel alumni have a 26% higher likelihood of being a member of a synagogue.
• Birthright Israel alumni have a 100% higher likelihood of having chaired a Jewish event.
• Birthright Israel alumni have a 150% higher likelihood of being an officer on the board of a Jewish organization.
• Birthright Israel alumni have a 42% higher likelihood of usually having a special Shabbat meal.

35% of Birthright Israel alumni have returned to Israel.

Over the 25 years of Birthright Israel’s existence, the organization hosted more than 900,000 young Jewish adults from 70 countries in Israel through thousands of trips and extended programs.

To review the full study, visit www.brandeis.edu/cmjs/birthright/jewish-futures/jewish-futures-2024.html.