On Thursday, December 12, 2024, the Birthright Israel Foundation held an inspiring evening at the Harmonie Club in New York City to honor the extraordinary contributions of Jeffrey R. Solomon. The event also featured the presentation of the inaugural Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize, a prestigious award recognizing exceptional Birthright Israel trip staff. The first recipient was Aviva Klompas, celebrated for her dedication and leadership, having successfully led 18 transformative trips.
The evening began with a short video chronicling the history and achievements of Birthright Israel, highlighting its impact on over 100,000 participants. While participants have walked in the footsteps of their ancestors, the journey is far from over. Since its inception, Birthright Israel has contributed more than $1 billion to the Israeli economy and welcomed over 850,000 young adults on its transformative trips in the past 25 years. What began as a program has grown into a global movement, fostering lifelong friendships, igniting Jewish pride, and shaping a new generation of empowered Jewish leaders. Birthright Israel is more than a trip—it’s a journey of self-discovery, a connection to Jewish values, and a path to building a vibrant global Jewish community.
Barry Finestone, President and CEO of the Jim Joseph Foundation and the evening’s master of ceremonies, reflected on the importance of community in challenging times. He acknowledged Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon for their pivotal roles in the Birthright Israel story and extended gratitude to the Jewish communal professionals and leaders present. “Birthright has instilled Jewish pride, resilience, and purpose in more than 850,000 Jewish young adults,” Finestone noted, calling the initiative “one of the most important and successful educational projects in Jewish history.” He concluded with a heartfelt tribute to Jeffrey Solomon’s enduring contributions.
The program continued with alumna and trip staff members Jenna Barricklo and Daniel Karlin sharing their Birthright experiences. Jenna recalled her early exposure to Israel through her Israeli Hebrew school teachers and the inspiration she drew from watching family and friends embark on Birthright trips. Finally, in 2021, she participated in her first trip, which deepened her love for Israel. Reflecting on the impact of recent events, she shared, “October 7 completely changed our worldview. It strengthened my desire to be in Israel and to help future participants experience what I did.”
Jenna expressed her gratitude to the Birthright community, vowing to honor its legacy: “As we look to the future, we pledge to carry this experience forward to the next generation. To the 850,000 alumni worldwide, it’s now on us to continue this mission.” She concluded with heartfelt thanks, emphasizing the lasting impact of Birthright Israel on her life and the lives of so many others.
Barry was deeply honored to present the inaugural Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize to the extraordinary Aviva Klompas. Aviva, an 18-time Birthright Israel trip staffer, has tirelessly dedicated herself to Israel, the Jewish people, and the State of Israel. Few, if any, have matched her remarkable commitment to leading so many trips and inspiring countless participants.
Today, Aviva is the co-founder and CEO of Boundless, an organization specializing in Israel education and combating antisemitism. She has established herself as a passionate advocate for the Jewish people and an outstanding leader in Israel education. To commemorate this moment, Barry invited Chair, Israel Foundation Board and Chairman Board of Taglit-Birthright Israel, to join in awarding this prestigious prize to Aviva.
With a standing ovation, Aviva graciously accepted the honor of being the first-ever recipient of the Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “This moment brings me back to the very first Birthright trip I staffed 15 years ago—a truly life-changing experience. Although I had visited Israel many times before, introducing Israel to others gave me the opportunity to see it anew through their eyes. Watching participants marvel at the country’s beauty, feel awed by its history, fall in love with its people, and experience that unique Birthright magic was indescribable. For many, it was their first time seeing themselves as part of the larger story of Jewish history, and it was an incredible joy to witness.”
Aviva concluded her heartfelt remarks with a tribute to Jeffrey R. Solomon’s enduring legacy: “Jeffrey, your vision continues to live on through the countless lives touched by Birthright and the incredible ways its participants are shaping the Jewish future. I am profoundly proud to be among them and deeply honored by this recognition. Thank you so much.”
In his heartfelt remarks, Elias Saratovsky, President and CEO of the Birthright Israel Foundation, emphasized the profound impact of Barry Finestone and Jeff Solomon, calling them “the most consequential Jewish professionals of the last 50 years.” He shared his gratitude for living in a time and place where being a Jewish professional is not only accepted but celebrated. “Looking across this room of extraordinary leaders, philanthropists, and Jewish professionals,” he said, “how fortunate are we to wake up each day and work on initiatives that not only strengthen the Jewish community but also make the world a better place?”
Saratovsky reflected on the evening’s dual celebration: honoring Jeff Solomon’s unparalleled contributions and the 25th anniversary of Birthright Israel, a program that has transformed the Jewish landscape. He recalled December 1999, when the first group of Birthright participants landed at Ben Gurion Airport. “I had the privilege of being part of that very first trip,” he noted, expressing gratitude to visionaries like Charles Bronfman and Michael Steinhardt for bringing the daring dream of Birthright to life. “Birthright wasn’t destined—it was a challenge, a leap of faith by audacious leaders with the will and courage to make it happen. And now, 25 years later, we see its profound ripple effects throughout the Jewish community.”
The statistics are staggering. Over 50% of Jewish professionals under 40 are Birthright alumni. These alumni are not only working in Hillels or Jewish Federations but are stepping into leadership roles as executive directors, CEOs, and founders of organizations that address pressing needs in the Jewish world. “Birthright has cultivated a generation of audacious dreamers, just like those who first envisioned the program,” Saratovsky said.
He concluded by reflecting on the legacy of Jeff Solomon: “Because of Birthright, thousands of alumni wake up every day with the same dedication Jeff exemplified for over five decades. They work tirelessly to build a brighter Jewish future and a kinder, gentler world. Jeff, on behalf of alumni like me, who are privileged to serve this community, we thank you—for being a mentor, an inspiration, and a true mensch.”
In a special video message from Jerusalem, Israeli President Isaac Herzog honored Jeff Solomon, highlighting their long-standing friendship and Jeff’s extraordinary contributions to the Jewish people and Israel. Acknowledging the profound grief and fear in the wake of October 7, Herzog emphasized the critical role Birthright Israel plays in strengthening young Jews’ connection to Israel and their identity, providing solace and unity during dark times.
President Herzog praised Jeff as a guardian of the Jewish people, whose leadership ensures the continuity of this mission, and extended heartfelt wishes for health, joy, and peace in Jeff’s next chapter. Herzog concluded with a call for better days ahead and the safe return of the hostages, expressing gratitude for Jeff’s enduring legacy.
Following Gidi Mark, International CEO of Birthright Israel, Elizabeth Sokolsky, Vice President of Birthright North America, Charles Bronfman, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Birthright Israel, and Audrey Weiner, Event Co-Chair, shared heartfelt reflections on Jeffrey Solomon’s exceptional contributions to the Jewish community and the mission of Birthright Israel. Their remarks emphasized the program’s profound role in shaping Jewish identity, strengthening emotional connections to Israel, and reinforcing the shared values that bring Jewish communities together during times of challenge.
Each speaker offered deeply personal insights into Jeff Solomon’s mentorship and the profound impact he has had on their lives and careers. They lauded his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to empowering others. Solomon’s guidance, they noted, instilled in them—and countless others—the importance of embracing risks, seizing opportunities, and maintaining an optimistic, forward-looking mindset, even in the face of challenges.
A particularly moving moment came as they recounted the story of Birthright Israel’s inception—a bold idea born out of audacity and faith. Charles Bronfman reflected on the immense challenges faced in turning the dream into reality, crediting the collaboration of passionate leaders and their shared determination to create something extraordinary. The speakers emphasized that success was not just due to vision but also to rigorous planning, data-driven evaluation, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The speakers also emphasized the enduring significance of Birthright Israel in today’s world. Gidi Mark highlighted the program’s transformative power in shaping lives and strengthening connections to Jewish heritage and Israel. Elizabeth Sokolsky reflected on how these experiences instill a profound sense of belonging among young Jews globally. Audrey Weiner underscored the program’s lasting emotional and spiritual impact on participants, describing Birthright as a cornerstone of modern Jewish identity.
As the event drew to a close, speakers shared their admiration for Jeff Solomon, recounting how his visionary leadership and mentorship had inspired them to challenge boundaries and innovate within the Jewish community. They celebrated his legacy as a relentless advocate for collaboration, a guiding mentor to countless professionals, and a source of hope and optimism.
The evening concluded with heartfelt expressions of gratitude and a shared commitment to honoring Jeff Solomon’s legacy by continuing to strengthen and expand Birthright Israel. Attendees left inspired by the program’s far-reaching impact across generations and its vital role in shaping a vibrant, unified Jewish future.
Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Guide
