Birthright Israel Archives - Atlanta Jewish Times

The Opening Ceremony of the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games marked the continuation of a now 44-year-old tradition, one that promises to continue for generations of Jewish athletes thanks to the new growth initiative // Photo Credit: JCC Association

Sports

JCC Maccabi Games Receives Nearly $20M Donation

The Marcus Foundation and Samueli Foundation pledged to anchor the fundraising efforts for a four-year, $19.5 million initiative to broaden the reach of the Games across North America and return them to Israel in 2028.

August 12, 2026, 10:20 am

JCC Maccabi Games Receives Nearly $20M Donation

By David Ostrowsky

The Hebrew Order of David presented a check for $400,000 to the IDF Widows & Orphans fund at its recent Biennial International Conference in Atlanta. On hand for the presentation were (from left) Joe Blog, Treasurer, HOD International and North America Governing Lodge; Shlomi Nachumson, CEO IDF Widows and Orphans Fund; David Joss, Grand Lodge President, HOD International; Jonathan Woolfson, HOD International Philanthropy Fund; and Paul Wainstein, HOD Grand Lodge Secretary and NAGL Deputy President.

July 16, 2025, 10:49 am

Locals Installed in Worldwide HOD Leadership Roles

Lodges present $400,000 check to IDF Widows & Orphans Fund.

By Compiled by AJT staff

March 26, 2025, 11:17 am

Obituary: Lynda Weissman Walker

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lynda Weissman Walker, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, who left us peacefully on March 12, 2025, at the age of 82 after 10 years of battling cancer.

May 29, 2024, 3:10 pm

Handel Among Hadassah’s 2024 ‘18 Voices for Israel’

Jennifer Handel is the Director of Israel Engagement for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

By Compiled by AJT staff

Mark Cuban may be relinquishing his majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks, but the celebrity billionaire promises to remain a fixture of the franchise // Photo Credit: League Operations Communications & Media Management

December 27, 2023, 10:49 am

Mark Cuban Sells Dallas Mavericks to Adelson Family

Cuban agreed to sell a majority stake of the Mavs – for a valuation in the range of $3.5 billion -- to the Adelson family that operates the Las Vegas Sands casino company.

By David Ostrowsky

Around 350 participants, students and young adults primarily from the United States, are expected to travel to Israel beginning the week of Jan. 5, 2024, the organization said in a statement.

December 19, 2023, 3:20 pm

Birthright Resumes Free Trips to Israel for 1st Time Since Oct. 7

Around 350 participants, students and young adults primarily from the United States, are expected to travel to Israel beginning the week of Jan. 5, 2024, the organization said in a statement.

By Deborah Danan / JTA

A Birthright spokesperson told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency the group expects to resume trips soon.

November 14, 2023, 3:51 pm

Birthright Cancels Israel Trips for December, Citing Security Concerns with Gaza War

A Birthright spokesperson told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency the group expects to resume trips soon.

By Andrew Lapin / JTA

(From left) Jeff Kaiwerisky, Doug Ross, David Joss, and Paul Wainstein were the leaders in the Hebrew Order of David fundraising campaign.

August 9, 2023, 1:05 pm

HOD Completes Successful Birthright Fundraiser

Over six weeks this summer, the organization raised $130,000, which led to matching funds that boosted the total to almost $400,000.

By Bob Bahr

(From left) Jeff Kalwerisky, president, Lodge Carmel Atlanta; Doug Ross, vice chairman of Birthright Israel Foundation; David Joss, North American governing lodge executive

April 26, 2023, 12:29 pm

Busloads for Birthright

Atlanta’s HOD lodges turbocharge effort to send young adults to Israel.

By Compiled by AJT staff

From left to right, Israel Bonds’ National and International Chairman of the Board Howard L. Goldstein, Adrian Grant, Ilene P. Grant, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog, and President and CEO of Israel Bonds Dani Naveh at Israel Bonds’ International Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. // Photo Courtesy of Israel Bonds.

March 29, 2023, 11:03 am

Jewish Atlantans Honored at Israel Bonds Conference

Adrian and Ilene P. Grant and Chuck Berk were among 11 honorees recognized at the Israel Bonds’ 2023 International Leadership Conference.

By Compiled by AJT staff

Second Helpings Delivery and Fleet Operator Enzo Albana Galateo Campos loads a pallet of food from Coolray Field last month.

March 9, 2021, 8:38 pm

Addressing Hunger in a Pandemic

As pandemic worsens food insecurity in Georgia, the Jewish community is using its resources to help its own and the wider community.

By Nathan Posner

February 25, 2021, 1:42 pm

The 5781 Purim Gazette

Our annual Purim spiel from professor Essie Fresser offers news on the latest burping remedy, alternative vehicles for hire, and sticky archeological discovery.

By Essie Fresser

December 4, 2019, 10:25 am

Hillel Conference to Address Weighty Campus Issues

A four-day conference on major issues affecting Jewish life on campus is set for Atlanta next week.

By Kevin C. Madigan

Event co-chairs were: Seth and Lisa Greenberg, Rob and Michelle Leven, Gary and Michelle Simon, and Beth and Gregg Paradies.

August 28, 2019, 10:03 am

Celebrating Birthright’s Success

Birthright Israel Foundation hosted an evening of celebration to thank leadership and highlight achievements at Ray's on the River.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Sunrise Masada hikes are a staple of many Birthright Israel trips.

August 7, 2019, 1:26 pm

New Friends from Home in the Holy Land

With the summer Birthright Israel trip season drawing to a close, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta staffed three Atlanta Community Birthright Israel Trips.

By Eddie Samuels