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BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL ONWARD LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE STORYTELLERS PROGRAM FOR JEWISH CREATIVES AND THOUGHT LEADERS AROUND THE WORLD
“We view this as a long-term strategic investment for the Jewish people in an era where building digital influence is key to standing out as a leader,” said Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel |
| New York (February 10, 2025) – Birthright Israel Onward is excited to announce the launch of its new Storytellers Program, designed to be space for every Jewish person – whether vocal about their Judaism or not – to explore their Jewish identities in the context of their spheres of influence given today’s polarized world.
Through a combination of hands-on experiences in Israel, mentorship from global experts and incubator sessions, 80 fellows from around the world will gain the tools, knowledge, and a global network to drive positive change in their industries and online communities. Fellows will deepen their connection to their Jewish roots, refine their storytelling, and elevate their platforms. Birthright Israel Onward is curating a select cohort of thought leaders, builders, and creatives at different stages of incorporating their Jewish identities into their platforms—whether they’ve never addressed it or already are integrating elements of their heritage and connection to Israel. Both emerging and established leaders with an existing audience on digital mediums such as social media, podcasts, film, TV, news, or radio are invited to apply. The cohort will include participants across industries including media, entertainment, art, fashion, food, science, business, law, and social justice. Registration is open until April 1, and applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis. To apply, visit: https://birthrightisraelonward.com/our-programs/storytellers/
“The program’s primary goal is to help influential Jews integrate their Jewish voices into their work, overcoming challenges such as the fear of alienating followers or facing online hate,” said Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel. “We view this as a long-term strategic investment for the Jewish people in an era where building digital influence is key to standing out as a leader.”
Track Details:The program offers two specialized tracks for applicants between the ages of 18–35:
1. Storytellers Reichman Fellowship – A four-week fellowship at Reichman University (IDC) in Herzliya, Israel, in July 2025. Led by global-experts, 40 selected fellows will dive into Jewish history and contemporary geopolitics, refine their storytelling and branding skills, and explore content creation across digital platforms while living in Tel Aviv. Fellows will pick between two specialized focus areas for their final projects: policy or creative. This fellowship is highly subsidized, costing only $499 for a month in Israel, including housing. Flights from gateway cities are included.
2. Storytellers Impact Incubator Journey – A fully subsidized, experiential 10-day journey through Israel for a handpicked group of 40 established Jewish thought-leaders, builders and creatives from around the world. The trip will take place from June 30 to July 9, 2025. This program is designed as an incubator for collaborative experiences and deep conversations around being a Jewish person of influence today. Participants, who already have an audience, will master the art of storytelling and can lead a workshop or performance related to their expertise. Flights are included.
“As a Jewish female entrepreneur, this experience is an opportunity to unlock my power on my platform, extending beyond just fashion and lifestyle,” said Ali Gropper, a 28-year-old celebrity stylist from Los Angeles, who will join the inaugural Storytellers journey this summer. I’m eager to make a tangible impact in the Jewish community both online and offline, and even more excited to experience this alongside influential, inspiring leaders who are shaping culture across industries and digital platforms.”
Through the Storytellers Program, Birthright Israel Onward will provide participants with the tools, network and confidence to amplify their voices. The program will foster a new generation of prominent leaders across all fields, inspiring others to embrace their Jewish identity online. Program Director and Onward Alumni Jacqueline Korren said, “Every Jew has a story to share and deserves the opportunity to grapple with deep questions in a community of likeminded people. That’s why we created Storytellers.”
For more information about the program, please visit: https://birthrightisraelonward.com/our-programs/storytellers/ |
