Overview
- Brandeis researchers report summer 2025 participants were more Orthodox (about 1 in 5), more conservative (42% vs. 20% in 2023), and more likely to have prior Israel programs (54% vs. 38% in 2023).
- Applicants who did not go on planned trips reported a sharp drop in connection to Israel and to Jewish identity in the following months.
- The report does not prove why nonparticipants’ ties fell, though Len Saxe suggested a possible role for frequent local criticism of Israel and less peer exposure to Israel travel.
- Birthright says 7,300 North Americans joined trips last summer out of 10,000 total participants, 65% were college-aged, and a war with Iran forced cancellations and early returns.
- Participants still showed stronger Jewish identity after the trip, with liberals rating being Jewish as extremely important rising to 48% from 29% before travel.