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Birthright Israel Foundation honors Jeffrey R. Solomon and presents inaugural prize
New York, NY – Dec. 16, 2024– Nearly 200 guests gathered at the Harmonie Club in Manhattan on Thursday evening for a special Birthright Israel Foundation event to honor Jeffrey R. Solomon and present the inaugural Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize to an exceptional Birthright Israel trip staff member.
The first-ever Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize was awarded to Aviva Klompas, Birthright Israel Trip staffer and co-founder & CEO of Boundless Israel, in recognition of her outstanding contributions. Klompas, who has staffed 18 Birthright Israel trips, was celebrated for her dedication to the program and her role in shaping the experiences of young Jewish adults in Israel.
The event was co-chaired by Charles Bronfman, Co-Founder of Birthright Israel, and Audrey Weiner, President of the Fund for the Aged at The New Jewish Home.
The Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize was established to honor individuals who have made a significant impact while serving as madrich(a) on the Classic 10-Day Birthright Israel trips. The award recognizes Jewish professionals whose work has profoundly influenced the Jewish journeys of young adults. According to Birthright Israel, the organization believes that the most effective Jewish educators are those who inspire others through their actions. The Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize is an expression of Birthright’s appreciation for individuals who are strengthening Jewish continuity and perpetuating Jewish Peoplehood.
"Jeff Solomon is a visionary leader whose dedication and commitment have had a profound impact on Birthright Israel since its inception, and the entire Jewish world" said Birthright Israel CEO Gidi Mark. "The Jeff Solomon annual award shines a well-deserved spotlight on our educational staff, whose work is integral to the transformative experiences our participants have."
“Since October 7, the foundation has experienced a significant surge in philanthropic support and is on track to raise upwards of $80 million this year,” said Birthright Israel Foundation Board Chair Phil de Toledo. “Looking ahead, our goal is to send 200,000 young adults on a Birthright program over the next five years, and we are committed to doubling our fundraising efforts.”
Solomon, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping Birthright Israel’s success, addressed the crowd with a heartfelt message: “I’m so fortunate to have spent my career in service to the Jewish people. I deeply appreciate my colleagues and friends for joining me as we recognize the vital role professionals play in connecting young people to their Jewish identity. At this critical moment in history, Jewish pride and resilience are more important than ever.”
“Jeff Solomon is one of the most consequential Jewish professionals of the past 50 years. His lifetime of dedication to strengthening the Jewish community and empowering young Jewish leaders has created a lasting legacy that will endure for generations,” said Birthright Israel Foundation President and CEO Elias Saratovsky.
The event also featured a video message from Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, who shared his heartfelt congratulations and remarks with the guests.
In her acceptance speech, Aviva Klompas expressed gratitude for the recognition: “It’s a profound honor to be the inaugural recipient of the Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize. This award reflects not only the transformative impact of Birthright Israel on its participants but also the deep privilege of guiding them. I am deeply grateful to be part of this extraordinary legacy.”
The Birthright Israel Foundation’s mission is to provide Jewish young adults with transformative experiences in Israel, fostering a foundation for lasting Jewish connection. More information about the Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize can be found at: Birthrightisrael.foundation/jrsprize.
