 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
May 21, 2026 • 12 Pages • Volume 23 • Issue 49
Celebrating 23 Years 2002 - 2026
Cooperman Family Announces $10 Million Gift To Birthright Israel - Announcement Made At Record-Breaking Birthright Israel Foundation Gala In New Jersey
Jewish Connection News
May 19, 2026
In Livingston, New Jersey Earlier This Month Nearly 400 Guests Gathered At Crystal Plaza For The Birthright Israel Foundation New Jersey Gala, Marking The Organization’s Largest Event Ever In The State.
The evening honored the Cooperman family - Leon Cooperman and Toby Cooperman; their son Wayne Cooperman and daughter-in-law Jodi Cooperman; and their grandchildren Courtney and Kyra Cooperman - for their enduring commitment to Jewish identity and philanthropy. Kyra participated in the Birthright Israel Excel program, and Courtney took part in the traditional 10-day Birthright Israel trip.
In a defining moment of the evening, the Cooperman family announced a $10 Million gift to Birthright Israel, representing a historic three-generation philanthropic commitment led by the family. This legacy contribution to Birthright Israel’s endowment will enable dozens of young adults to participate in a Birthright Israel experience each year in perpetuity.
An additional $2.7 Million was raised at the event, which will cover the cost of sending 544 Jewish young adults on a Birthright Israel experience.
“During these times of growing antisemitism and increasing anti-Israel sentiment, it is more important than ever to ensure that the next generation has every opportunity to connect to Israel and their Jewish identity,” said Leon Cooperman. “Making a $10 Million legacy endowment gift to the Birthright Israel Foundation is one of the most impactful ways to reach young Jewish adults. We must help strengthen their understanding of our people’s history and deepen their connection to our historic homeland.”
The gala featured keynote remarks from Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Former IDF Spokesperson, and Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz, Senior Rabbi of Temple B’nai Jeshurun.
“This extraordinary gift from the Cooperman family reflects the very essence of what Birthright Israel stands for -continuity, connection, and the power of investing in future generations,” said Elias Saratovsky, President and CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation. “At a time when Jewish identity and global connection are more important than ever, their leadership ensures that hundreds more young adults will have the opportunity to experience Israel in a deeply meaningful way and carry that impact forward for years to come.”
The record-breaking event underscores growing momentum and support for Birthright Israel’s mission across New Jersey and beyond.
