NEW YORK, NY โ Birthright Israel Foundation has announced a transition in its board leadership, with longtime board member Michael Rashes assuming the role of Chair of the Board of Directors following the conclusion of Philip de Toledoโs four year term. The transition took effect on January 1, 2026, and coincides with the appointment of the Foundationโs new Executive Committee.
The leadership change comes at a pivotal moment for the organization as it advances its Generations Campaign, an initiative aimed at bringing 200,000 additional Jewish young adults to Israel between 2025 and 2029. The campaign includes a fundraising goal of $650 million, alongside $250 million in legacy commitments, to sustain and expand Birthright Israelโs global impact.
Rashes brings to the chairmanship a longstanding commitment to Israel and to Birthright Israelโs mission of providing immersive educational experiences to Jewish young adults. He has served on the Foundationโs Board of Directors since 2020 and previously held leadership roles including Chair of the Investment Committee and member of the Executive Committee.
โThe need for positive, meaningful immersive Israel engagement and an unbreakable sense of community between diaspora Jews and Israelis has never been more essential,โ Rashes said in a statement. โBirthright Israel is a gift to the Jewish people from the Jewish people, and I hope to inspire others to make their own commitments, ensuring that every young Jew has access to this life changing experience.โ
Outgoing Chair Philip de Toledo reflected on his tenure, which coincided with one of the most complex periods in the organizationโs history. During his four years as Chair, the Foundation navigated the COVID 19 pandemic, resumed and expanded Birthright Israel trips, and responded to the evolving challenges facing Jewish communities following October 7.
โBeing Chair of Birthright Israel Foundation has been such a meaningful and rewarding experience,โ de Toledo said. โEverywhere I go, someone tells me how Birthright Israel changed someoneโs life. That is very gratifying to hear. Birthright Israel will continue to change the Jewish world, today and years from now, helping build a stronger and more resilient Jewish community.โ
Under de Toledoโs leadership, the Foundation strengthened its national donor base, expanded philanthropic engagement, and achieved historic fundraising growth. These efforts reinforced Birthright Israelโs role as a cornerstone of Jewish identity, pride, and connection to Israel.
De Toledo joined the Board of Directors in January 2020 and later served as Chair of the Finance Committee before becoming Board Chair. He will remain an active member of the Board and continue his philanthropic leadership with the organization.
Alongside the appointment of the new Board Chair, Birthright Israel Foundation announced its new Executive Committee. Linda Solomon was named Vice Chair, Barry Swidler will serve as Treasurer, and Mindy Schneider and Russ Robinson were appointed as Executive Committee members.
Elias Saratovsky, President and CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation, praised both the outgoing and incoming leadership.
โPhil de Toledo has been an extraordinary partner and leader, guiding Birthright Israel Foundation through a critical period with wisdom, integrity, and deep commitment to our mission,โ Saratovsky said. โAs Mike Rashes steps into the role of Chair, we are fortunate to have a leader with a bold vision and a profound sense of responsibility for the future.โ
Birthright Israel co-founder Charles Bronfman also welcomed the transition.
โBirthright Israel has become a global movement for Jewish pride,โ Bronfman said. โPhil de Toledo brought care, judgment, and steadiness to our organization. As Mike Rashes becomes Chair, I see a leader who believes deeply in young people and Jewish continuity.โ
Gidi Mark, International CEO of Taglit Birthright Israel, emphasized the impact of the Foundationโs leadership on program growth.
โDuring Phil de Toledoโs tenure, Birthright Israel Foundation achieved unprecedented results, enabling Taglit Birthright Israel to impact the lives of tens of thousands of young Jews,โ Mark said. โAs Mike Rashes steps into the chairmanship, we look forward to continuing to expand Birthright Israelโs reach and strengthen its role as a cornerstone of Jewish continuity.โ
Rashes, who lives in Boston, is Partner Emeritus at Bracebridge Capital, where he spent nearly three decades managing sovereign rate and emerging markets investments. He also serves in several advisory and leadership roles, including with the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and the Stanford Jewish Alumni Network. He and his wife, Dena, are the parents of four children, including one who is a Birthright Israel alum.
Since its founding, Birthright Israel has provided immersive educational experiences in Israel to nearly one million Jewish young adults worldwide. Birthright Israel Foundation raises the philanthropic support that enables these journeys, which are designed to strengthen Jewish identity, build community, and foster lifelong connections to Israel.
With new leadership in place, the Foundation says it is focused on carrying Birthright Israel into its next chapter, positioning the Generations Campaign as one of the most significant philanthropic investments in Jewish continuity for the coming decades.
