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Jewish students from 12 countries complete Birthright Israel Excel summer fellowship
2026 cohort included participants from the UK, USA, Canada and Australia in what was described as 'more than an internship program - an investment in the future of Jewish leadership'
80 outstanding university students from around the world have completed a 9-week Birthright Israel Excel Fellowship, aimed at developing emerging leaders in business, technology and Jewish communal life.
Alongside 80 Israeli participants, this year’s cohort included students from 12 countries, including fifty from the United States, 30 from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Russian Federation, Spain and the UK. A few of the participants are visiting Israel for the first time.
Gidi Mark, international chief executive of Birthright Israel, said: “Birthright Israel Excel is more than an internship program – it is an investment in the future of Jewish leadership. The Jewish world needs talented emerging leaders to carry it into the future. This program is a strategic lifeline for world Jewry, helping ensure our next generation continues to thrive.”
Every year since 2011, the fellowship has carefully selected top students from thousands of applicants for summer internships with leading business and tech companies in Tel Aviv, spanning fields including finance, consulting, engineering, venture capital, software development, cybersecurity, biotechnology and business development.
Idit Rubin, executive director of Birthright Israel Excel said: “One of the pillars of the programme this year was preparing community members for the hostile environment they might face on campuses, by giving them tools to better deal with the challenges they encounter there, along with a supportive network.”
She added: “We genuinely believe that by strengthening ties in the business world and through professional connections, we’re also strengthening Israel and the Jewish communities around the world. We look forward to continuing these relationships and developing them.”
After their return home, the Excel fellows enter a global network that provides resources for professional and personal development, Israel engagement, Jewish leadership, and encouraging them as philanthropists.
Birthright Israel Excel fellows have gone on to positions at top-tier companies such as J.P. Morgan Chase, Bain & Company, and Google. Others have developed strategic partnerships with Israeli companies and started their own companies, often hiring other fellows.
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