The Jeffrey R. Solomon
Prize
2026
The nomination window for the 2026 Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize is now closed.
2025
Rabbi Gershon Litt
Director, William & Mary Hillel
On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Taglit Birthright Israel International Education Committee meeting in New York City, Rabbi Gershon Litt was introduced as the 2025 recipient of the Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize. The recognition highlights Rabbi Litt’s dual role as both an influential staff member on Birthright Israel trips and a dedicated professional within the broader Jewish community.
Currently serving as the Director of William & Mary Hillel at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, Rabbi Litt brings nearly two decades of experience to his role. His extensive resume includes staffing more than 40 Birthright Israel trips, a testament to his long-standing commitment to experiential learning and young adult engagement.
"It is such an honor to receive this award," Rabbi Litt said. "I firmly believe that Taglit Birthright Israel is the most powerful educational tool we have today to connect our young Jewish adults to Israel and their heritage. Through Birthright Israel, almost 1 million Jewish adults, 18 to 26 years old, have experienced an Israel educational experience. I know the impact the trip has on my students. That is why I continue to lead trips twice a year and why it is a vital component of my campus work."
Rabbi Litt's philosophy is to focus intensely on building relationships and recognizing that many young adults are seekers when it comes to Jewish life and Israel.
"It is the educator's job to transform the Israel experience into a personal journey instead of a travel destination...an identity-building process that takes the learner back to what built their personal story until today and will hopefully guide their lives through tomorrow."
Gidi Mark, International CEO of Birthright Israel, praised Rabbi Litt as a "shining example" of the finest educators in the field. "As a veteran madrich, Gershon has consistently helped young Jews transform the Israel experience into a profound moment of identity building. His commitment to creating meaningful connections embodies the mission and vision of Birthright Israel."
Elias Saratovsky, President and CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation, affirmed Rabbi Litt's stature: "Rabbi Litt is a truly exceptional Jewish communal professional, and a fitting recipient of this award. He models the exact standards of leadership and mentorship that our dear friend, Dr. Jeffrey R. Solomon, has always championed. He doesn't just teach values; he lives them, securing a vibrant future for the next generation of Jewish leaders."
2024
Aviva Klompas
Co-Founder and CEO, Boundless Israel
On December 12, 2024, at a Birthright Israel Foundation gala event honoring the life and work of Jeffrey R. Solomon, Aviva Klompas was introduced as the inaugural recipient of the Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize in recognition of her remarkable contributions as a Jewish professional and for the positive impact she has made on Birthright Israel participants while acting in the role of madricha.
Aviva is a passionate advocate for the Jewish people, a dynamic leader in Israel education, and co-founder and CEO of Boundless Israel, an organization dedicated to deepening Israel engagement and combating antisemitism.
With an extraordinary track record of leadership, Aviva has staffed an impressive 18 Birthright Israel trips, bringing thousands of young adults to Israel and guiding them through transformative experiences. Her tireless dedication to the Jewish people and the State of Israel has left an indelible mark on countless lives.
Reflecting on the milestone, Aviva shared:
“This moment brings me back to the very first Birthright Israel trip I staffed 15 years ago—a truly life-changing experience. Although I had visited Israel many times before, introducing the country to others gave me the opportunity to see it anew through their eyes. Watching participants marvel at the country’s beauty, feel awed by its history, fall in love with its people, and experience that unique Birthright Israel magic was indescribable. For many, it was their first time seeing themselves as part of the larger story of Jewish history, and it was an incredible joy to witness.”
Aviva concluded her remarks with a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Jeffrey R. Solomon:
“Jeffrey, your vision continues to live on through the countless lives touched by Birthright Israel and the incredible ways its participants are shaping the Jewish future. I am profoundly proud to be among them and deeply honored by this recognition.”
Through her work with Boundless Israel, Aviva continues to inspire the next generation to connect with their heritage, embrace their identity, and become active participants in the ongoing story of the Jewish people.
Before launching Boundless Israel, Aviva served as the Director of Speechwriting for Israel's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City and as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Ontario government supporting efforts to resettle Syrian refugees in Canada.
She has also written articles that have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Foreign Policy, The Jerusalem Post, and other international publications. She is also the author of two books. Her first, “Speaking for Israel,” reflects on her time as a speechwriter for Israel and offers an honest and entertaining insight into Israeli diplomacy. Her second book, “Stand-Up Nation: Israeli Resilience in the Wake of Disaster,” released in 2024, details Israel’s remarkable and longstanding work in international development.