NEWS, HIGHLIGHTS, & EVENTS
Motown Museum’s Highly Awaited Expansion to Open Summer 2026
During a recent celebratory media event, the Motown Museum shared updates on the highly awaited expansion of the Motown Museum slated to open its doors in the summer of 2026. Motown’s news has generated a wave of excitement among music lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, who eagerly anticipate the unveiling of this Detroit gem. In addition to announcing the planned opening date, Museum Chairwoman and CEO Robin Terry also shared that the third and final phase of the expansion project, which was first announced about eight years ago, has commenced after the museum raised $70 million of its $75 million campaign goal. Additional expansion project updates included revealing new interior renderings, highlighting the building’s planned lobby and café. The William Davidson Foundation has been a proud early and repeat supporter of the expansion project, first joining with Motown in 2017. The expansion promises to breathe new life into the historic music site and surrounding neighborhood, further cementing its place as a must-visit attraction in the heart of Detroit. As summer 2026 approaches, the anticipation builds, making it a date to mark in everyone’s calendar. Read more about the expansion project here. (Photo Credit: Motown Museum).
Birthright Israel Expands Israel Volunteer Program
Following the October 7th attack on Israel, Birthright Israel promptly pivoted its work, shifting focus to introduce the Onward Israel Volunteer program. This initiative invited the opportunity for young Jewish adults looking to take action and volunteer in Israel during one of its most critical times in need. The overwhelming success of the volunteer program, coupled with Birthright’s effective alumni network mobilization, has now led to the decision to extend the volunteer program, making it a significant long-term venture. The Onward Israel Volunteer Program joins Birthright’s two other major programs, the classic 10-day Israel trip and the Onward internship program. Read the full story on Birthright’s decision to expand the volunteer program here.
Since launching the volunteer program in late 2023, the program has seen approximately 7,000 volunteers from nearly 50 countries. Birthright also anticipates engaging 1,000 more volunteers by year-end. The Onward Israel Volunteer program, available as an eight or 14-day experience for young Jewish adults between 18 and 40 years old, predominately involves volunteers aiding in crop harvesting on Israeli farms and working at logistics and distribution centers for social services and military bases. With an annual target to recruit 10,000 volunteers annually, the volunteer program runs in partnership with Mosaic United and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. The William Davidson Foundation has been a long-time supporter of Birthright Israel and Onward Israel programs, and proudly continues to invest in organizations that encourage young Jewish adults to forge a strong connection to Jewish peoplehood and Israel. To learn more about the Onward Israel Volunteer Program, click here.
ELNET Leads Joint Delegation of Military Experts to Israel
Earlier this month, ELNET, an organization dedicated to strengthening European-Israeli relations, led its first-ever joint delegation of top senior defense officials, military strategists, decorated combat veterans, and journalists from six NATO countries (the UK, the US, France, Canada, Australia, and Romania) to Israel. The delegation explored Israel’s security challenges in the ongoing war through a week-long series of meetings with key Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant. The IDF granted special permission for ELNET to bring the first foreign delegation into Gaza since October 7th, which included a security briefing and guided visit of Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor. For the full recap of ELNET’s military delegation in Israel, click here.
Over the past ten years, ELNET has been coordinating delegation visits for European officials and influential figures to visit Israel. These delegations are curated to address various topics, offering delegates a profound experience that fosters independent and informed perspectives of Israel. Since October 7th, ELNET has spearheaded 35 delegations in Israel, each contributing significantly to bolstering global understanding and support for Israel’s challenges. The William Davidson Foundation is a long time supporter of ELNET’s work, recognizing the crucial relationship held between Israel and Europe. (Photo Credit: ELNET).
The Foundation Welcomes New Staff Members!
Over the summer, the Foundation welcomed two new staff members to the William Davidson Foundation team! We are pleased to introduce you to Allison Gutman, the Foundation’s newest Program Officer for the Jewish Life portfolio and Mark Paul, the Foundation’s Facilities and Maintenance Manager.
From the Archive
In 1955 at the age of 33, William Davidson assumed leadership of Guardian Glass, then a struggling, family-owned fabricator of automotive glass. Over time, he grew it into one of the world’s largest and most profitable architectural and automotive glass manufacturers.