MASA
A year in Israel – A Jew for Life
“I have a dream, that every Jew will visit Jerusalem at least once. I believe we must set a goal that every young Jew will live here at least one year during their lifetime.” (Ariel Sharon, Former Israeli Prime Minister)
MASA/ Israel Journey is an exciting initiative of unprecedented scope. The program has the potential to significantly change the face of Jewish communities, both around the world and in Israel. MASA capitalises on the powerful force of a deeper experience of Israel to build leadership-level connections and enduring commitment to Israel and the Jewish people.
MASA, the Hebrew work for journey, is an innovative initiative with an extraordinary vision: to triple the number of young Jews, ages 18-30, from communities around the world who come to Israel from long term programs. Through MASA, young Jewish adults will start their journey with a semester or year in Israel, exploring the land, experiencing its culture, growing and learning together as they entre the community as adults.
A first-person experience of Israel is a proven gateway into Jewish life for many of today’s young unaffiliated Jews; for others it is a vehicle for deepening Jewish connection. More specifically, participation in a long term program in Israel is the most effective tool for shaping the next generation of Jewish leadership in Jewish communities, for cultivating their Jewish awareness and their sense of shared destiny with the State of Israel, and for contributing to the creation of a common worldwide Jewish agenda.
MASA programs emphasize study, meaningful encounters with Israeli’s, volunteering and contributing to Israeli society, together with outdoor adventures, sightseeing and familiarity with other young Jews and Israelis. With over 150 programs to choose from, MASA also collaborates with program partners to develop opportunities specific to the needs and interest of participants. By making these programs accessible to a much broader number of young adults, through MASA, your support is required in order to provide a scholarship (means tested) to enable youth from less established communities to participate in this life-changing experience.
MASA is not a program. It is a simple idea designed to dramatically increase participation in a wide variety of long-term programs in Israel by:
- Building the right programs
- Aggressively marketing the idea of long-term programs
- Helping young people find the program that’s right for them
- Making it affordable and easy to fit into a participant’s life
- Connecting the graduates back into Jewish life