Since Masa was established in 2004, 150,000 young people from 60 countries around the world have enjoyed a meaningful experience in Israel. The program brings together the three spheres of Keren Hayesod activity: enhancing the bond between young Jews and Israel, aliyah and strengthening the periphery. The program offers dozens of unique tracks, ranging from studies, through volunteering programs, to internships, all involving a stay of between four and twelve months in Israel. Some 12,000 young people experience life in Israel first-hand every year, getting to know the people, the places, the culture, the lively way of life and everyday living. The diversity of Masa programs means that the program can be tailored to the personal interest of each participant: studying (at universities or yeshivas), volunteering (teaching English in the periphery) or internships (in medicine and high-tech). All the programs include trips throughout Israel, enabling participants to get to know the country, its history and Jewish life. The results are impressive: a high percentage of program participants (mainly from Russia and France) make aliyah, and commitment to Jewish leadership and action on behalf of Israel in participants’ home communities increases many times over. Keren Hayesod also helps fund the Birthright program, which seeks to connect young Jews to Israel through a 10-day, hands-on, fully funded tour of Israel. Every year Birthright enables 28,000 young people from around the world to experience Israel first-hand – perhaps for the first time in their lives. Hundreds of thousands have already taken part in the program.
Photo: Participants in Masa, 2012