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Corona effect: Thousands of young Jews want to volunteer in Israel | Israel today

2020-05-13T16:33:12.682Z


| Around the Jewish world


About 5,500 Jews from around the world are waiting to return flights to Israel and volunteer • This is a leap compared to previous years

  • Immigrants and volunteers arrive at Ben Gurion Airport // Photo: Jewish Agency

Every year, thousands of young Jews from 60 countries around the world come to specialize and teach under various programs led by the Masa organization, founded by the Jewish Agency and the Israeli government. The young people come to Israel for a significant period of 2-10 months, during which they contribute to Israeli society and economy, gain personal and professional progress and strengthen their Jewish identity and connection to Israeli heritage and culture.

Following the outbreak of the Corona virus around the world, the sky was closed and many flights were canceled. Nevertheless, 5,500 young people from all over the world are waiting for the return of flights to arrive in Israel and are enrolled in the "Journey" program. The organization says that "they are currently on a waiting list until everyone is approved."

Filling out the registration forms for the program indicates that about 50% of them are interested in specializing in Israeli companies and participating in a career development program of a travel organization. The top five countries in demand for participants are: USA, Canada, France, Argentina and Russia. "Israel is the safest place to be, especially now during the Corona in light of the situation in Spain. I am not worried, but I want to develop in the State of Israel and succeed in it big time." Eric Cohen, 18, of Venezuela, said he is currently in a student exchange program in Spain and is waiting to come to Israel.



According to data from the Masa organization, about 35% of the program's participants go to Israel every year - hence the accompanying news of the significance behind the program's high registration numbers.

One of the main programs of the campaign is the internship program, under which about 3,000 young Jews from around the world come to specialize in various professions and in Israeli startups in cyber, high-tech and tech. All young people are graduates of various academic institutions with diverse professional backgrounds, and most of them even have experience and work in their parent countries or in other countries and bring with them a culture and knowledge that will contribute to the company in which they specialize. Each participant is embedded in the company that is right for him and receives a residency and scholarship. According to a campaign test, 3,000 interns donate approximately NIS 722 million to the economy each year through their work alone.



Campaign Director General Ofer Gutman added: "We are preparing for next year's opening when demand is higher than before. At this time last year we had 2,500 subscribers, now the number has jumped to 5,500 young people on waiting lists. This is a 120% increase from last year. Despite the concern, the participants are determined to contribute to Israeli society and the economy precisely during a crisis like the one we encountered, with the aim of being partners in the Israeli success story. We are preparing to absorb these young people and allow them to make a meaningful journey in the State of Israel. "

Source: israelhayom

All news articles on 2020-05-13

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