An in-depth study conducted by the "Journey" organization, which brings to Israel young Jews from the USA and other countries in order to deepen the connection between the Diaspora and Israel, proves the extent of the impact that coming to Israel has on the future of the deepening connection between Diaspora Jewry and the country.
Masa director, Ofer Gutman and other participants, archive, photo: Masa organization
The study, conducted by the research institute IMPACT:NPO among 2,433 Jews who graduated from the program from North America, shows that 55 percent of the program graduates self-identify that they are more involved in what is happening in Israel, and that they feel at home in Israel.
54 percent said that Israel is a significant part of their Jewish identity, and 50 percent answered that they are active for Israeli advocacy.
In total, 30 percent of the graduates of the program immigrated to Israel and 47 percent answered that they are considering living in Israel in the future.
The project that matches veterans with newcomers: journey participants, archive, photo: journey
70 percent of the participants of the long programs in Israel returned to Israel after them, compared to 25 percent of the participants of the short programs, which indicates the effect of the longer stay in Israel.
The study examined the impact of the long travel plans, compared to the short plans and those who did not visit Israel and participate in the organization's program.
Only 19 percent of the research participants who were not in Israel answered that they are considering living in Israel in the future, compared to only 15 percent of the participants of the short programs and 49 percent of the participants of the long programs of Masa.
The young people come from dozens of countries around the world, photo: Masa
"To live a Jewish life"
The latter also answered in large percentages that being Jewish is an important part of their lives, that they have a strong connection with the Israeli people and that Israel influences their Jewish identity.
In fact, eight out of ten graduates of the long-term programs strongly agreed with the statement that "being Jewish is an important part of my life", compared to about half of the short-term participants, and compared to one in three respondents who had never been to Israel.
92 percent of adults with children who have been to Israel testified that they will raise their children as Jews, compared to 62 percent of people who have never been to Israel.
Diaspora Jews visiting Israel, photo: Masa
The researchers point out that long-term plans in Israel may be the most effective tool for ensuring Jewish continuity: "While a vacation or a short trip to Israel can lead to inspiration, a long-term experience is necessarily more significant. A long-term experience, defined in this report as a scholarship guided by an ongoing journey Four months or more, fosters a stronger Jewish identity, a lasting connection to Israel and the highest likelihood of living a Jewish life - personally and professionally," they wrote.
Ofer Gutman, CEO of the Masa organization, said: "The study presents a tremendous achievement for the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora, and is a source of hope for the Jewish world, which has leaders committed to fostering a strong Jewish future."
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