Masa is the leading organization in bringing young Jews from the United States and other countries around the world to long-term programs in Israel.
Every year, some 12,60 young Jewish men and women from <> countries on five continents come through Journey for programs lasting several months to a year. They attend a variety of programs: some intern at large companies in the economy, some teach English in the periphery, and some come to volunteer or study, and even to a certification course to practice medicine in Israel.
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With the outbreak of the war, contrary to what may seem natural, most of the participants who had already arrived in Israel – thousands in number – chose to remain in Israel. Their original plans have changed a bit, but many of them have found themselves devoting their time and energy to various volunteer activities for Israeli society: activities with the children of evacuees, international advocacy, agricultural assistance, cooking for soldiers, blood donations and more.
Journey participants who are teachers teach in their schools or on Zoom, and also conduct English lessons for evacuee children. Some of the participants who left for their country when the war broke out are now returning to Israel: only last week about 100 participants returned to Israel, and similar numbers are expected in the coming weeks.
"Tighten the tie"
"These days, all citizens of Israel see, just like us, the commitment that Diaspora Jewry feels towards the State of Israel," explains Ofer Gutman, CEO of Masa. "We have an inextricable bond. Every time something happens in Israel, it directly affects Diaspora Jewry, and even more so these days. World Jewry also understands the importance of a strong Israel, and many are here and continue to come.
New immigrants from France (archive), photo: Yossi Zeliger
"The volunteerism and dedication of the Journey participants warms the heart, and proves once again that we are one people, in practice. We are proud of our work, which strengthens the connection between Israel and the Diaspora and also strengthens Israeli society as a whole. We will continue to act, even and especially during this period, in order to strengthen the relationship. The people of Israel are alive!"
Masa, founded by the Israeli government and the Jewish Agency, is marking its 20th anniversary. The organization also works to recruit tens of thousands of participants and alumni for advocacy activities on the networks, with the understanding that each and every one of them experienced the real Israel in their own way, and can serve as true ambassadors for the world. Journey graduates around the world share information about Israel and take part in activities on behalf of the organization, which give them tools to share the truth around the world.
"More united than ever"
Last week, two more large groups of travel participants landed in Israel, numbering almost 100 new participants. These are young people who came to Israel for a period of several months, and who chose to come now, in the midst of the war. This is in addition to the thousands of participants already in Israel.
Diaspora Jews visiting Israel (archive), photo: Journey
One of the groups came from the United States for a program that combines volunteering and studying at Bar-Ilan University. The program deals extensively with Zionist values through recognition of Israel, and places significant emphasis on volunteering, especially during this period: some of the participants will volunteer at MDA, and some will volunteer at Tel Hashomer Hospital and nursing homes in the community.
"I'm here in Israel, really excited! We're going to experience the country right!" says Izzy Bernstein of Baltimore, Maryland, a travel participant. "I came to Israel now, because I knew that if I didn't come now, I wouldn't get to have this kind of experience, which is a one-time event. I intend to seize every moment, and I want to say to the people of Israel: Do not be afraid! We are more united than ever, and we will get through this. The people of Israel are alive!"
Izzy Bernstein, who came from the US, photo: Journey Organization
Another group arrived in Israel this week from France. "I wanted to come to this program because I think it's important now to support the State of Israel and its residents," explains Sidney Levy, one of the participants who landed in Israel last Monday. "This is Israel that has protected us since time immemorial, and especially now. It is important that all Jewish communities around the world show their support for Israel and the IDF. Now it is our turn to help."
The group from France consists of about 25 boys and girls aged 19-18, who came to Israel for an eight-month pre-military preparatory program. Past experience shows that most of the program participants choose to enlist in the IDF at the end of the program – and even immigrate to Israel.
Sidney Levy, who came from France, photo: Journey Organization
During the program, participants learn Hebrew in the Ulpan, get to know Israel, undergo combat fitness training, learn history, Zionism and Judaism - and volunteer. This year, naturally, more emphasis will be placed on volunteering, especially in agriculture.
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