Masa Israel Journey opens the new year with encouraging figures, showing growing demand among young Jews from around the world to come to Israel for long-term programs in volunteering, training, and study.
Masa Israel Journey CEO, Meir Holtz: "The strong demand to come to Israel, during such a complex period, is powerful evidence of the deep connection of the Jewish people, both in Israel and in Jewish communities all over the world."
As the Jewish new year begins, Masa Israel Journey – founded by the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel, and the leading organization in bringing young Jews from around the globe to Israel for long-term educational programs – has released promising data. Despite the complex and challenging period Israel has faced over the past two years, young Jews worldwide continue to show a strong desire to experience Israel firsthand. Compared to the same period last year, early registration for Masa programs has already grown by approximately 32%.
This positive trend is reflected across the organization's diverse programming: career development initiatives, including internships in Israeli companies; gap year programs that bring post-high school youth for a year of learning, personal growth, and volunteering; English teaching programs in Israel's social and geographic periphery; medical internships; volunteering frameworks, and more.
On average, each Masa fellow spends nearly seven months in Israel – a significant period that fosters deep and meaningful connections with the country and its society. Masa fellows come from over 60 countries worldwide. The five leading countries of origin are the United States (nearly half of all participants), France, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Canada.
This year, participants have also arrived from unexpected places, such as Azerbaijan, Monaco, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Hong Kong, Morocco, and even Uganda – a testament to the wide global reach of Masa and the enduring appeal of Israel, even for small and unique Jewish communities.
CEO Meir Holtz added, "The thousands of Masa fellows who come to Israel each year remind us that the State of Israel and the Jewish people remain deeply rooted in the hearts of young Jews everywhere. The high demand to come to Israel, especially during such a complex time, is undeniable proof of this deep connection between Israel and the Diaspora. The fact that so many young people are choosing to come now is a profound source of inspiration and a reminder of the strength of our mutual responsibility as a people. Masa is proud to lead this journey, encouraging fellows to contribute, grow, and strengthen both Israel and Jewish communities around the world."
