“MASA” - the largest national project for strengthening the link between overseas Jewish youth to Israel, a joint initiative of the Prime Minister’s Office and the Jewish Agency for Israel at an investment of USD 200 million a year ,aims to bring 20,000 young Jews to Israel each year by 2008.
Prime Minister Mr. Ariel Sharon, Jewish Agency Chairman
Sallai Meridor, Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fisher and thousands of young Jews from around the world currently on programs in Israel are scheduled to participate in the official launch of the project at the Bell Cave of Kibbutz Beit Guvrin on Sunday.
“MASA” intends to strengthen the Jewish identity, involvement and activity of youth from Jewish communities worldwide through a variety of programs in Israel.
According to the Jewish Agency, the goal is that one out of every five young Jews will come to Israel.
Increasing 'Israel awareness'
Research carried out among young people who participated in long-term programs shows the programs’ positive influence on their lives and Jewish identity.
- 75 percent participate in community activity and synagogues
- 71 percent return to Israel for further visits
- 57 percent make contributions to Jewish causes and Israel
- 36 percent send their children to Jewish day schools
- A large percentage of them make aliyah
The "MASA" project offers a wide variety of programs integrating studies with getting to know the country, volunteering in community and social frameworks, and personal encounters.
The government unanimously decided to approve and budget the project in December 2004 and the idea quickly became a reality.
More than 5,500 young people aged 18-28 years from countries around the world have come to Israel in the last few months in the framework of "MASA," participating in more than 120 long-term programs.
In addition, “MASA” grants scholarships in accordance with the needs of each participant and his or her country of origin.
The Jewish Agency says the project is expected also to contribute to the Israeli economy, with a return of 3 times the government investment, totaling hundreds of millions of shekels a year.
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