Masa Israel Journey has introduced a new “LGBTQ-Friendly Badge” for selected programs, developed in partnership with The Aguda – The Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel. The initiative is intended to identify programs that adopt inclusion guidelines aimed at improving the experience of LGBTQ participants in Masa’s long-term educational programs in Israel.
According to Masa, the badge will be awarded to programs that implement defined inclusion standards developed with The Aguda. Participating programs will receive training, guidance and practical tools designed to help staff create more inclusive environments for participants from around the world. Programs that meet the criteria may also be featured in Masa’s recruitment and marketing materials.
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Masa Israel Journey has introduced a new 'LGBTQ-Friendly Badge' for selected programs
(Photo: Courtesy if Masa Israel Journey)
As part of the rollout, Masa held a training and exposure day for program directors, educational staff, marketing teams and coordinators. The sessions focused on implementing inclusive policies in day-to-day program operations, including staff training, participant support frameworks and communication practices. Programs that choose to take part will work through the criteria over time, with external recognition contingent on meeting the standards.
Maor Lotan, chief product officer at Masa Israel Journey, said the initiative was shaped in part by concerns prospective participants may have when entering unfamiliar cultural and social settings.
Masa held a training and exposure day for program directors, educational staff, marketing teams and coordinators
(Photo: Courtesy if Masa Israel Journey)
He said Masa’s goal is to ensure that young Jewish adults considering long-term programs in Israel understand there are environments where they can feel accepted and supported regardless of background or identity.
Meir Holtz, CEO of Masa Israel Journey, said the effort reflects a broader responsibility to maintain openness and accessibility across Masa programs. He added that Jewish communities worldwide are facing a complex period and that the organization sees inclusion as central to its educational mission.
Yael Sinay Biblash, CEO of The Aguda – The Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel, said the badge is intended as a practical framework for institutions seeking to improve inclusion standards. She said the partnership with Masa helped translate broad principles into more concrete criteria that programs can apply in practice.
The initiative adds to Masa’s broader programming for young Jewish adults who participate in study, internship and volunteer experiences in Israel
(Photo: Courtesy)
The initiative adds to Masa’s broader programming for young Jewish adults who participate in study, internship and volunteer experiences in Israel lasting from several weeks to several months. Programs typically focus on exposure to Israeli society, culture, politics and history.
Masa Israel Journey was founded in 2004 by the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Government of Israel. Since its founding, it says it has hosted more than 220,000 participants from over 60 countries.