MASA is Hebrew for "Journey," and MASA's vision is that every year, more and more young Jews from around the world will start their journey with a semester or year in Israel, exploring the land, experiencing its culture, growing and learning together as they enter the global community.

To make this vision a reality, MASA is working to create the conditions that will enable thousands of young adults from the around the world to participate in long term programs in Israel each year. This reality will be achieved by:

• Developing clearly defined, well organized, quality programs
• Setting educational and organizational standards for all participating program organizers and overseeing their compliance with these standards
• Providing financial, marketing and educational assistance to program organizers.

MASA's founders, who base their thinking on research findings in the field, recognize that participation in the long term program in Israel is the most effective tool for shaping the next generation of Jewish leadership in Jewish communities, for cultivating their Jewish awareness and their sense of shared destiny with the State of Israel, and for contributing to the creation of a common worldwide Jewish agenda.

Long-term programs provide opportunities for connecting to Israel and its people while strengthening commitment to Jewish continuity and around the world. MASA programs emphasize study, meaningful encounters with Israelis, volunteering and contributing to Israeli society, together with adventures, challenges and familiarity with young people from other countries as well as Israelis.

MASA hopes that when young Jews will think about their life's journey, they will think about our "Journey" to Israel -- MASA.