From commitment to reality
When MASA first entered the scene in 2003,  Israel had approximately 4,000 Diaspora young adults participating in fewer than 100 long-term programs. Today the number of participants has doubled,  and while no one can argue that MASA's presence has affected that increase, MASA is determined to do even more.  

This determination is the inspiration for the MASA New Programs Incubator -- an initiative that provides professional guidance, counseling and direction to Organizers who want to develop new programs for MASA. 

The Incubator
Through the incubator, MASA positioned to invest in new ideas for programs.  Incubator Director, Hagai Shaanani, explains that he is ready to help individuals and organizers at every stage of new program development, from brainstorming to implementation.  In his capacity as Director, Mr. Shaanani is ready to be mentor and advisor to anyone who has an idea that can be turned into a new program. 

The programs
Among the 18 new programs MASA is now cultivating are the following:

• Ahavat Ami: Live and work with religious and secular Israelis who have chosen community service as their service alternative.  It's an opportunity for observant young men and women looking for an alternative to yeshiva or Jewish studies programs
• Budokan: A unique opportunity to study martial arts in Israel while following in the footsteps of Jewish Heroes. Participants can choose from a variety of martial arts such as Karate, Judo, Aikido or Krav Maga (the Israeli selfdefense system that has become popular the world over) by the finest instructors in Israel.  The program is headed by two world-class champions in Judo and Karate.
• Career Israel -- Journalism and Medicine Tracks:  Enhance your resume and advance your career with 2 new tracks from Career Israel.  In addition to its many other successful interneship programs, it's the perfect way to start your career.
• Dance Journey (MASAMachol):  A dance program for anyone, amateur to professional, interested in working with one of the top dance ensembles in Israel.    MASAMachol is run by The Kibbutz Dance Troupe at Kfar HaMachol in Kibbutz Ga'aton in the scenic Galil area. 
• Eco-Israel - Live the Land: "Green Technolgy" is the new model for the 21st century and allows you to live and work and experience "Green Technology" concept with a Jewish-Zionist flavor.  
• Israel Gap Year: A year of volunteering in Israel with Israeli Sherut Leumi participants of Tenufa.  Participants will receive special training as a group prior to their arrival in Israel and live as a group alongside their Israeli counterparts.
• Israel Tour and Travel Experts: A 10-month course in tour-guiding. Travel aroud the country. learn about the historic and natural sites.  Participants who finish the program can continue on to become certified tour guides. 
• MASA to the East (MASA Lemizrach): Explore Arab and Palestinian culture (including Arabic language) in Givat Haviva.  MASA Lemizrach, sponsored by Hashomer Hatza'ir, is a program for anyone interested in bridging the gap between cultures and ideologies.
• Saving the Stones:  This program brings participants to work with the city of Akko (Acre), The Israel  Antiquities authority, and the Intenational Center for the Preservation of Akko on archaeological digs on site. Akko is a teasure trove of archaeology and this is a great opportunity for a budding Indiana Jones to get up close and personal with Israel's history from Biblical times times to the present. 
• Young Judaea Year Course -- Arts Program: Unleash your inner artist with the Performance & Visual Arts tracks. Study drama, voice, movement, painting, sketching or drawing through classes, workshops, volunteer opportunities, field trips, and more.
• Young Judaea Year Course -- Medical Program: Meet leading health professionals and work with Israeli paramedics, in an intensive educational program offering hands-on experience on the ground and in top research facilities.

The increase in long-term program participants is proof of MASA's success and stability.   In addition, new program development will help promote Israel  by bringing it into the field of vision of a broader spectrum of potential participants.   As Jewish young adults become increasingly involved in all spheres of life -- academics, politics, technology, arts, sports -- MASA is commited to creating new programs to meet the ever-widening spectrum of interests.