Masa Israel Journey Blog

Krav Maga Israel: Get the Best Workout of Your Life

Published : June 30, 2011

Sensei Dror Shalom, founder of Masa Israel’s Krav Maga Israel, was given a name that means both peace and freedom for a reason. Born during the Six Day War in 1967, his parents prayed that Israel would be able to defend itself.

Not only did their hopes come true within days, but their son, Dror went on to become a martial arts expert, finishing first in karate in Israel’s national competition, and becoming the chief instructor of Krav Maga in the Israeli army.

“Krav Maga is about protecting oneself in any situation,” says Shalom. “Unlike in traditional martial arts, in which you need to spend at least five years just to build up a small base of knowledge, Krav Maga is for anyone who wants to learn how to defend themselves in real time.”

Shalom, who spent years teaching martial arts in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore,...

From Intern to Business Partner

Published : June 17, 2011

When Orange Coast College student Chad Schaeffer was considering his study abroad options, he learned that he could intern at an international marketing firm in Tel Aviv, gain professional experience for his merchandising and marketing major, and earn college credit. He jumped at the opportunity and enrolled in Masa Israel’s Oranim Internship Experience.

Having previously traveled to Israel with Birthright, Chad says that he is, “getting an experience that no one else can give me right now.” At SKS Innovating People, Chad oversees the US/UK market, finding leads and making sales.

“I adapted quickly to the Israeli work culture because it is similar to California’s; people are laid back, but hard working,” says Chad. “Then again, Israelis are a little more blunt...