Masa will open programming for new and returning international Fellows arriving in Israel
JERUSALEM – Masa Israel Journey, founded by The Jewish Agency and the government of Israel, announced that the organization will open programs for participants arriving in Israel from abroad, with special precautions to ensure the safety of its Fellows and communities. This announcement came shortly after Israel’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed it will approve entry for travelers with Masa visas. Masa intends to work closely with Israel’s government to help participants obtain visas, including those who were in Israel and left during the coronavirus pandemic and those who will enter Israel as new participants.
Masa is successfully adapting its programs in real-time to improve participant safety and provide support for participants on the ground. It is one of the only organizations that continued operating without pause, supporting thousands of Fellows who chose to stay in Israel during the pandemic.
As economies fluctuate, universities adapt, and the job market changes, Masa Israel Journey’s programs offer Fellows an unparalleled opportunity to prepare themselves for the post-Pandemic world with gap year and study abroad opportunities, service learning and internships in Israel’s renowned high-tech and bio-tech sectors.
“At a time of uncertainty and anxiety for many, immersive Israel experiences provide individuals unparalleled opportunity to grow personally and develop professionally. This authorization follows a dramatic increase in demand for Masa’s programs with close to 7,000 pre-registrations so far- a 120% increase year over year. As we look forward to welcoming participants to Israel, we will continue working closely with Israel’s government, our program providers, and communities abroad to ensure the safety of participants.”
–Ofer Gutman, Masa Israel Journey’s Acting CEO
Masa can adapt its long-term programming to meet public health guidelines, allowing thousands of Fellows to continue coming to Israel. Masa will ensure safe and comfortable 14-day quarantine conditions for all incoming Fellows. During quarantine, they will have an opportunity to stay engaged and active through virtual enrichment activities like orientations, Hebrew-language courses, and educational seminars. Some participants will also be able to begin their internships remotely.
About Masa Israel Journey: Masa Israel Journey is the largest immersive, long-term educational experience for young adults ages 18-30. On its programs that range from two months to a year, Masa offers an authentic, unmediated and challenging journey into Israeli society, culture, politics and history – and acts as the largest pipeline for the Jewish Diaspora to access the finest Israeli businesses, social enterprises and academic institutions. Since its 2004 founding by The Jewish Agency and the government of Israel, Masa has served over 160,000 young people from more than 62 countries.
