As Israel and the world struggle with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, most of the programs that bring Americans to Israel have sent their participants home.
One organization, however, has not. Masa Israel Journey is continuing its operations despite the virus, and many of its participants have chosen to stay and continue their work.
Founded by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and the Jewish Agency, Masa brings young Jews to Israel to study, volunteer and work in Israeli businesses, social enterprises and academic that lasts anywhere from two months to a year.
About 12,000 fellows take part in the program annually, and when the pandemic hit, about 7,500 fellows were in Israel and the overwhelming majority chose to stay.
“At this moment of crisis, the safety of our community is of utmost importance. We are working closely with Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Health to ensure the wellbeing of our fellows in Israel,” Masa’s Acting CEO Ofer Gutman said. “We are also continuing our vital work to connect the next generation of global Jewry to Israel with dynamic opportunities to engage, learn and grow. This is critical for ensuring the Jewish future.”
Among these efforts is Masa ONLINE! – a virtual platform that offers fellows and alumni Hebrew language courses, discussion groups, prayer services and other online events. At the same time, fellows are taking a small but active part in helping Israel fight the virus and maintain its social fabric. Several Masa programs deal with public health issues and others with education, which have both been deeply affected by the pandemic.
Alex Sleisenger, a Masa Israel Government Fellow (IGF) from Beverly Hills, is an intern in Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Congressional Affairs Department. He prepares briefs on the pandemic as it relates to the US.
“Life in Israel during COVID-19 has been relatively calm and quiet,” he said. “We have been working from home and many of our seminar days have been moved to online platforms. Masa has also put together daily online programming for fellows in Israel and around the world, which has been fun and interesting.”
“I remained in Israel as I feel safer here than I do back home in California where things seem to be even more uncertain,” Sleisenger said. “At least in Israel, we can remain in our apartments with roommates and continue our programs as opposed to risking infecting loved ones back home upon being in transit.”
He added, “The importance of Israel to me has grown exponentially during these times as I realize how lucky we are as Jews to have a second place to call home in the event of a disaster or pandemic like COVID-19.”
Leena Demers, a Masa fellow from New York City, is interning at an Israeli company through Aardvark, a program that brings gap-year students for immersive experiences in Israel.
“I’ve decided to stay in Israel for the rest of my gap year because New York is really bad and I would much rather be with the friends I’ve made here than be home and do nothing,” she said. “Being in Israel during this pandemic means that I am pushing myself to new limits that I didn’t even know I could go to. I’m still working with the company I interned at. I’m trying to make the best of my situation every day by keeping busy in the house and hanging out with friends that live in my building.”
Masa fellow Lida LeVine has also chosen to stay in Israel at this time. Born in Siberia, LeVine grew up with parents who were alcoholics and abusive. At the age of six, she was placed in an orphanage, and at seven was adopted by a Jewish family inTampa, Fla.
LeVine developed a strong connection to Judaism and Israel, which she first visited in 2004. Today, she is teaching English to Israeli children in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod.
“I have had an incredible experience,” she said. “I decided to stay during the pandemic because this is the perfect time to show what I can do. This a time the children need our support most. I have grown close with my classes and have seen them progress so much, that it would feel a waste to leave them now.”
She added, “I have always loved Israel, and watching the country come together during this difficult time shows just how beautiful and special this place really is. I’ve been given an incredible opportunity and wouldn’t give my time up.”
