While Taglit-Birthright Israel provides the first time 10-days-trip gift for young Jews from all over the world, there is a complementary program for those who seek for a little more. If you want to spend more time in Israel, volunteering & studying, there’s something for you – MASA.
Sine 2003, the non-profit organization MASA(Journey in Hebrew) enables thousands of Jewish youth to spend a semester or a year in Israel in any of over 160 programs, helping them build a life-long relationship with Israel and a firm commitment to Jewish life.
MASA Israel Journey enables young Jews from around the world to build lasting relationships with Israel, strengthen their Jewish identities and gain meaningful experiences by participating on long-term programs to Israel. MASA provides every participant, aged 18-30, with grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,500. MASA programs range from five months to a year in length and include gap-year, college and post-college programs.
In the full operating year of MASA, planned for 2008-09, the government of Israel will invest 50 million dollars in the project. This will be matched by 50 million dollars from Jewish communities around the world to be raised by The Jewish Agency. The Jewish Agency will accomplish this by contributing from its own resources, from federations in Noth America, Keren Hayesod outside Norh America and from private donors.
Interested? Learn more on MASA website. (Application forms availible in English, French, Russian & Spanish)