Making 2024 Israel programs accessible to all
"The experiences that these young people will have in Israel will shape their Jewish and Zionist identities, inspire their commitment to their cultural and spiritual heritage as well as their commitment to their own communities on their return."
After a successful two-year pilot program, the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) has announced the relaunch of Israel Go, providing subsidies for 2023 school leavers undertaking long-term Israel programs in 2024.
In partnership with UIA-Keren Hayesod, and with the support of leading Australian Jewish philanthropists, the ZFA initiative supports families who would otherwise be unable to send their children on a gap-year program to Israel.
“Israel Go has made a tremendous impact in its first two years and we are excited to announce its extension to 2024 gap year programs,” ZFA president Jeremy Leibler said.
“There are many families who are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living, let alone sending their children to Israel for a gap year. No one should miss out on the opportunity of a meaningful Israel experience due to financial hardship.”
He said Israel Go is an investment in the future of our community.
“The experiences that these young people will have in Israel will shape their Jewish and Zionist identities, inspire their commitment to their cultural and spiritual heritage as well as their commitment to their own communities on their return.”
UIA Australia CEO Yair Miller said the organisation’s commitment to Israel Go is part of its overall mission to foster the connection between young Diaspora Jews and Israel.
“We are proud to support such an important initiative which has facilitated the participation of hundreds of young Jewish Australians in Israel programs over the past couple of years,” he said.
“UIA-Keren Hayesod has long supported projects that facilitate positive connection and engagement in Israel. Israel Go has proven instrumental in fulfilling this mission and in conjunction with support from Masa Israel Journey, assists families who struggle with this economic burden.”
Israel Go grants will be available to participants applying for Masa Israel Journey programs.
The umbrella organisation to more than 200 long-term Israel programs, Masa is the global leader in immersive, international, career development and leadership experiences in Israel for young Jewish adults between the ages of 18 and 35.
ZFA Israel program director Sarit Braver said, “The Israel Go program is a game-changer when it comes to making Masa gap year programs more accessible to school leavers. It allows them to experience Israel in the most meaningful way by living and immersing themselves in the culture, language and people.”
In previous years, Israel Go afforded almost 350 school leavers the meaningful and impactful experience of a Masa long-term gap year program in Israel.
A participant on Bnei Akiva’s Limmud program, Zac Maidenberg, said, “Israel Go has enabled me to go on this trip by helping my parents financially to get me here, and I know that Israel Go has benefitted other young adults and families as well, alleviating the financial pressure on parents and kids themselves.
“Thank you to all those who were involved in making Israel Go a reality. My friends and I are ready to be madrichim and to inspire our future chanichim when we return.”
Corey Berman, who participated in the Aardvark gap year program, said Israel Go played a “pivotal and indispensable role” in getting him there.
“Israel Go not only facilitated the realisation of my Israel gap year but also enabled me to live out a year that surpassed my wildest dreams,” he said.
“It provided me with the means to deeply immerse myself in Israeli culture, make meaningful contributions to Israeli organisations and communities, and navigate the country with confidence and peace. The support ensured a year filled with profound personal growth, an enhanced connection to Judaism, and valuable professional experiences.”
The new grant criteria and allowances for 2024 will be announced at the upcoming online Masa Gap Year Fair information session, taking place this Sunday, June 25 at 7pm.
The session will focus on the application process, general logistics as well as funding mechanisms available, while specific programs will be presented between 26 and 29 June from 7 to 9pm AEST.
Over 20 programs ranging from academic, volunteering, internship and special interest programs will be featured at the fair.
The aim of the Masa Israel Gap Year Fair is to be a “one stop shop” for all 2024 Israel gap year programs. School leavers and their parents/guardians are invited to browse the wide range of programs on offer and register for information sessions for programs they would like to know more about.
Register for the online Gap Year Fair: join.masaisrael.org/gap-fair-aus
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