Masa celebrates 18th anniversary in Israel
Israeli President Isaac Herzog joined thousands in Tel Aviv to mark the start of Masa Israel Journey's programming year and Masa's 18th year anniversary.
ISRAELI President Isaac Herzog joined thousands of Masa Israel Journey fellows, alumni, partners and community members last month at Hayarkon Park in Tel Aviv to celebrate the start of Masa Israel Journey’s 2021-22 programming year and Masa’s 18th year anniversary.
The event, which marked Israel’s largest single gathering of global Jewry volunteering and working in Israel since the pandemic began, attracted more than 3000 people and was live streamed to bring the global community together for the occasion.
Those in attendance enjoyed a performance by Israeli sensation Hatikva 6 and participated in community-building workshops, games and an art wall. The event also included culturally-inspired activity and food booths to celebrate the many countries that make up the Masa community.
Herzog joined a list of prominent speakers including Minister of Diaspora Nachman Shai, acting chairman of the executive of the Jewish Agency Yaakov Hagoel and Masa CEO Ofer Gutman.
The newly-elected Israeli president told participants, “By choosing to immerse yourself in Israeli society and by sharing your unique stories and skills with us, you’re contributing to Israel’s growth, and you are becoming partners in the critical mission of strengthening the ties between Israel and the Jewish people – especially the next generation.”
Gutman told the crowd that he was filled with an immense sense of pride.
“It’s inspiring to see just how far we have come. You are the next generation of leaders and we feel privileged to support you as you learn more about Israel and yourselves,” he said.
Among the 2021-22 Masa fellows is Ben Katz, who scored an internship at Israeli biotech company, Sonovia. Grateful to be experiencing life in Israel, he said, “It’s been a great opportunity for me to build on my engineering skillset and learn the startup culture, while working on products that help save lives.”
Despite the pandemic, the ZFA have reported that Masa’s numbers have seen a significant increase, up 153 per cent this year, while demand for its volunteer programs has increased 50 per cent in the past two years. There are currently about 7500 fellows in Israel and thousands more are expected to arrive in the year ahead.
For more information on Masa Israel programs contact the ZFA Israel program office on israelprograms@zfa.com.au or (03) 9272 5584
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