Masa fellows participate in a wide range of programs tailored to their interests and goals. These include Masa Israel Teaching Fellows, where English-speaking fellows teach conversational English in Israeli schools for a year; Masa Career, offering fellows to internships with Israeli companies across various industries; and Masa Doctors, designed for medical professionals to prepare for licensing exams in Israel while learning Hebrew and familiarizing themselves with the country. Other programs include Masa Volunteers, Masa Academic, Masa Gap, and Masa Jewish Studies.

While some Masa fellows choose to make Aliyah at the end of their program, most return to their home countries with a deep understanding of Israel and Israeli society. They carry this knowledge, along with a strengthened connection to Israel and their Jewish identity, back to their local communities. Many fellows describe their experience as transformative, often inspiring them to pursue careers in the Jewish world or become passionate advocates and supporters of Israel in various capacities.

To celebrate the impressive impact of its 220,000 alumni, Masa is launching the Masa Changemakers List for 2025. This list features 10 distinguished alumni selected from its vast network of graduates. These individuals have excelled across diverse fields: some lead in media and politics in Israel and abroad, others are social activists and entrepreneurs. Despite their varied professions, they all share a transformative Masa experience in Israel that has inspired their impactful contributions to the Jewish people and the world.

The Masa Changemakers List aims to inspire hope and confidence in the next generation of young Jewish adults, demonstrating their readiness to embrace the mission of strengthening the Jewish people wherever they may be. These individuals exemplify the transformative power of a Masa experience, serving as a beacon of inspiration and a reminder that the future of the Jewish community is in capable and committed hands. These are the Masa Changemakers.

Shabbos Kestenbaum

Los Angeles, USA
Jewish Studies
Jewish Thought Leader and Speaker, Media Personality, and Leader in the Fight Against Antisemitism

Shabbos Kestenbaum is one of the most prominent young Jewish voices in North America today. He grew up in a deeply Zionist home and always felt a strong personal connection to Israel. His time in Israel through Masa provided him with the intellectual and spiritual tools to articulate and deepen that connection. He enjoyed the program so much, that he chose to stay for another year in Israel and study.

In 2024, while studying at Harvard University, Shabbos made national headlines when he filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against the university, claiming it had failed—and at times refused—to protect Jewish students on campus. Before October 7, he says, antisemitism was something he had never personally encountered. But after the attacks, he was shocked by how many of his classmates spoke about Israel and Hamas with moral equivalence—or worse. Feeling a deep sense of responsibility to his community, he decided to take a stand.

A survey found that 73% of Jewish students at Harvard had experienced antisemitism during that period, and the court ultimately ruled against the university, creating a precedent for future Jewish students nationwide.

The case turned Shabbos into one of the most sought-after public advocates for Israel and Jewish rights. He became a regular media commentator and was invited to speak at the Republican National Convention—a decision he made, despite being a lifelong Democrat, because he believed "it was the right thing for the Jewish community at this moment."

Recently elected to the World Zionist Congress, Shabbos continues to maintain close ties with U.S. policymakers, including at the White House. He recently relocated to Los Angeles to launch a new media project with PragerU, focusing on American politics and pro-Israel advocacy.

"Piers Morgan has more listeners than there are Jews in the world," he says. "We can't outnumber that—but we can empower more young Jews to speak up. People are more connected today, and that gives me hope."

instagram.com/shabboskest
Wikipedia: Shabbos Kestenbaum

Tessa Veksler

New York, USA
Masa Gap – Israel XP at Bar-Ilan University
Activist and Advocate for Israel

At just 23, Tessa Veksler has become one of North America's most prominent young voices advocating for Israel and fighting antisemitism on college campuses and beyond.

A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), Tessa quickly emerged as a student leader. She was active in both Jewish and pro-Israel organizations as well as broader campus initiatives, and in May 2023, she was elected Student Body President. But after the October 7 attacks, everything changed. Merely for her outspoken support of Israel, Tessa faced a campaign of harassment and intimidation—culminating in a student council vote to remove her from office. The motion narrowly failed, but the experience left a lasting mark.

Rather than retreat, Tessa turned her personal ordeal into action. She began documenting campus antisemitism on social media, launching the viral hashtag #We'reNotGoingAnywhere. Her courage and authenticity made her a leading voice in the movement to combat hate on campuses. She later appeared as one of the main speakers on October 8, a powerful documentary exposing the surge of antisemitism in the U.S., particularly in academia.

Tessa first came to Israel through a Masa Israel Journey Gap Year program at Bar-Ilan University—a year she describes as transformative, strengthening her Jewish identity and deepening her sense of responsibility to support Israel. Today, she lives in New York, works in public relations, and continues to advocate for Israel on major international stages, including the United Nations and the White House.

"I'll keep speaking out. Antisemitism on campus won't disappear, even if the war ends. I can't say what will happen next — but I have a lot of hope. My advice to Jewish students is to be brave and to fight for what's right".  instagram.com/tessaveksler

Flavio Valle

Brazil
Masa Onward – Hillel
Politician

Flavio Valle has been drawn to politics for as long as he can remember. At just 19 years old, he wrote a letter to the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, expressing his dream to one day take his place and asking how to begin. The mayor replied: "You'll have to work hard and start small — as an intern, then an advisor, and one day, maybe, you'll get here." Flavio took that advice to heart — and has been climbing ever since.

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Flavio grew up in a home not strongly connected to Jewish tradition. That changed when he entered university and met Jewish friends who opened the door for him to learn more about his heritage. "One of them told me about Birthright," he recalls, "and that trip to Israel changed everything. When I got back, I wanted to learn Hebrew, attend synagogue, and get closer to my roots."

A year later, still inspired, Flavio returned to Israel for a longer stay through Masa Onward – Hillel, interning at an Israeli startup during the pandemic. "It was an amazing time," he says. "In a long-term program, you live like a local — you build your own routine, you take responsibility, you do your grocery shopping, you commute to work. You truly experience life in Israel."

After returning to Brazil, Flavio's passion for leadership grew stronger. He was chosen by Hillel International as their Latin America representative, and soon after, the same mayor he once wrote to invited him to intern in the city's Finance Department. A year later, at just 22 years old, Flavio was appointed Deputy Mayor of Rio's South Zone — the youngest in the city's history. Two years later, he ran for city council and was elected. Today, he is the youngest city council member in Rio — and the only Jewish elected official in all of Brazil.

Among his most impactful initiatives has been leading the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism in Rio — the first city in Brazil to do so. "It was a historic step toward recognition and self-definition for Brazil's Jewish community," he says. Since then, 13 other cities have followed suit.

"Changing the world is a big goal," Flavio says. "You start at home, then on your street, then in your city. That's where I am right now. Maybe next year I'll run for state office. And one day — who knows — for president."

https://www.flaviovalle.com/

Arsen Ostrovsky

Australia / Israel
Masa Career – Israel Experience
Human Rights Attorney and CEO of the International Legal Forum

From battlefront to the courtroom and beyond, Arsen Ostrovsky has become one of the foremost human rights lawyers and advocates for the Jewish state on the international stage.

Born in the former Soviet Union, Arsen and his family came to Australia as 'refuseniks' in 1987. Having completed his law studies and practiced for a number of years as a corporate litigation attorney, in 2009 Arsen decided to forego his career at a top law firm in Sydney to take part in the Masa Career program, where he interned at the Knesset and at a Jerusalem-based think tank, gaining early exposure to Israel's legal and policy landscape.

In the last five years, Arsen served as CEO of the International Legal Forum (ILF), an Israel-based NGO and global coalition of lawyers, who have been at the forefront of combating antisemitism and standing up for Israel in the international legal arena.

Since Oct 7, Arsen's work has led him to making the case for Israel before the United Nations, Congress, the House of Lords and beyond, including at the international courts in The Hague, against the malicious charges of genocide levelled at Israel. Arsen has also been involved in number of groundbreaking lawsuits against Hamas supporters, on behalf of Hostage Families and October 7^th victims.

A frequent commentator on TV and some of the world's leading publications, Arsen is also one of the leading voices in the war of narratives for Israel on-line, where his posts have reached over a billion users since Oct 7th.

This year, Arsen was recognized by the Jerusalem Post as one of the 50 Most Influential Jewish Leaders in the world, while the Knesset presented him with the 'Voices of Iron' Award, in recognition of being one of the leading advocates for Israel.

Soon, Arsen and his family will be moving back to Australia, where he has been appointed to head the Sydney office of AIJAC (Australia & Israel Jewish Affairs Council), the leading public policy and advocacy organization the Jewish community.

"I see my mission as standing up for Israel and fighting for truth — that's what I've always done, and now it's time to continue this battle from a new front."

Anna Staroselski

Germany
Jewish Studies Program
Political and Social Activist

Born in Stuttgart, Germany, to parents who immigrated from Ukraine in the 1990s, Anna Staroselski grew up in a largely secular home. Like many families from the former Soviet Union, religion wasn't a central part of life. As she grew older, Anna began seeking ways to learn more about her Jewish heritage — and even dreamed of learning Hebrew. That search led her naturally to Israel, through a Masa Jewish Studies program, an experience she says changed her life.

Upon returning to Germany, Anna moved to Berlin for her studies, where she discovered her passion for politics and community leadership. She joined the Union of Jewish Students in Germany (JSUD) — then a very young organization — and within two years became its President.

Under her leadership, JSUD worked to create safe spaces for Jewish students and to serve as a political and social voice for Jewish youth across the country. She helped establish a national strategy to combat antisemitism in partnership with the German government, focusing on universities and public life. Anna also advocated for state-funded security for Jewish schools and synagogues — arguing that Jewish communities should not bear the financial burden alone — and pushed for bans on pro-Hamas demonstrations and groups supporting terrorist organizations on campuses.

After completing her term as President, Anna became the spokesperson for "Initiative Werte" (Values Initiative), a national organization aimed at mobilizing the broader German public in the fight against antisemitism. "We realized that if we only talk about antisemitism, people see it as a Jewish issue," she explains. "So we framed it differently: fighting antisemitism is fighting for democracy itself. It's not just a Jewish struggle — it's everyone's."

Through the Initiative, Anna organized conferences and leadership programs to empower young Jewish professionals to enter public service and politics in Germany and Europe. Her goal: to ensure that the next generation of Jewish voices has a seat at the table.

Alongside her activism, Anna remains a prominent advocate for Israel in German media, working tirelessly to counter misinformation — even when it means facing hostility, sometimes from her own peers.

"There can be a future for Jews in Europe," Anna insists. "But it will take work — from us and from society around us. This fight has to belong to everyone."

Eitan Levine

New York, USA
Jewish Studies Program
Comedian, Journalist, and Social Entrepreneur

When Eitan Levine was a child, he battled cancer — and during that time, he formed his first connection with Make-A-Wish Foundation, which organized his very first stand-up comedy show as a teenager. That experience shaped his outlook forever. Years later, Eitan gave back to the organization by embarking on a Guinness World Record-breaking tour, throwing ceremonial first pitches at baseball games across America to raise funds for Make-A-Wish. It was the beginning of what would become his life's path: blending comedy, social impact, and community engagement.

Eitan later joined a Masa Jewish Studies program in Jerusalem, an experience he describes as transformative. After returning to the U.S., he worked as a writer and entertainment journalist, covering culture and media. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Eitan's comedic voice reached new audiences online — his sharp, witty Jewish humor went viral, offering people both laughter and light during uncertain times. Around the same period, he was chosen to host a daily two-hour sports show on Amazon Prime's sports network, a dream role for the lifelong sports enthusiast.

After October 7, Eitan's work took on a deeper meaning. "Suddenly, the content I was creating wasn't just funny — it became a source of strength for people," he explains. Today, with tens of thousands of followers, he hosts podcasts, street interviews, and game shows such as "Jewish or Antisemitic?" and "That's So Jewish!" His sketches and commentary have been featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Daily Show, and his unapologetic Jewish identity remains central to his art.

Recently, Eitan co-produced a web series with Manischewitz called "When Can We Eat?", a humorous exploration of Jewish food culture across America. That project led him to connect with Jewish student-athletes struggling to find kosher food and community on campus. In response, he founded Tribe NIL Sports, a network now supporting over 180 Jewish college athletes — providing them with both financial assistance and a sense of belonging.

"Don't let the poison win," Eitan says. "Don't chase likes and clicks — stick to your values. Israel is more than a war zone; it's delicious food in the shuk, it's beautiful beaches in Tel Aviv, it's joy. Experience that joy first, before anything else."

instagram.com/eitanthegoalie
tribenilsports.com/about

Gaston Fratesi

Argentina / Israel
Masa Career – Destination Israel
Entrepreneur and Community Builder for Immigrants in Israel

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Gaston Fratesi came to Israel through the Masa Career – Destination Israel program together with his partner. He interned at Track160, a cutting-edge platform specializing in football analytics — the perfect fit for someone who, like any true Argentinian, lives and breathes soccer.

Gaston never planned to make Aliyah. "I just wanted to experience life in Israel for a while," he recalls. "But life here was amazing." By the end of the program, something extraordinary happened: not only did Gaston and his partner decide to stay — all 45 participants in his cohort made Aliyah as well. "We came during COVID, when our home countries were under strict lockdowns. Over time, we built a family here," he says.

Years later, after October 7 and the outbreak of the Iron Swords War, many new immigrants felt fear and isolation. Gaston turned once again to his lifelong passion — football — to help others find strength and belonging. He founded AyresTLV, a football club for new immigrants from around the world, which has since grown into a thriving, multicultural community.

Today, over 100 men and women from more than 20 countries — including Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Australia, Spain, the U.S., Mexico, England, Italy, Germany, Belarus, and New Zealand — play regularly at the club's Jaffa field. They hold weekly tournaments and training sessions, and aim to soon join Israel's official Liga G, but Gaston insists the real goal isn't football — it's connection.

"So many people tell me this is their family in Israel," he says. "If they didn't have this community, I think some of them wouldn't have stayed."

Beyond sports, the club hosts events, shared meals, and even friendly matches with Masa groups visiting Israel. "Football is my passion — but so is Israel," Gaston says. "Before coming here, I thought mostly about myself. Living in Israel changed me. The war, the soldiers, the people — they made me want to do more for others. Now, I get to combine both of my passions."

instagram.com/ayrestlv

Yaakov Langer

New York, USA
Jewish Studies Program
Media Entrepreneur, Founder of Living Lchaim

Yaakov Langer grew up in an Orthodox Jewish family, the youngest of four brothers. From a young age, he was fascinated by storytelling and communication — drawn to media and social platforms back when they were still in their infancy.

In 2010, Yaakov came to Jerusalem through a Masa Jewish Studies program, where he began experimenting with content creation and social media. Even then, his posts about Jewish life and human connection drew attention — not only from Orthodox audiences, but from Jews and non-Jews alike. By 2017–2018, Yaakov began producing content on Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter, sharing glimpses of his life as a newlywed with humor and authenticity. "I wasn't trying to be a public figure," he says. "I was just sharing my life — and people connected."

What began as personal storytelling evolved into a podcast and blog, and soon, into something much larger. Today, Yaakov is the founder of Living Lchaim, a leading Jewish multimedia company that reaches millions of viewers and listeners worldwide, and the host of the hit podcast Inspiration for the Nation.

Living Lchaim produces Jewish-themed content — but its reach extends far beyond the Jewish world. "Especially in the last couple of years, we've seen so much curiosity about Judaism," Yaakov explains. "We invite people into meaningful conversations, not propaganda. We get messages like, 'I'm Christian, but this was fascinating.' Even people in ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods like Mea She'arim, who don't use smartphones or the internet, still find ways to tune in."

The turmoil of the last two years has given Yaakov's work deeper urgency. "My grandfather was a Holocaust survivor," he says. "I could never really understand the hatred he faced — until now. I grew up during what felt like a golden age for Jews in America, but suddenly there's hate again on a level that's hard to describe. Some people will hate us no matter what we do — so let's at least be proud of who we are."

Inspiration for the Nation – Playlist

Vova Sheqel 

Uzbekistan / Israel

Masa Academia – Ariel University

Musician and Content Creator

Vova Sheqel, born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, grew up knowing he was Jewish — something not all children in the post-Soviet world could say. "Unlike many who grew up in that environment, I always knew who I was and felt deeply connected to my roots," he recalls.

Vova first came to Israel to meet his father, whom he hadn't seen in nearly 20 years since his father immigrated to Israel when Vova was just four. Wanting to reconnect and spend more time in Israel, he joined a Masa Academia program at Ariel University. It was there that he met his future wife; the two later made Aliyah together and are now raising two children in Israel.

Early in his career, Vova dabbled in Russian-language stand-up comedy in Israel. At one of his shows, he met Pinhas, a fellow immigrant from Ukraine, and together they launched a creative idea — blending Jewish values, holidays, and modern music in a way that would speak to young audiences. Their first music video went viral overnight, giving birth to the hit musical duo Pinhas & Sheqel, whose humorous and inspiring songs about Jewish tradition have since reached audiences around the world.

Alongside his music, Vova runs a popular Instagram blog about life in Israel and a Russian-language Telegram channel with over 20,000 followers. Across his platforms, his videos reach between 1 and 1.5 million views each month. He hosts festivals, appears regularly on radio and television, and takes part in numerous podcasts.

"Our content is in Russian," he explains, "but even Hebrew-speaking kids connect to it. I'm not religious, but tradition matters to me — and so does talking about real life in Israel."

instagram.com/vova_sheqel 

t.me/koroche_israel 

Watch on YouTube

Kai Balin

Canada / Israel
Masa – Project TEN (Tlalim)
Documentary Filmmaker

Kai Balin discovered his passion for filmmaking while studying in college. What began as a plan to travel to Uganda to make a documentary about his father's work there took an unexpected turn — a short stopover in Israel changed everything. Captivated by the country, Kai looked for ways to extend his stay and joined Masa's Project TEN program, volunteering in Mitzpe Ramon and on a farm in Tzofit. After completing the program, he returned to Canada — but Israel, and the experience, stayed with him.

Everything changed after October 7. Kai began to reconnect with his Jewish identity, from which he had drifted somewhat during his college years. Seeking meaning, he turned to Jewish texts and traditions, and found himself increasingly drawn to Orthodox Judaism. But a personal revelation sparked a deeper journey: his mother hesitated to join him at synagogue, feeling unwelcome because her own mother's conversion had been Conservative. That moment inspired Kai to begin exploring his family's story — his father, a second-generation Holocaust survivor, and the complex questions that shaped their Jewish lineage.

The result was his acclaimed documentary, "Son of a Seeker," a moving and introspective exploration of Jewish identity, family, and spiritual search. The film has been screened across Canada and is now a contender at the Jerusalem Jewish Film Festival.

"The questions never really end," Kai reflects, "but I came out of the process stronger. I've found a real passion for Jewish storytelling."

Kai is currently working on a new project, using footage and interviews that didn't make it into the original film.

Watch the trailer

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Masa Israel Journey opens the new year with encouraging figures, showing growing demand among young Jews from around the world to come to Israel for long-term programs in volunteering, training, and study.

Masa Israel Journey CEO, Meir Holtz: "The strong demand to come to Israel, during such a complex period, is powerful evidence of the deep connection of the Jewish people, both in Israel and in Jewish communities all over the world."

As the Jewish new year begins, Masa Israel Journey – founded by the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel, and the leading organization in bringing young Jews from around the globe to Israel for long-term educational programs – has released promising data. Despite the complex and challenging period Israel has faced over the past two years, young Jews worldwide continue to show a strong desire to experience Israel firsthand. Compared to the same period last year, early registration for Masa programs has already grown by approximately 32%.

This positive trend is reflected across the organization's diverse programming: career development initiatives, including internships in Israeli companies; gap year programs that bring post-high school youth for a year of learning, personal growth, and volunteering; English teaching programs in Israel's social and geographic periphery; medical internships; volunteering frameworks, and more.

On average, each Masa fellow spends nearly seven months in Israel – a significant period that fosters deep and meaningful connections with the country and its society. Masa fellows come from over 60 countries worldwide. The five leading countries of origin are the United States (nearly half of all participants), France, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Canada.

This year, participants have also arrived from unexpected places, such as Azerbaijan, Monaco, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Hong Kong, Morocco, and even Uganda – a testament to the wide global reach of Masa and the enduring appeal of Israel, even for small and unique Jewish communities.

CEO Meir Holtz added, "The thousands of Masa fellows who come to Israel each year remind us that the State of Israel and the Jewish people remain deeply rooted in the hearts of young Jews everywhere. The high demand to come to Israel, especially during such a complex time, is undeniable proof of this deep connection between Israel and the Diaspora. The fact that so many young people are choosing to come now is a profound source of inspiration and a reminder of the strength of our mutual responsibility as a people. Masa is proud to lead this journey, encouraging fellows to contribute, grow, and strengthen both Israel and Jewish communities around the world."

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A group of Masa's volunteer program landed in Israel just days before the Israeli military operation against Iran began. They arrived fully aware that they were entering a war zone, intending to volunteer and support Israel, but they didn't expect to find themselves in the midst of such an intense conflict. However, they intend to stay.

"As a Masa volunteer, I'm incredibly proud to be in Israel and to contribute in any way I can," 19-year-old Natalia from Florida said. "Despite the challenges and uncertainty, I feel safer here than I would back in the States, and there's truly nowhere else I'd rather be. I'm proud to be Jewish, and even if my role is small, I'm honored to serve my country. I have full confidence in the strength and resilience of our people and our army. I'm deeply grateful to our soldiers and keep them in my thoughts and prayers every day. I'm praying for calmer days soon. Am Israel Chai."

Masa, a joint initiative of the Jewish Agency and the Government of Israel, brings thousands of young Jews from around the world to Israel each year for long-term programs. The Masa-Volunteers program was launched immediately after October 7th, in response to thousands of inquiries from Jewish young adults around the world eager to come and support Israeli society.

The current group includes fellows from the US, Canada, and Australia, who are volunteering in various areas, including with Magen David Adom and preparing meals for soldiers. Despite being based in central Israel, they are undeterred and continue their work in Israel.

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Dov Forman, raised in England with the powerful narrative of his grandmother Lily Albert's Holocaust survival, knew from an early age that her story needed to reach a broader audience. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for his mission. "Antisemitism reached unprecedented levels during that period," he recalled. "Holocaust denial was pervasive, particularly in digital spaces. The prevailing climate convinced me that the world needed to hear my grandmother's testimony more than ever."

His initial approach was grassroots – teaching his grandmother to navigate Zoom technology, engaging with hundreds of listeners, and disseminating her story across social platforms. "The response was exponential. Media outlets began taking notice, and we quickly amassed a million TikTok followers and hundreds of thousands on Twitter. Today, our social media reach exceeds a billion people, predominantly young individuals who lack comprehensive Holocaust education."

As the commemoration initiative gathered momentum, Dov expanded beyond social media, undertaking the task of documenting and compiling his grandmother's memories. The resulting book, featuring a foreword by King Charles, has been translated into 15 languages and achieved New York Times bestseller status. "The goal wasn't commercial success," Forman emphasized. "It was about ensuring millions would know her story." Lily passed away last October at 100 years old. "She remained an inspirational figure until her final breath," her grandson shared. "Her passing drew condolences from prime ministers, and the king himself attended her funeral."

Drawing from his experience combating antisemitism, Forman offered insight into England's current climate: "The Jewish community here recognizes we're at a pivotal moment. The future of Jewish life is uncertain. Contemporary antisemitism is more overt than in previous years, and governmental response appears limited. There's an acute sense of isolation in being Jewish in the West today. Grandmother experienced similar feelings. But we persisted in pushing for change until the end, and I'm carrying that mission forward."

Dov represents one of 18 distinguished Masa program graduates, carefully selected from among 200,000 alumni engaged in transformative work. Their stories embody hope that the next generation of Jewish youth worldwide will embrace the vital mission of strengthening Jewish continuity. Masa, established through the partnership of the Jewish Agency and the Israeli government, stands as the leading facilitator of long-term Israeli experiences for young Jews, welcoming approximately 12,000 participants annually from 60 countries to immerse themselves in Israeli society.

"It ranks among my life's most formative years"

The roster of influential alumni includes Kristin Guerin, whose accomplishments span Broadway productions, television, and film as an actress, director, and producer. While maintaining her acting career, Kristin's primary focus has shifted to her innovative initiative – Buddy-System MIA.

Her trajectory changed dramatically in 2020 during a Miami Broadway production. When COVID-19 forced the show's closure, Kristin discovered a new purpose. "I simply decided to assist my neighbors from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic," she explained. She initiated a matching system between volunteers and those requiring assistance. "The response overwhelmed us – calls flooded in continuously. What I envisioned as a month-long project," she reflected, "has evolved into something much more substantial." Today, four years later, her organization provides support to approximately 5,000 individuals annually, ensuring access to nutritious food at no cost. The operation engages roughly 1,400 dedicated volunteers who salvage about 401,000 pounds of food annually from waste, managing community refrigerators that serve as accessible food sources for those in need.

In January 2024, Kristin traveled to Israel through the Masa-Volunteers program, established in response to the war. "Oct. 7 left me profoundly shaken. I felt powerless in the United States. While we participated in pro-Israel demonstrations, it wasn't sufficient. I felt compelled to 'get my hands dirty' and come to Israel in person."

A life-changing experience

Dana Preiss-Moskovitz, Masa's Alumni Community Director, emphasized the organization's commitment to maintaining alumni connections: "Our priority is helping graduates preserve their unique bond with Israel and Jewish identity. Many report that their Israel experience fundamentally shaped their trajectory, often leading to careers in Jewish communal work and active Israel advocacy, whether locally or from their home countries. The ongoing conflict hasn't deterred participation – we continue seeing high enrollment numbers, with many choosing to extend their stays for volunteer service. We anticipate watching these experiences transform into watershed moments for future Jewish leadership. Each of our 200,000 alumni makes unique contributions that fill us with pride."

Eitan Bergman from Belgium exemplifies this impact. Raised in a strongly Zionist household and naturally drawn to politics, he recognized early his calling to serve the Jewish community and Israel. Now CEO of the European Union of Jewish Students, he described their mission: "We engage in advocacy, sustain Jewish life, and develop leadership and commemoration initiatives. Our work spans continental election campaigns and antisemitism awareness." His achievements before age 30 include election as Secretary General of Belgium's Jewish Community Representative Committee and membership in the World Jewish Congress's Jewish Diplomatic Corps. As a Brussels city council member, he noted, "My positions involve regular engagement with ministers and government bodies, all advancing the interests of Belgian and European Jewish communities."

Dean Cohen translated his post-high school Masa experience in Australia into a revolutionary youth movement. "The program transformed my life trajectory and became my professional calling," he shared. His creation, Flying Fox, operates Australian summer camps and activities integrating children with disabilities with non-disabled volunteers, serving thousands of families annually. "We view our work as Kiddush Hashem, creating positive connections to Jewish community. The impact extends beyond our immediate circle – Christian parents whose children participate now display yellow ribbons supporting the hostages, demonstrating the broader relationships we've fostered."

The common thread uniting Dov, Kristin, Eitan, Dean, and other listed Masa alumni is their transformation of extended Israel experiences into meaningful action supporting Jewish communities and Israel. They consistently credit their Masa participation as foundational to their success. "It ranks among my life's most formative years," Dov reflected. "Israel represents the Jewish people's homeland. Despite current challenges, it remains our safest haven worldwide."

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Marking its 19th anniversary, Masa – with the help of the Jewish Agency and the Israeli government – is poised to bring 14,000 young people from the Diaspora to Israel on various programs, citing the high demand.

"This is an addition of 2,000 young Jews between the ages of 16 and 35 from five different continents around the world who will come to Israel with the aim of integrating into Israeli society, for programs spanning between a few months to a year, for internships, to teach English, career development programs, academia, and community volunteering," a statement by Masa read.

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According to the release, there was also an increase of about 220% in fellows of the "Masa Doctors" program, as over 200 Jewish doctors from Eastern Europe and Latin America will arrive this year for a training program and integration into the Israeli healthcare system.

Ofer Gutman, CEO of Masa Israel stated: "We clearly recognize that there is a direct impact of long-term programs in Israel on young Jews in the Diaspora, and in the United States in particular. Israel gains dedicated supporters and loyal ambassadors; Jewish communities gain engaged members and contributors." At the opening event of the 19th year of Masa's activity, the organization hosted representatives of the Israeli government, the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency, and about 3,500 Masa fellows and alumni.

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