MASA Israel Journey just made getting to Israel for a long-term program a LOT easier. MASA’s aim is “to help young Jews from around the world to build a life-long relationship with Israel and a firm commitment to Jewish life,” a totally Jewlicious mission. So in order to dramatically increase the number of participants on long term Israel programs, ALL participants in MASA affiliated programs, effective with programs beginning in the Fall of 2007, will be eligible to receive a new MASA universal grant. Grants range from $2,000-4,500+. Thats a lot of falafel. So if you have your sights set on a year in Israel, starting this Fall, that just got a whole lot easier.
And do us a favor, tell em, Jewlicious sent ya.
For more info see below. . .
MASA Israel Journey
New Scholarship / Grant Policies
In order to dramatically increase the number of participants on long term Israel programs, ALL participants in MASA affiliated programs, effective with programs beginning in the Fall of 2007, will be eligible to receive a new MASA universal grant.
ALL participants from the USA in post-high school or undergraduate academic programs will receive $2,000 regardless of program length.
ALL participants from the USA in post-college or graduate level academic programs will receive $3,000 for semester-long programs and $4,500 for year-long programs.
An additional needs-based scholarship to supplement the universal grant will also be available. Information about the needs-based scholarship will be available on the MASA website in January, 2007.
Information about the new MASA grants policy can be found on the MASA website: http://www.masaisrael.org
Participants must submit a MASA grant application (application available on MASA website in January, 2007) to their program organizer and grants will only be issued by MASA via program organizers.
When I was in Israel Aug 05-June 06 on a Jewish Agency program, I received Masa funding. About $3500.
A word of warning though. It is a long process to actually get the money. First they tell you it’s x amount, and then it takes another 3-6 months to receive it. And if you appeal the initial decision, that’s another 3-6 months.
It was also virtually impossible for me to find anyone to call or contact regarding Masa. There was one email contact who never wrote back.
Great idea in theory, execution is not as great.
These are for long-term programs, six months or more. MASA began about three years ago when the Israeli government and Jewish Agency figured out that the future of aliyah and a Jewish demography in Israel will rely not on Jews fleeing from persecuted countries, but from young people with a strong connection to Israel. Therefore, the desire to get them on long programs which instill a real connection. They’ve committed tens of millions of dollars in scholarships over the next many years.
I went for 10 months and got $2000. I think it’s for longer term programs. It’s good there is money available, hopefully the programming improves and attracts a lot more people.
It seems that the Israeli government, the Federation and the Jewish Agency are picking up the tab. I don’t think it’s exactly the same internship because the MASA program has been launched recently. Either way, it is a generous subsidy and I hope it succeeds in getting some more people over there for the year.
I did a 2 month internship a year ago and received $150. So now people in the same internship will get $2000? That’s exciting but I wonder where this money is coming from. I’d assume this money is taxable if it doesn’t go to specific educational expenses?