Masa Israel Journey recently launched two new volunteer programs that team up American and Israeli volunteers to create sustainable projects in Israel’s underserved periphery.
Through the five-month Yahel Social Change Program, Americans work with Israeli grassroots organizations to create community-driven educational projects in immigrant communities. In the 10-month Ma’ase Olam program, Americans join Israeli peers in their own communities and volunteer with local NGOs.
A joint project of the government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel, Masa Israel has nearly 10,000 participants and 16 post-college programs exclusively dedicated to service.
“As with any country, Israel has tremendous needs,” said Avi Rubel, Masa Israel’s North American director. “Masa Israel aims to dramatically increase the number of young adults who choose Israel and partner with Israelis in doing meaningful service and volunteer work.”
The Yahel Social Change Program, based in Gedera, launched in 2010 with six North American participants.
The program has participants team up with Ethiopian Israelis from Friends by Nature, a local not-for-profit organization that seeks to empower the Ethiopian community in Israel, volunteering in academic assistance programs, teaching English and working in community gardens, as well as meeting social activists and learning about issues of immigration, community empowerment and sustainability.
Ma’ase Olam’s inaugural program for North Americans and Israelis will run from September 2011 to June 2012. They will live communally, study Hebrew, receive professional training, work on joint volunteer projects with diverse communities, and learn about the social and cultural complexities of Israeli society.
For information, visit www.masaisrael.org.