Israel Immersion The Key to a Strong Jewish Future

Key Findings:

This report reveals stark differences between the beliefs and behaviors of the three interviewed groups. The data strongly suggests that immersive long-term programs in Israel may be the single most effective tool to ensure Jewish continuity and provide effective, proactive solutions to the multilayered problems facing the Jewish world.

Upon returning home, young Jewish adults are transformed from uninvolved to extremely engaged community members, active in local events and programs. The data suggests that vacations or short trips to Israel can inspire, but long-term experiences are significantly more meaningful. A long-term experience cultivates stronger Jewish identity, lasting connection to Israel, and the greatest likelihood of living a Jewish life (personally and professionally). 

48% of Masa alumni who work in nonprofits and educational institutions do so for Jewish organizations, indicating a profound desire to give back to the Jewish world professionally following immersive Israel experiences. Across the board, alumni felt that their long-term programs in Israel improved their chances of success and provided valuable skills and knowledge, enabling them to further enrich the Jewish world in their careers. 

Meanwhile, the following noted behavioral impacts of long-term programs benefit the entire Jewish world:

1. Long-term program alumni are nearly twice as likely to regularly participate in Jewish community programs or events after returning home than their peers who have never been to Israel (67% vs. 38% accordingly). 
2. Young Jewish adults who have attended long-term programs regularly donate to Jewish-related charities and causes at a rate of 45% vs. 33% who have never been to Israel, and Israel-related charities and causes 34% vs. 25% respectively. 
3. Alumni are more likely to agree strongly they feel comfortable sharing their opinions about Israel with others than short-term participants (42% vs. 31%). They are over twice as likely to participate in Israel-related programs and events on a regular basis than both short-term participants and individuals who have never been to Israel (46% vs. 20%).

The alumni had most often participated in a Masa Israel Journey immediately after high school (at age 18), and two-thirds had taken part in a program by the time of college graduation or soon thereafter (age 22). Most younger alumni participated in Gap Year study programs. Post-college alums most often took internships or English teaching fellowships.

Long Peer participants of the survey are more concentrated in the Middle Atlantic than other groups. They are also the most likely group to have made Aliyah/currently live in Israel.