Masa doesn’t pause – it adapts, supports, and grows
Whether in wartime, pandemic or peace — Masa’s programs empower Jewish young adults from 60-plus countries to live like locals in Israel and shape a shared future.
$5 million for new Zionist village
Massachusetts philanthropist and author of Finding Happiness, Todd Patkin, is to invest $5 million in JNF’s $350 million World Zionist Village in Be’er Sheva (see previously), the first global hub for Zionism.
Where the Canaanites made their knives
A groundbreaking archaeological discovery in Kiryat Gat has revealed a 5,500-year-old flint blade manufacturing workshop - the first of its kind found in southern Israel. The excavation uncovered long, finely-crafted blades and their source from large flint cores.
Drone fixes eruv before Shabbat
High Tech Halacha: During a routine Friday inspection, a council worker in the Israeli city of Ofakim noticed damage to the city’s eruv (the wire boundary that permits religious Jews to carry on Shabbat). Consulting the local Rabbi, a drone was sent to re-stretch the wires, repairing the eruv.
Rare “redemption of Zion” coin unearthed
A bronze coin minted by Jews in Jerusalem during final year before 2nd Temple's destruction in 70 CE has been discovered during excavations in Jerusalem. It is inscribed, “For the Redemption of Zion”. Tisha b’Av on 3rd Aug commemorated the destruction of both Jewish Temples.
Parents of fallen soldier make Aliyah
After their son Ben was killed while saving lives at the Nova Festival, his Canadian-Israeli parents made Aliyah to walk the path he chose, turning tragedy into a living tribute.
Young community hubs
As part of the post Swords of Iron War recovery, KKL-JNF is launching community hubs for young Mechina (IDF prep school) graduates in Israel’s northern and southern periphery. In the pilot, subsidized housing will be developed in Yeruham, Dimona, Arad, Kiryat Shmona, Shlomi, Acre and Nahariya.
US college students support Israel
Dozens of American college students traveled to Israel with Jewish National Fund-USA on its alternative week-long summer-break program. In Kiryat Shmona, Akko and Ofakim they packed supplies, painted homes and playgrounds, planted trees and cooked meals for soldiers in the IDF.
Our home is gone, but at least we’re alive
Valery, 32, from Tel Aviv, who survived the impact from an Iranian missile strike, 20 meters from his building, said, “In the end, we will come out of this stronger,” A harrowing story, but one that highlights Israeli resilience.
From trauma to triumph
Israeli charity Belev Echad (see previously) takes wounded IDF soldiers on a trip to Manhattan as part of their recovery program. Co-founder, Shevy Vigler says, “In Israel, they fight to stand again. In New York, they remember how to live again. That’s the moment the healing truly begins.”