At the start of 2025, Masa launched the Masa Changemakers List – a group of 18 outstanding alumni selected for their impactful contributions in their respective fields and their significant impact on their communities. Some alumni returned to their home countries to lead their local communities, while others chose to make aliyah to Israel.
They are changing the world through social entrepreneurship, medicine, business, media, politics, and more. However, they all share a common thread: each spent a meaningful and extended period in Israel, attributing a significant part of their success to this transformative experience.
Masa Israel Journey is the largest immersive, long-term educational experience for young adults ages 16-50. Its programs, ranging from 4 weeks to a year, offer an authentic, unmediated journey into Israeli society, culture, politics, and history.
Masa serves as the largest gateway for global Jewry to access Israel's leading businesses, social enterprises, and academic institutions. Since its founding in 2004 by The Jewish Agency and the government of Israel, Masa has served over 200,000 young people from more than 60 countries.
A study conducted by Masa among its alumni in North America uncovered remarkable findings: one in five alumni now works in the Jewish world, and Masa alumni are more likely to raise their children Jewish, remain connected to Israel, and support Jewish philanthropic causes.
Rebecca Fine, one of the Changemakers, shares: "When I began the program, I was deeply disengaged from both my Jewish identity and my connection to Zionism. During my 10 months in Israel, through Masa's thoughtfully curated programming, I was given the space and tools to explore the rich complexity of what it means to be Jewish and to discover the beauty of Israel.
This experience was not just a personal journey but a spiritual awakening. I reconnected with my Jewish roots in ways I had never imagined, finding pride and purpose in my heritage. The program sparked a sense of belonging."Rebecca is the Associate Director of Campus Education for StandWithUs, overseeing education and content creation for hundreds of campuses across the US and Canada. She reflects:
"Initially, I planned to build a career in early childhood education, but my time in Israel ignited a passion for Israel education and advocacy. I realized I wanted to help young people explore and deepen their own connections to Judaism and Israel."
But Masa doesn't work alone. Alongside Masa, nearly 100 organizers – youth movements, organizations, and companies – offer educational experiences in Israel. They work tirelessly to bring more and more young Jewish adults to Israel, providing them with top-quality educational content: "There is no more important investment the Jewish community can make right now than in immersive Israel educational travel," said Adina Frydman, CEO of Young Judaea Global. "Our years-long partnership with Masa has made it possible for us to bring thousands of young people to Israel for an immersive travel experience."
In recent years, everyone involved in creating educational experiences in Israel has faced numerous obstacles and challenges – first, during the COVID-19 crisis, and later, following the events of October 7 and the ongoing war. However, despite these difficulties, Masa and its partners have seen many young adults choosing to come to Israel, even during challenging times – and perhaps even because of them.
"I chose to come to Israel during such a difficult time to experience firsthand and engage with the complex challenges the war has brought to Israeli society," said Ilan Greenberg from Brooklyn, NY, a fellow on the Young Judaea Year Course in Israel this year. "Antisemitism and anti-Zionism are increasingly pressing issues in America, particularly on college campuses.
My time in Israel, combined with a pluralistic education through the Young Judaea Year Course, has equipped me with the tools to spark meaningful, constructive dialogue with those I agree with and those I don't. I chose the Year Course because it offers a unique opportunity to explore the diversity of Israel and its culture while also providing the space to have fun and learn how to navigate life as a young Jewish adult."
The mission of fostering the next generation of Jewish leaders is no simple task, yet it remains a critical priority. This shared mission unites many organizations, whose success depends on sustaining the collaborative model that brings together diverse groups to nurture strong, unapologetic Jewish leadership.
The clearest testament to this success lies in the young participants like Ilan Greenberg, who continue to choose Israel even when opportunities elsewhere abound. Equally inspiring are alumni like Rebecca Fine and the rest of the Changemakers, whose achievements reflect the transformative impact of their time in Israel.
In the words of Rebecca: "I see myself continuing to educate and empower the next generation of Jewish and Zionist leaders. I am deeply passionate about creating opportunities for young people to connect with their heritage and build confidence in their identity."
To explore the full list of Changemakers, visit https://www.masaisrael.org/go/masas-change-makers/.
This article was written in cooperation with Masa.