A record of Zionism in Paris: thousands of young Jews on their way to Israel

The event in the French capital attracted over 2,000 young men and women, who came to take a closer look at the variety of options available to them in Israel: from “gap” (transition year) programs after high school, through career development and internships to academic studies at the leading institutions in Israel.

“Pure Zionism that does not depend on anything”

Holtz added and revealed that in light of the growing demand, the organization is preparing to expand its activities: “Seven new programs dedicated to French speakers are expected to open this year alone, and they are filling up quickly.”

Two decades of work

The Masa organization, founded by the Jewish Agency and the Government of Israel, establishes its position as the leading body in bringing young Jews from the Diaspora to long-term programs. In dry numbers, this is a huge enterprise: 10,000 participants every year, 60 countries of origin across five continents, 215,000 graduates over more than 20 years of activity.

The young people integrate into internship programs, English teaching, volunteering and career development, thus becoming an integral part of the Israeli fabric at a time when the connection between Diaspora Jewry and the State of Israel is more important than ever.