Jewish Agency Shlichim march alongside thousands of
participants in the Celebrate Israel Parade in New York
Photo: Raphael Rice for The Jewish Agency for Israel
Connecting Jews Worldwide
Throughout 2023, we continued to build meaningful connections between Jews in 65+ countries around the world. From young Jews to entire Jewish communities to passionate Israeli emissaries, The Jewish Agency made a difference in the lives of countless Jews in 2023, nurturing their bonds to each other and our shared Jewish story.
Because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, there were hundreds of new applicants from the former Soviet Union and other affected regions to Masa Israel Journey programs. With more budget needed to accept these young Jews to Masa programs in Israel, The Jewish Agency turned to the Mandel Foundation and to the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund of the Jewish Federations of North America.
“When we learned of the additional young Jews from Russia and the FSU who wanted to join Masa, there was no question we had to do everything to make it happen. I am tremendously moved by the immediate response of our partners at Jewish Federations and the Mandel Foundation,” said Mark Wilf, The Jewish Agency’s Chairman of the Board of Governors. “Masa is the flagship program for young Jews to connect with Israel, and I am grateful we are able to offer them this wonderful opportunity.”
Masa participants at a Masa Career program event in Israel
Photo: Masa Israel Journey
Besides welcoming its 200,000th participant in September, Masa also marked a major anniversary in 2023: 20 years.
“With Masa entering its 20th year of activity, Masa Fellows are the new generation of leadership for Jewish communities around the world. Our Fellows do not come here as tourists, but to live as locals; their contribution to Israel is enormous, and Israel’s contribution to them is no less so,” said Ofer Gutman, CEO of Masa.
Throughout 2023, 11,509 participants from 62 countries participated in 244 Masa programs in Israel.
A new milestone was also achieved by our Partnership2Gether program in 2023, as Jewish leaders from Israel and around the world convened for the Global Jewish LGBTQ Partnership’s inaugural summit in London in March to foster a more welcoming future for LGBTQ Jews. Hailing from nine countries, 24 leaders of 14 different organizations met for three days to connect with and learn from one another. The summit is also where the relationship between Keshet Italia, the only Italian Jewish queer organization, and The Jewish Agency began.
“Today I see The Jewish Agency as a true ally and partner in our ongoing journey to demand equality and acceptance from society in general and the Jewish community in particular,” reflected Ariel, a graphic designer, DJ and queer activist living in Rome, Italy, who volunteers at Keshet Italia.
Caroline (center), founder of Gaavah Brasil, an LGBT Jewish organization in Brazil, and member of the Partnership2Gether LGBT Global Partnership at a Pride Parade | Photo: Caroline Beraja
To further bring together and showcase the unique voices and diverse faces of the Jewish people, we launched a special initiative, Voices Together, in April 2023 to celebrate Israel’s 75th birthday. Established with the Z3 Project, and in collaboration with Shaanan Streett, the frontman of Israeli hip-hop band Hadag Nahash, we created a song, “Ma Nishma, Israel?” Jews globally were invited to submit lyrics that expressed what Israel at 75 meant to them, with some then incorporated into the song, which was performed in different languages by Shaanan and seven artists from all over the world.
“This new song gives voice to Jewish unity and global Jewish peoplehood at a time when those values urgently need to be bolstered and amplified,” said Doron Almog, The Jewish Agency's Chairman of the Executive. “It sends an unmistakable message that the ties which bind us together will always overcome the transient tensions that threaten to divide us.”
Our Shlichim (Israeli emissaries), ShinShinim (service year Israeli emissaries) and Campus Israel Fellows also planned events and activities in their communities to mark Israel’s 75th birthday, forging deeper bonds between Jews abroad and Israel as they do throughout the year.
“Strengthening the connection between Jews in the US and Israel is key. We need to have a deep understanding of each other, and as an Israel Fellow, I’ve brought the complex realities of Israel to life on campus while building meaningful and lasting relationships,” stated Rotem from Herzliya, who finished her third year as an Israel Fellow in spring 2023, having served at universities in Washington, D.C. and Cleveland, Ohio, during her tenure.
Throughout 2023, 70 Israel Fellows served 68 universities in North America, engaging with 10,500 students.
In June, alongside 40,000 people, a delegation of our Shlichim marched at New York’s Celebrate Israel Parade together with our partners. The 2023 parade marked the first time that The Jewish Agency had a dedicated float in what is considered the largest celebration of Jewish life in the United States. Chairmen Almog and Wilf joined the parade, with Wilf also serving as an honorary marshal for the festivities.
Later that month, 1,500 young Israelis began to arrive at 158 camps across North America, where they spent the summer serving on staff as summer camp Shlichim. An additional 80+ instructors (Israeli and local) were trained and placed at Jewish Agency and partner camps in the former Soviet Union.
Participants at The Jewish Agency’s Dacha summer camp in Lithuania | Photo: The Jewish Agency for Israel
“Representing Israel abroad at camp is such a privilege because we have the opportunity to shape or reshape someone's view of Israel; we get to make Israel fun, positive and engaging for kids,” shared Gily from Ashkelon, who worked at Camp Louise in Maryland.
Besides sending Shlichim to serve at Jewish summer camps in North America, The Jewish Agency ran Jewish summer camps abroad in Ukraine and Lithuania, especially vital for kids and teens affected by the Russia-Ukraine war.
Our Director General and CEO Amira Ahronoviz met kids at one of our Jewish Agency summer camps in Ukraine in August during a JFNA mission, as we continued our efforts to ensure the continuity of Jewish life in the region alongside Aliyah and rescue. Amira also visited the local Jewish community and gained deeper insight into the ongoing reality of Ukrainians.
“The trip powerfully demonstrated that the Jewish heart in Ukraine continues to beat. The Jewish community in Ukraine has made it clear that there continues to be a thirst for Jewish life in the country, and Jewish identity programming is crucial for maintaining a sense of stability, normalcy, belonging, and hope – even in times of crisis,” reflected Amira after the trip.