(Communicated by the Jewish Agency Spokesperson)

The Jewish Agency for Israel welcomes the Government of Israel’s decision from  today (Sunday, October 18) to begin funding The Jewish Agency’s new Onward Israel program.

 Onward Israel is a framework of six-to-ten-week experiential programs for young Jews from around the world, meant to take place during academic breaks and thus fill the “gap” between short-term programs like Taglit-Birthright Israel and long-term programs like Masa Israel Journey. Today’s decision will expand the scope of the government’s support for Masa Israel Journey—which is funded equally by the Government of Israel and The Jewish Agency—to include Onward Israel, as well, thus making Israel experience programs of varying lengths available to more young Jews than ever before.
 
Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel Natan Sharansky said: "A new and crucial rung has been added to the ladder of Israel experiences between Taglit-Birthright Israel and Masa Israel Journey. Young Jews will now, with the Government of Israel’s support, be able to return to Israel for personally-tailored internships lasting between six and ten weeks. Thousands more will now be able to experience Israel through interactions with Israeli businesses, professionals, and hi-tech start-ups. There is no better response to those who wish to delegitimize and attack us."
 
Created by The Jewish Agency in 2012, Onward Israel is a framework for six-to-ten-week immersive and résumé-building experiences in Israel for young people between the ages of 19 and 27 who have only spent a short time in Israel previously, including Taglit-Birthright Israel and teen travel alumni.

The goal of Onward Israel is to provide participants with an immersive and transformative résumé-building experience in Israel, featuring opportunities such as internships, volunteer opportunities, academic courses, and fellowships. While meeting the individual needs of the participants and allowing them to advance their résumés, Onward Israel programs also feature inspiring educational modules, with special attention dedicated to activism opportunities within local communities and institutions after program completion and to the development of a deeper understanding of Israel and enhanced Jewish identity and commitment.

Participation in Onward Israel has grown exponentially, from approximately 250 participants in 2012 to some 1,500 this past year, and this new commitment of government funding will now enable the program to grow by thousands each year.