DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇱 Israel /Culture & Society

Israel launches 'Masa diplomacy' program in push for pro-Israel advocacy through Diaspora youth

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Israel has launched a new program, "Masa Diplomacy," to train Diaspora Jewish youth in advocacy and public diplomacy.
  • The initiative aims to combat rising antisemitism and disinformation surrounding Israel by equipping young people with necessary skills.
  • The government approved NIS 1 million to fund scholarships for approximately 70 participants in the upcoming academic year.

The Israeli government has approved the establishment of "Masa Diplomacy," a new program designed to empower Jewish youth from the Diaspora in the fields of Israel advocacy and public diplomacy. This initiative, announced jointly by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Foreign Affairs Ministry, aims to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to engage effectively on the international stage.

We will continue to invest in strengthening the bond with Diaspora Jewry and in solidifying Israel's status and strength in the world.

— Benjamin NetanyahuPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening ties with Diaspora Jewry.

The program arises in response to the increasing levels of antisemitism and disinformation targeting Israel globally. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar proposed the initiative, emphasizing its importance in strengthening Israel's global standing and countering negative narratives. The government has allocated NIS 1 million to sponsor scholarships for roughly 70 participants during the 2026-2027 academic year.

We ascribe utmost importance to deepening the connection and dialogue with the young leadership of Diaspora Jewry.

— Gideon Sa’arForeign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar stressed the significance of engaging with young leaders from Diaspora Jewry.

Masa Diplomacy will offer a comprehensive six-week curriculum. This includes content days focused on online advocacy, workshops to enhance public speaking abilities, educational tours, and seminars led by experienced diplomats and other experts. Participants will also complete a capstone project, which will be evaluated by officials from the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Beyond the educational components, the program seeks to deepen participants' connection to Israel and the Jewish people.

We welcome the Government's decision, which reflects the understanding that diplomacy begins with young people from around the world who choose to come to Israel.

— Meir HoltzCEO of Masa Meir Holtz expressed support for the new program.

"We will continue to invest in strengthening the bond with Diaspora Jewry and in solidifying Israel's status and strength in the world," Prime Minister Netanyahu stated, highlighting the crucial role young Diaspora Jews play in combating antisemitism. Foreign Affairs Minister Sa’ar added, "We ascribe utmost importance to deepening the connection and dialogue with the young leadership of Diaspora Jewry." The program builds upon a successful pilot project and is now being established as a permanent initiative by Masa, an organization dedicated to connecting young Jews with life in Israel through various programs.

The 'Masa Diplomacy' program is a unique educational platform that allows leading young people to learn about the country's challenges firsthand, and to build solid bridges and discourse between Israel and the world.

— Gideon Sa’arForeign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar described the program's educational value.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog