Masa’s ‘Glocal’ Hanukkah Event Keeps Jewish Flame Alive

In a year when we all need a little hope, Masa Israel Journey did not disappoint.

On December 14^th, over 50,000 people all over the world tuned in to light the fifth Hannukah candle at Masa’s Online Glocal Hanukkah Celebration, making it the largest virtual gathering to celebrate the holiday this year. The main ceremony was broadcast on Facebook Live and shared by more than 100 Facebook pages. Masa is the leading immersive, long-term educational experience for young adults ages 18-30. Since its 2004 founding by The Jewish Agency and government of Israel, it has served over 160,000 young people from more than 60 countries.

The event began with smaller online gatherings at 50 community-building workshops around Israel and a virtual networking happy hour for Masa Fellows and alumni. Each workshop was attended by Fellows from different Masa programs and countries, providing participants ways to connect with the global Jewish community at a local level.

Fellows then joined alumni and the broader Jewish community for the live broadcast celebration. Participants listened to speeches by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Isaac Herzog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency, and Ofer Gutman, Acting CEO of Masa, followed by a special performance by pop duo Static and Ben-El.

Many of the officials spoke about the special role Masa has assumed as a bridge between communities, especially this year. Amid the pandemic, almost all in-person trips to Israel have been on hold, but some 7,500 Masa Fellows are currently in Israel and thousands more are expected to arrive later this programming year. As the Fellows gain personal and professional growth opportunities while building meaningful connections, Masa finds itself as one of the most powerful links between Israel and the worldwide Jewish community.

Amid the pandemic, almost all in-person trips to Israel have been on hold, but some 7,500 Masa Fellows are currently in Israel and thousands more are expected to arrive later this programming year.

“This has been a challenging year for all of us, and while I hope that on this Festival of Lights we’ll begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I want to salute and applaud each and every one of the Masa participants, for choosing to come to Israel during this difficult period, to connect and contribute to Israeli society. This is a true expression of the value of Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh Lazeh, all of Israel is responsible for one another, and I deeply appreciate it,” said Chairman Herzog.

Prime Minister Netanyahu called Masa a “terrific” program and added: “Every year, Masa brings young Jews from across the globe to Israel. In doing so, Masa give thousands the chance to connect with the reality of Israeli society, to strengthen their Jewish identity, and to deepen their relationship with Israel and the Jewish people…Israel is where the Jewish future is being forged. And if you want to be a part of that future, if you want to have an impact upon that future, Israel is the place to be. Welcome home.”

Gutman reflected on the bravery and dedication of Masa’s Fellows, who committed to come to Israel despite the challenges of the past year. “Masa’s Glocal Hanukkah Event celebrates our global Jewish community’s resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a way, like the Maccabees, we have come together to make what seemed impossible possible. I’m proud to lead Masa, an organization that is building the bridge between Jewish communities worldwide and Israel. We are excited to continue the 2020-21 Masa programming year and offer even more opportunities that brighten the Jewish future,” he said.