There is good news and bad news. First, research shows that nothing is as stunningly powerful as a long-term Israel experience in building enduring connection and commitment to Jewish community and Peoplehood. At the same time, research shows the continuing decline in the attachment, connection and engagement of young American Jews. On one hand, a seemingly intractable challenge; on the other, a demonstrated, tested response. The future of our Jewish community lies in successfully bridging these two realities.

In an era of unprecedented freedom, mobility and achievement, intermarriage rates continue to increase while Jewish birth rates, Jewish knowledge, visits to Israel and the sense of Jewish Peoplehood continue to decrease.

The last published Jewish population study warned that Jewish identity in the United States continues declining sharply, particularly amongst the next generation. 

One million, or 54%, of all American Jewish children under the age of 18 are being raised as non-Jews or with no religion. Since 1985, the percentage of Jews marrying outside the faith increased to 52%. And, it’s not just the US where skyrocketing assimilation is of concern. Intermarriage rates in Russia are now approaching 80% in some areas.

Other research indicates that less than 25% of those under age 35 self-identify as Zionists. It’s no surprise then that another more recent study reported “far lower levels of attachment to Israel among younger Jews.”

MASA is a breakthrough response designed to confront these challenging statistics by dramatically increasing the numbers of North American and worldwide Jewish youth participating in profound and life-changing long-term experiences in Israel.
In an otherwise disturbing 2007 study, “Beyond Distancing: Young Adult American Jews and Their Alienation from Israel,” Professors Steven Cohen and Ari Kelman reported this good news: 

“Among those who have lived in Israel (such as might be reported by participants in a semester or year program in Israel), 68% score high on attachment” to Israel. Moreover, says Cohen and Kelman: “These results …open the door to the possibility, if not probability, that trips matter, that more trips are better than fewer, and that trips of long duration have more impact than those with shorter duration.”

Another study by Professor Cohen tracking the impact of year courses, reports major differences between those who participated in the year-long GAP program in Israel before going to college and those who didn’t. Ten years later:

91% of participants married a Jew, compared to 48% of the non-participants.

79% of participants belong to a synagogue, compared to 43% of the non-participants.

72% of participants volunteer in Jewish organizations, compared to 25% of the non-participants.

57% of participants contribute to Federation campaigns, compared to 30% of the non-participants.

71% of participants returned to Israel at least two additional times, compared to 20% of the non-participants.