In 2012, Masa Israel Journey, a joint venture of the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel, together with the Rashi Foundation, launched Israel Service Fellows. Israel Service Fellows is a joint 10-month service learning program for Jewish college graduates and Israelis ages 21-30. Israel Service Fellows focus on informal education, community development and empowerment of youth and other populations.

Israel Service Fellows is intentionally designed so that English-speaking participants will not live in an insular bubble. Fellows partner with a group of Israeli peers and both groups undergo joint programming and carry out service work together. All of this sets the stage for a meaningful and deep cultural exchange.

Following an initial training period, Israel Service Fellows live in small groups and work at their volunteer placements for 25-30 hours per week. Possible placements for volunteering include schools, youth centers, and community centers. There, you will be able to create various activities for youth, such as photography classes, music lessons, or community garden work. You will also take part in professional training in order to develop your knowledge and skills to become an effective educator and agent for social change in your home community as well. Trainings include: understanding the political environment, minorities in Israel, and the development of peripheral cities in Israeli society.

The Israel Service Fellows program is operated and managed by Ma'ase ("deed" or “action” in Hebrew). Ma'ase specializes in volunteer and leadership programs for over 700 young people all over Israel in order to create a movement for social change. For almost a decade, Ma’ase has been running successful volunteer programs and is the recipient of several national awards in the field, including the Speaker of the Knesset Quality of Life Award for its work promoting tolerance and narrowing social gaps in Israeli society, and the Sderot Conference Award for Social Responsibility.

Ongoing professional support, ulpan (Hebrew lessons), trips, and other enrichment activities are provided throughout your time in Israel.

Fellows must have completed an undergraduate college degree, and be young Jews between the ages of 21 and 30 from an English-speaking country. Israel Service Fellows is suitable for those who wish to play an active role in shaping Israel's future generation while engaging with one’s own knowledge and understanding of complex social issues in Israel today. We welcome fellows who can bring their own strengths and talents to the program, while answering the genuine needs of the community.