The government approved on Tuesday the creation of a new Masa program titled Masa Diplomacy. It will equip Jewish youth from the Diaspora with knowledge, tools, and skills for Israel advocacy and public diplomacy on the global stage, according to a joint announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The program, proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar, arose from the surge in antisemitism and disinformation around Israel, officials stated.

The government also approved a joint allocation of NIS 1 million to fund scholarships for about 70 participants during the 2026-2027 academic year.

Masa Diplomacy will offer content days focused on online advocacy, workshops to build public speaking abilities, educational tours, seminars led by active diplomats and specialists, plus a capstone project reviewed by MFA officials.

In addition to its educational components, the program will deepen participants’ ties to the State of Israel and the Jewish people. The initiative will run for roughly six weeks.

“We will continue to invest in strengthening the bond with Diaspora Jewry and in solidifying Israel's status and strength in the world,” Netanyahu said. He noted that young Diaspora Jews play a key role in countering antisemitism and incitement against Israel.

“We ascribe utmost importance to deepening the connection and dialogue with the young leadership of Diaspora Jewry,” Sa’ar said.

How the program was created

Masa Diplomacy grew out of a successful pilot project run by Masa and the Foreign Affairs Ministry in the 2025-2026 academic year. Strong interest led Masa to establish it as a permanent offering.

“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,” CEO of Masa Meir Holtz said.

Masa began 22 years ago as a joint effort by the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Prime Minister’s Office. It connects young Jews ages 16 to 40 with life in Israel via gap year, internship, and volunteer programs.

Sa’ar added, “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.”