Despite the ongoing tragedies Israel has faced in recent years, on September 1 the new school year will officially begin—bringing with it hope for renewal for all of us. Joining excited students, parents, and faculty will be volunteers from Masa Israel Teaching Fellows, a Masa program in partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Education, which brings around 100 young Jewish adults each year from English-speaking countries to teach English in Israeli schools.
The program of Masa, an organization founded by the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency, was born out of the national shortage of English teachers. This year, volunteers from the U.S., the U.K., Australia, South Africa, and Canada—native English speakers with academic degrees, many with formal teaching experience—will spend the school year teaching in schools in Bat Yam, Rishon LeZion, South Tel Aviv, Beit She'an, and beyond.
"My journey to reach that decision is quite a long one" said Ezekiel Aurelius, originally from Illinois but now living in Colorado, who previously taught Latin for three years in a middle school. He landed in Israel just days ago, greeted by a Houthi missile attack upon arrival. "I am not a born Jew and converted almost two years ago. I had a spiritual longing in college that Judaism seemed to fulfill. I did 6 months of research before reaching out to a Rabbi and then spent another year learning to live Jewish-ly before completing my conversion on September 7th, 2023. One month later, my dedication to the faith and to my newfound people was under attack. October 7th was like Hashem sending me a test, 'Are you really with us?' I decided that I was."
In addition to improving English fluency, the program gives Israeli students a unique opportunity to meet Jews from the communities around the world and share the collective feelings experienced by the Jewish people since October 7. At the same time, volunteers themselves experience Israel on a profound level, equipping them to become the country’s best ambassadors—whether they return home or make Aliyah.
All participants hold academic degrees, many in education, and many come with extensive teaching experience. One example is Michelle Agatstein, originally from Florida, who has taught English for years, including in South Korea and Vietnam. "I was active in the small Jewish community in Hanoi. At one Shabbat dinner, I met a person who was vacationing in Vietnam. She had made Aliyah, and I expressed to her how lucky she is. I told her I'm considering making Aliyah, but I wish I could do a trial of living in Israel first as a local. She told me about this program, and those words sparked an unexpected new chapter of my life. On previous visits to Israel, each of those times, I felt a sense of belonging and home that perhaps only Jews can understand."
“I came here because I wanted to learn more about Israel and find out what I could do to support this country that does so much for the Jewish people," added Ezekiel, who will soon begin teaching at a school in Bat Yam. "Being in the country and having great experiences with the locals is part of what drove me to apply for MITF. Teaching is also not highly valued in America. I needed to find somewhere that valued the skills that I could provide. I believe that my English skills and my experience as a teacher can benefit the Israeli students that I will have and give them skills that will prepare them for the world."
Michelle added: "The timing couldn't be better. Whereas my friends and family may have questioned my decision to come to Israel now, I have never felt a stronger pull to be here with our people during a difficult time. I feel a strong sense of purpose of being in Israel and supporting the children of our community, bringing them joy, and empowering them to master a new skill of English. Language is the most powerful tool, and English is a bridge to the world. Who knows where this bridge will take them? I'm excited to meet my students. Am Yisrael chai!"
“Every year, as the new school year approaches, we are deeply moved to see the participants of Masa Teachers arriving in Israel with an incredible sense of mission and a spark in their eyes,” said Meir Holtz, CEO of Masa Israel Journey. “In the past two years, this has been even more emotional and inspiring. Their decision to come carries tremendous impact for Israeli children, for the education system, for Israeli society as a whole, and for strengthening the connection between young Jews in Israel and the world. We wish them much success and a year that is safe, fruitful, and filled with growth – for them and for all of Israel.”
Written in collaboration with Masa Israel Journey