The Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellowship is a one-of-a-kind partnership between Masa Israel Journey and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Since launching in 2021, the Fellowship has supported more than 150 Atlanta teens from over 35 local high schools as they take the leap into an unforgettable year in Israel.
But the Fellowship is about more than helping you get there. It’s about making your year in Israel even more meaningful.
Throughout the year, Atlanta Fellows come together for Touchpoints — special overnight experiences created just for the Atlanta cohort. Working closely with Masa Israel and our Partnership Region staff, each Touchpoint gives you the chance to step outside your individual gap year program, reconnect with friends from Atlanta, meet other Fellows spending the year across Israel, and experience places and people you might not otherwise encounter.
Each Touchpoint has its own focus, from peoplehood and community to leadership and action, connecting what you’re experiencing in Israel with the community you come from and the one you’re becoming part of. You’ll build relationships with Israelis, experience Atlanta’s connections to Israel firsthand, and create an Atlanta community that stays with you throughout the year and beyond.
The fellowship is designed for Atlanta Jewish high school seniors who are considering taking a gap year in Israel before college. Participants receive up to $10,000 toward their gap year experience and take part in a highly supported, transformative year that includes immersive Jewish learning, leadership development, internships or volunteering, and cultural exploration alongside peers and Israeli experts.
Programs are as diverse as our community! You can master your culinary skills with top Israeli chefs, dive into the Start-Up Nation and Israel’s tech sector, study Torah and Jewish history, explore Israel’s endless outdoor adventures, experience the country through sports and music, and immerse yourself in the cultures, communities, and people that make up Israeli society. From arts and academics to leadership, service, and social action, there’s a gap year experience for almost every interest.
Some of Our Most Popular Programs:
- Aardvark Israel (Multiple tracks available)
- World Bnei Akiva (Multiple tracks available)
- Yachad Mechina (Multiple tracks available)
Students Who Experienced Personal Growth, Confidence & Independence
The most significant change I have noticed in myself throughout my gap year is how I have changed my mindset during different situations. I have learned to be more open minded and I have learned to have more gratitude in all aspects of my life. Hannah A. Fellow 25-26, Druid Hills High School, Year Course
My gap year made me a lot more independent… it allowed me to grow in a new way. It also showed me how I can talk to anyone and made me a more outgoing person. Mayah L. Fellow 25-26, Pope, Year Course
I would say the most significant change I noticed in myself after my gap year in Israel is the confidence I gained in my Jewish identity and in my ability to lead others. Jordan S, Weber, 25-26, Year Course
Students Who Grew Their Jewish Identity & Connection to Israel
Israel stopped feeling like a place I’m in and started feeling like a place where I belong. Ari G. Fellow 25-26, Weber, Orayta
As I start looking forward to what comes next, I will never forget everything this place and people have taught me and will carry the imprint left on my soul. Israel has shown me the true strength of the human spirit and for that I am eternally grateful. Ori Gal, North Springs High School, Mechina Meitzar 23-24
I felt a much deeper understanding and connection to the land and state of Israel… I learned so much about the history of the nation, current politics, geography, and culture in Israel. I know feel much more confident in my ability to speak Hebrew, navigate through the country and educate others about the complexities of Israeli societies. Eliana F, AJA, 2025-2026, Midreshet Lindenbaum
Before my gap year, I didn’t always feel like I had enough knowledge or confidence to share my opinions or talk about Israel in depth. Now, after experiencing the country first hand and learning so much about its history, culture, and people, I feel much more comfortable having conversations about Israel and expressing what it means to me. Elissa B, Riverwood, 2025-2026, Year Course
Students Who Grew Their Friendships, Community & Lifelong Connections
The people I met challenged my perspectives, encouraged my growth, and became lifelong friends and mentors. Their openness, resilience, and passion inspired me to strengthen my connection to Judaism and Israel. Ari S, Fellow 25-26, AJA, Torah V’Avodah
The friends I have made on year course have taught me what it means to be a true friend, what it truly means to have someone’s back and be there for them no matter what. Ariel B. Weber, 2025-2026, Year Course
Through my MDA (Magen David Adom) internship, connecting with Jewish roots, and finding friends that supported me, I was able to finally able to not hide who I am and be my authentic self. I left Israel more confident, independent, and proud of myself, which was something I struggled with before my gap year. Ava S, 2025-2026, Weber, Year Course
Why take a gap year In Israel?
Taking a gap year provides a purposeful break to escape academic burnout, mature personally and gain real-world experience through travel, college-level courses, volunteering and other specialized programming before committing to higher education or career paths.
- Find Your People, Make Your Friends
- Bolster Your Resume
- Bridge the Emotional Road Between High School and College
Results from The Gap Year Association:
- Gap Year Students have demonstrated higher-than-predicted college GPAs.
- More than 80% of participants said their gap year influenced their career paths.
- 97% of participants reported increased confidence.
Who is eligible for the Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellowship?
The Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellowship is open to all Jewish graduating seniors within Greater Atlanta. There is no expectation of previous Jewish involvement or previous Israel travel. Our fellows range the religious spectrum, come from public and private schools, and represent the true diversity of the Atlanta Jewish community!
Teens are only eligible for the fellowship in the year immediately following high school graduation.
What do fellows receive from Federation?
Fellows are eligible for up to $10,000 in funding towards the program cost of an approved Masa gap year program that is affiliated with our Fellowship.
A unique opportunity to deepen your gap year experience. Fellows participate in 3 overnight experiences with all Atlanta Fellows. These touchpoints are intended to provide opportunities that are unique, inspiring, and challenging.
What is Masa?
Masa is the Hebrew word for journey — and for over 20 years, Masa Israel Journey has been helping young Jewish adults from around the world embark on theirs.
They are the Ultra Connector, and a joint project of the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Government of Israel, Masa serves as a living bridge between Jewish communities worldwide and life in Israel.
What makes a Masa program eligible for the Fellowship?
There are countless gap year programs for teens to choose from. In order for a program to be eligible for our Fellowship, they must meet the following criteria:
- Must be an approved Masa gap program
- Must be a program over 8 months
- Must have Israel and Zionism as a core part of the curriculum and not an optional track of study
- Must have multiple opportunities for intentional interactions with Israelis
- Must take place in Israel (international travel opportunities are permitted)
- Must have academic, safety, and cleanliness standards maintained
Should a program meet all of the above requirements, the individual program must also agree to be a partner with the Fellowship including releasing fellows to participate in the required touchpoints.
What if the program I’m interested in is not on the approved list?
If the program you’re interested in meets the eligibility for inclusion in the Fellowship, please reach out to Laurie Rubin (lrubin@jewishatlanta.org) We do our best to include as many opportunities as possible, however, there are times we are unable to accept every program and decisions are made on a case by case basis.
Safety and Security
The safety and security of Masa Israel Journey program participants, staff and partners is the top priority. Masa Israel Journey maintains strict standards for safety and security on all program sponsored activities.
As a joint project of the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel, Masa Israel programs receive updated information regarding safety and security regularly and are able to respond to official recommendations. Staff is in touch with every Masa Israel program to ensure information is shared effectively and to assist as needed. (pulled directly from the Masa website)
You can also learn more about safety and security on the Masa website (https://www.masaisrael.org/our-programs/safety-security/)
What is my responsibility as a fellow?
As an Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellow, you are required to do the following:
In-Person Cohort Experiences: In partnership with Masa and Federation’s Israel office, three ‘touchpoint’ sessions in Israel focused on expanding Fellows’ understanding of Jewish peoplehood and the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora.
Participation in all touchpoints sessions is expected. Fellowship funding may be impacted by lack of participation.
Dates and additional details for all touchpoint sessions will be communicated in advance in coordination with Masa program partners and shared with all Fellows.
Ongoing and Post-Program Requirements:
- Write a blog post reflecting on their experience
- Participate in at least one recruitment event for the following school year
- Complete program evaluation to help assess the Fellowship’s impact
What is the application process for the fellowship and the gap year program?
Each gap year program has their own application process. It is the responsibility of each teen to apply to the program of their choice.
The Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellowship application will open each fall. Applications will be processed on a rolling basis including scheduling a brief interview with members of our staff.
Teens are able to apply for the Fellowship prior to being accepted to their gap year program but acceptance to the fellowship will not be determined until proof of program acceptance is provided to Federation.
Who can I talk to for more information?
Laurie Rubin, our Coordinator of Israel Engagement is available to chat anytime. Just reach out! (Lrubin@jewishatlanta.org)
What if I still have more questions?
We’re here to help! Reach out to Laurie Rubin, our Coordinator of Israel Engagement is available to chat anytime. Just reach out! (Lrubin@jewishatlanta.org)
You can also explore the FAQs on the Masa website (https://www.masaisrael.org/about-us-2/faqs/)
What It’s Really Like to take a gap year.
Hear from Emily Gavrielov, a 2021 Atlanta Jewish Academy graduate, who is a past participant on Israel XP at Bar Ilan University.
The eligible participating gap year programs span a range of focus areas, cities, and religious affiliations. There’s an Israel gap year experience for everyone and we will help you identify the one that’s right for you.
For personalized assistance and more information about the Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellowship, please reach out to: Rich Walter at rwalter@jewishatlanta.org
Follow the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta on Facebook for the latest news and fellowship opportunities.