Check out the Jewish Agency letter in Shared Documents.  

Some of us may think that we have been through this in the past.  Israel never had peaceful times.  There was always some crisis.  Still, these time are different and we still don't know what is ahead of us. 

The best thing to do is share experiences, stories and intuitions. 

I urge you to do so, for the benefit of all of us.

Dr. Elan Ezrachi

Executive Director

Masa 

My name is Aaron Greenblott. I am 23 and a recent graduate of the University of Miami. Starting in August I will be one of the first members of a new program called Israel Service Corps. ISC is getting a group of recent college graduates together to help have an impact on the city of Ramla, outside of Tel-Aviv. There are many different things that we plan on helping out with including teaching...

Can someone who is scheduled to attend a program in the near future, but is still in the home country tell us how he she/he feels about coming to spend a semester or a year in Israel?

 

  Family and friends are urging me not to go.  My parents have told me that my life would be on the line.  Reading the news headlines every day is tough.  But, at this point I plan on going until my program cancels.  I am passionate about Israel, I feel heartbroken right no.

I also plan on going until my program cancels, I wonder how much the situation would have to escalate to necessitate such an action.  My family is not supportive, they feel it is far to dangerous and bring up Iran frequently.  I am going to put my trust into my program.  However,  I am torn.   I know Israel's ememies have the capabilty to bomb as far as Telavive,...

Many youngsters I know, including my son are already in Europe and about to arrive in Israel, even against our will.

I think it may be wise if they delay the program for a couple of weeks or allow them to delay their arrival depending on the situation. I think the info you have on this website is not enough, and most parents are very uncertain about the real situation. Thank you

Life is carrying on as usual here, the events are unfortunate but hopefully they will improve. I don't think that any program would put anyone in  deliberate danger.  I think changes will be made and we will hope for the best.

Dear Worried:

 

You may be interested, then, in joining us for our upcoming internet webconference on July 30th where we will address your concerns and let you know what is going on in israel.  Please rest assured that we at MASA and the Program Organizers who work with us are both aware of the situation and are taking steps to assure that students who are (and who will be) here are updated...

I don't know what program your child is attending but my daughter plans to go to Hebrew University in a few weeks and the website there has had at least three letters posted to parents. It has been very helpful to us in determining whether to delay the experience. We decided, after much thought, for her to attend the program as planned.
Good luck to you. It is a hard decision.

Hi there, I am sheduled to come to the University of Haifa in Spring of 2007. I have been to Israel many times before and my love for the country and the nation runs deep. I am not deterred at all by the violence. We are a nation of survivors, as history has proven. There is an element of risk, as always, which is now somewhat elevated. However, I am fully prepared and more determined than ever...

It is so good to see that others have the same feelings that I do.. although I am apprehensive about going, I know thath israel needs support from abroad, and if we let doubt or fear stop us from going, then the terrorist groups have already reached part of their goal. Israel has always been at war, and although it seems excalated now, I have faith (and hope) that they will pull through this, as they...

I read this comment, and I thought my parents are signing on and pretending to be me :) You described to a T the situation going on in my family. My father asked me tonight, "Does a rocket have to hit Tel Aviv for your program to be affected?" Scary scary thought. But it is one that must be asked... Can it be answered though?
I was really kind of dissappointed by the live stream...

I very much just want to get over there and begin the program. This next week is going to be hard for us all. I'm tired of waiting. I know it will all be okay once I'm over there for me. It's just tormenting what my parents are going through in this time before I leave. Everyday we have an argument about it. Ultimately it's my decision. I think the program will not put us in harms way. It's...

If you would like us to connect your parents to other parents or to a resource that help clarify things, contact masainfo@masaisrael.org, and identify yourself.

Masa staff

PROUD OF THE FACT !

We are here to stay

Aaron,
How did you find out about ISC and have you seen/met any of the program's organizers? I was interested in getting more info about the community track. It mentions Hebrew study but is not specific on the details.
Thanks,
Sam