In addition to providing Ariana the chance to gain valuable classroom teaching skills, it also allowed her to experience and understand cultures and people that are different from her own — and spread knowledge of her own culture and Jewish identity.

“I think there is a great lack of understanding between people of different backgrounds; one of the most important things that Masa is doing is bridging the gap between Israelis and Diaspora Jews. When I first met my students, they were shocked to find out that I’m Jewish,” recalled Ariana. “Even four months into the year, they still asked me if I knew what Chanukah was and were surprised when I wished them a Shabbat Shalom.”

“It is crucial for Israelis and Jews outside of Israel to understand one another,” she continued. “We are all one family, we all have similar values, and we all have many unique qualities to share with each other. Masa is allowing for those connections and a deeper level of appreciation to be established.”

When she finished MITF, Ariana wanted to continue contributing to the greater community and connecting Israelis to global Jewry. Today, she is working towards an M.A. in Education, specializing in Jewish Education, from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.