Over 5,000 MASA participants gathered in Latrun on the evening of May 22nd to celebrate their year in Israel and the contribution they have made while participating in a long-term MASA-affiliated program.  Those in attendance were treated to a high-caliber show that included addresses by Israeli Prime Minister Mr. Ehud Olmert and the Chairman of the Jewish Agency Mr. Zeev Bielski, musical and visual performances by Israeli artists such as Teapacks and Tararam, and a laser light show and spectacular fireworks display finale.

"It was really cool that MASA went out of its way to put on something special for us," said Los Angeles native Jordan Kwok of OTZMA.  "I was impressed by how big the event was and the whole energy it had about it.  And it was great to see how many participants were there." 

0ver 25, 000 young Jews from around the world have participated in a MASA-affiliated program since MASA's conception in 2004.  This year (2007/8) witnessed the largest participant numbers to date with over 8,000 participants coming to Israel from 50 countries.  Deborah Laks of Costa Rica, who co-hosted MASA LIVE with fellow Building Future Leadership (BFL) participant Noah Serbin of the United States, confessed, "Living in Israel makes me feel I finally belong somewhere. Israel has given me so much. It has definitely become my home, and this has been all thanks to MASA."