Israel summer tours will be going ahead as planned, the UK’s largest Israel charity said this afternoon.
In a statement seen by Jewish News, UJIA said that the recent ceasefire, coupled with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updating its travel advice to Israel on Friday, lowering its risk from red to amber, meant that 800 teenagers can now look forward to the rite-of-passage educational trip.
“This significant development means that all four of our key safety indicators, including FCDO guidance, Israeli government regulations (such as Cheder Matzav – Israeli Government Situation Room and the Home Front Command), insurance availability, and commercial flight access, are now aligned and support travel”, the charity said.
“UJIA Israel Experience together with the Jewish Agency for Israel, participating youth movements, and ground providers in Israel, have extensive experience in operating in ever changing scenarios on a range of Israel programming and experiences. We are now looking forward to secure and meaningful Israel Experiences for summer 2025.”
UJIA chief executive Mandie Winston said: “Something that seemed impossible just a fortnight ago will now kick off in mid-July, possible thanks to our decades of experience, the close relationships between key partners and the commitment of our young people to visit Israel.
“This is not just great news for those going, but also for the whole community. Israel Tour is often the first step on the journey to key communal leadership roles, and UJIA is proud to support our young people as they craft their Jewish identity and their relationship with Israel.”
UJIA Israel Experience is a joint initiative with The Jewish Agency for Israel and partners with a broad network of youth movements including BBYO, Bnei Akiva, Ezra, FZY, Habonim Dror, JLGB, LJY-Netzer, Noam, RSY-Netzer, Sinai Youth and Tribe.
