After tour cancelled for teens, UJIA is ‘bringing Israel to them’ instead

UJIA has said it will still be providing a summer of Israel engagement activities despite coronavirus safety measures cancelling its usual Israel Tour programme.

The UK-Israel charity, which fosters links between British Jews and the Jewish state, launched a £100,000 fund back in June to provide grants to help 16 year-olds experience Israel in other ways.

“They might not be able to visit Israel, but we’re bringing Israel to them,” said new UJIA chief executive Mandie Winston, unveiled a selection of intergenerational activities “that engage parents and grandparents as well as young people”.

In total more than 25 programmes have had backing from the fund. Many having an online dimension, while others have adapted social distancing measures to give some degree of in-person connection.

Examples include virtual tours of Jerusalem, including the opportunity to send notes for posting in the Kotel, while UK Jewish Film is offering “a deep dive into the Israeli film industry” through the opportunity to watch Israeli movies.

“Across the Jewish religious and cultural spectrum, our youth movements and synagogues are providing fun, enriching and educational programmes infused with experiencing Israel,” said Winston. “We are truly inspired by how these programmes have adapted to the current reality.”

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