Cost of teen Israel tour soars by up to 20 percent

UJIA is gearing up for pleas for more financial support from parents hoping to send their kids on Israel programmes next year amid the cost of living crisis.

The cost of delivering Israel Tour has gone up by roughly 20%, partly due to global inflation and partly due to the fall of the pound against the dollar and the shekel, which has increased prices on the ground.

One parent from Borehamwood wants to send her son on Israel tour but has balked at the increased amount: “It’s outrageous. But I want him to have the experience so what can I do?” Another from south London said: “It sounds completely extortionate to me but I’m planning to apply for a subsidy.”

UJIA CEO Mandie Winston said: “UJIA shares and understands parental concerns about increases in price coupled with the rise in the cost of living. That is why UJIA is launching our Access Israel Fund, to raise £1m to support young people going on UJIA supported educational programmes in Israel over the next two years.”

With 12 different youth movements and organisations operating Israel Tours with support from UJIA Israel Experience, 1200 young people participated last year.

Mandie Winston says she passionately believe that cost should not be a barrier to participation: “Israel Tour thankfully remains a rite of passage for Jewish teenagers and is vital for the future of our community.”