FZY to break group record as overall Israel tour numbers return to pre-7 October levels
UJIA Israel experience director: number of participants 'nothing short of a miracle'
The UK’s oldest Zionist youth movement is sending 16 separate tour groups to Israel this summer, as numbers of Jewish teens taking part are expected to return to pre-7 October levels despite concerns about ongoing Israel-Iranian regime tensions.
FZY, which celebrated its 115th anniversary last year, will be dispatching its largest ever cohort for the traditional rite-of-passage trip. The movement’s programme coordinator told Jewish News that it was “sending a record number of tour groups to Israel, with hundreds of young people choosing to visit despite the ongoing security situation.
“The fact that so many families and young people have chosen to participate reflects a determination to not let recent events define their relationship with Israel.”
There was significant doubt earlier this year whether Israel tour would be able to take place at all, after the launch of strikes eliminating the Iranian regime’s senior leadership led to months of warfare between Iran and Israel. Iranian military targets were targeted by Israel and the US, while the Iranian regime launched missile and drone attacks at Israel, as well as surrounding Arab countries.
However, the signing of a ceasefire last month, with an accompanying moratorium on hostilities for 60 days, has enabled general travel to Israel to resume – and reopened the possibility of summer tour group visits. The FZY’s programme coordinator described the programmes as providing “an important opportunity for participants to show solidarity and witness the resilience of Israeli society for themselves”.
UJIA works with 11 different youth groups – including Bnei Akiva, Tribe, Habonim Dror, Noam, LJY and RSY – to help organise the Israel tours for teenagers. Adam Waters, director of UJIA Israel Experience, described it as “nothing short of a miracle that over 1,000 young participants and leaders will this summer be experiencing a rite of passage Israel Tour under the UJIA Israel Experience banner.
“Despite the challenges and uncertainty since 7 October, we have seen tremendous resilience in our community and were proud to run Israel Tours in 2024 and 2025.
“The return in numbers for this year’s programme to pre-7 October levels show that resilience once again and highlights the deep connection our community continues to have with Israel.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
