Organisers say Israel tour ‘going ahead as planned’ but refund arrangements made

Organisers of this year’s Israel tour are cautiously pressing ahead with plans, but have made arrangements for refunds in case of cancellations.

In a letter sent to parents of 16-year-old participants, UJIA said “as it stands, Israel Tour 2020 is going ahead as planned”, but offered reassurances about potential money back incase it is stopped due to the virus.

This comes after the UK advised against all non-essential travel, including abroad, and the Israeli administration instituted wide-ranging measures for foreign visitors, including a compulsory 14-day period of quarantine.

So far 1236 participants have signed up with 11 different youth movements, which would be the highest number since 2010. It costs between £3350 and £3500 for one participant.

In a bid to allay concerns of parents UJIA said “we have taken all reasonable steps to safeguard money paid”, and that it has “agreed a deferment of the usual deposits that we pay to our suppliers” giving more flexibility.

It outlined that “in the event of cancellation of the entire programme due to Coronavirus, we have taken steps to minimise our financial exposure and yours. We will therefore be able to refund your money paid to date less a minimal deduction .. due to irrecoverable processing fees.”

Parents were warned that “if you choose to withdraw your child from the Israel Tour programme at this time, the existing cancellation policy will apply”.