UJIA delays launch of summer tour applications

The UK’s biggest Israel charity is delaying the start of its summer tour applicaton process following the events of 7th October.

In a statement seen by Jewish News, UJIA said: “What we have witnessed in Israel since 7th October has been unprecedented. As a community we have mourned for family, friends, and colleagues, and have shared in the grief of the people of Israel. We are united in solidarity and support and pray for the swift return of all hostages and the healing of those injured.”

UJIA adds that it is “absolutely committed to running Israel Tours this summer and while we are not able to launch applications for tours at this time, we and our partners are working tirelessly to ensure that everything is in place for the summer, with the safety and security of participants as the utmost priority.”

“In these challenging times we made the decision to delay the launch of the Israel Tour programme, which had been scheduled for November.  We thank you for your patience whilst we navigate the additional logistical, security and insurance components of this summer’s programming. We will update at the end of January when we hope to have a clearer timeline.

“As we plan for the future, it is abundantly clear that continuing to arrange and support trips to Israel is more important than it has ever been. Not only do we have an educational responsibility towards our youth to provide them with meaningful Israel experiences, but we are now acutely aware of the financial and psychological impact our trips will have on the people of Israel who are in desperate need of our support. This summer’s Israel programming will bring a vital and much needed boost to local businesses and communities.

UJIA Israel Experience, a partnership between UJIA and The Jewish Agency for Israel, works closely with a wide network of youth movements and organisations in the UK, tour providers in Israel, and Israeli security services.

The organisation says the collaborations have “enabled us to run Israel Tours safely for decades through conflict and unrest, and has ensured that these formative educational experiences will continue to be a rite of passage for countless young people in the British Jewish community.”