A record-breaking year for UJIA Israel Experience summer tours

More Jewish teenagers are taking part in Israel Tour this summer than ever before. The final group flew out on Thursday 22 July, making 2010 a record-breaking year for UJIA Israel Experience's educational tours to Israel.

The 33-strong group from the Ezra youth movement is the last of 36 groups who took part in this year's tour, bringing the total number of 16 year-olds taking part in UJIA Israel Experience summer tours to 1,318 - more than any other year.

The four-week tour has become a rite of passage for young Jews in the UK, where they learn about Jewish history, culture and connect with their heritage. Eleven Jewish Youth Movements in the UK have sent members on Israel Tour this year: BBYO, Bnei Akiva, Ezra, FZY, Habonim Dror, Hanoar Hatzioni, JLGB, LJY-Netzer, Maccabi GB, Noam and RSY-Netzer.

Photos from each of the groups on Tour can be viewed at UJIA's online gallery, Summer Snap: www.ujia.org/summersnap

Douglas Krikler, UJIA Chief Executive, said:

"Seeing the wonderful pictures on the UJIA Summer Snap webpage of my daughter, Noa, on Tour with Habonim Dror takes me right back nearly 30 years to my own time on Tour - and it feels like yesterday!

"I am excited to see the many hundreds of teenagers enjoying this life-changing experience, which strengthens their Jewish identity and contributes to a lifelong relationship with Israel. I look forward to building on the success of this year's programme and to ensuring that many more young people have the opportunity to enjoy an Israel Tour in the future."