Biggest ever Israel Tour explore their Jewish Identity

July saw 47 young people spend three weeks exploring the Holy Land on JLGB’s biggest ever Israel Tour. The 16 year olds took part in a three phase programme that follows a journey of past, present and future Israel. The tour enabled them to understand and appreciate Israel as a historical land through trips to sites of cultural significance such as the Western Wall, Masada and the city of Tzfat.

Through volunteering projects such as painting a school in Sderot and meeting minority community members, the group were able to explore the social, economic and political issues of Israeli society. Discovering the future of Israel, the teens went to Google Corporate Office, and then took part in a start-up iPad treasure hunt which gave them the opportunity to appreciate Israel’s technological innovation prowess.

Alongside the cultural and educational aspects of the trip, the group also took part in a range of exhilarating activities ranging from camel riding through the desert, rafting down the Jordan river and abseiling into the Ramon Crater. Evening highlights included a night spent under the stars in the desert, a light photography workshop and a night in a Bedouin tent.

This really is a once in a lifetime trip to experience Israel through the eyes of a 16-year-old Israeli, as well as being a fantastic opportunity for personal growth and making lifelong friendships.

You can now register your interest in Israel Tour 2017 at www.jlgb.org/israel. Please be aware that financial assistance is available.

Francesca Goga, 2016 JLGB Israel Tour Participant said;

“Going on tour with JLGB was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I had an absolutely incredible and enlightening experience, that will forever be with me. It's an opportunity to learn, grow and appreciate the history and the future of the country, not to mention making your own memories there and the lifelong friendships.”

Zachary Igielman, 2016 JLGB Israel Tour Participant;

“As a non-JLGB member, I booked the tour almost knowing no one, purely because I wanted to meet new people, heard great things about JLGB and was desperate to go on an Israel Tour. By being added to groups on social media, and through having a few days to meet everyone in the UK helped me to make friends and feel a part of it. By the second night in Israel, I had developed confidence and friendships that made me feel part of the tour group, partly because we were having to be resourceful with our lack of facilities in our night sleeping out in the desert! Every visit taught us new things and brought us closer together. The spirituality of Tzfat and Jerusalem developed my Jewish spiritual identity, whilst experiencing the Tel Aviv start up scene helped me understand what it was like to live in a world leading country in the middle of instability, and helped me think about moving out there one day. From kayaking the Jordan river to debating philosophy, singing and dancing on Shabbat, I had the most amazing experience of my life which developed my spirituality, confidence, friendships, association with Jews and Israel, and plans for the future. JLGB Israel Tour is the best thing you can do, don’t miss out. And if you’re like me, you’ll end up sucked into the joyful world of JLGB (mostly singing), and won’t want to miss a single camp after tour! So get booking and have the time of your life!”

You can now register your interest in Israel Tour 2017 at www.jlgb.org/israel. Please be aware that financial assistance is available.