Transforming Israel Educational Travel Aiming for 50% Growth Through Innovation

Despite ongoing security concerns, more than 35,000 people both Jewish and non-Jewish traveled to Israel for educational trips in 2024. Looking ahead, organizations focused on Israel educational travel are setting an ambitious goal: increasing participation by 50% in 2025.

The Israel Educational Travel Alliance (IETA), a coalition of over 100 organizations, recently convened in Jerusalem to strategize on expanding and adapting programs in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attacks. Ben Perry, a founding member of IETA and CEO of Momentum, described the post-war challenges as requiring an even greater reinvention than the adjustments made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the biggest obstacles to travel over the past year has been flight availability. Eric Fingerhut, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), noted that many participants faced cancellations or struggled to book flights. With major airlines resuming service to Israel, IETA members hope to leverage their collective influence to ensure consistent travel options.

Beyond logistical issues, organizations are rethinking the purpose of immersive Israel experiences. Birthright Israel, Masa Israel Journey, and RootOne are grappling with fundamental questions: Should trips focus more on solidarity? Advocacy? Long-term Jewish engagement?

Birthright’s executive director, Elizabeth Sokolsky, highlighted a new challenge integrating Israeli peers into trips just days after they return from military service in Gaza. “We’ve had to do a lot of staff training to help facilitate difficult conversations,” she said.

Masa Israel Journey, known for long-term programs, has introduced shorter volunteer trips, while Birthright expanded eligibility to include participants up to age 50, reconnecting alumni from its first trips in 1999.

Despite the war, enthusiasm for Israel travel remains strong. A third of Israeli Jews report becoming more religious since October 7, with 69% feeling a stronger connection to the state. Many of those traveling to Israel in 2024 were older and had visited before, demonstrating a commitment to showing solidarity and providing direct support.

Passages, a program bringing Christian students to Israel, has also seen a surge in interest. Resident scholar Josiah McGee emphasized the importance of firsthand experience, stating, “Israel has changed, and so has the way we help students understand it.”

Experts agree that travel remains the most effective way to strengthen Jewish identity and connections to Israel. “We’ve known for decades that Israel travel is the most impactful way to build Jewish identity,” Fingerhut said. “It’s why North American Jews have remained resilient in their support for Israel.”

As programs evolve to meet the changing landscape, organizations are determined to ensure that Israel remains a central pillar of Jewish identity and education. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to help spread awareness of the importance of Israel educational travel.