In its biggest domestic project, JNF UK will be distributing grants totalling £1.2 million to Jewish schools across England in support of programmes for more than 12,000 pupils that strengthen their connection to Israel.

Primary and secondary schools were invited to apply for funding and 18 were selected, among them JFS, Yavneh College, Immanuel College and Manchester King David.

Over the next four years, the secondary schools will receive up to £50,000 annually, and the primary schools up to £10,000, to expand Israel programming in line with curriculum and ethos.

Schools will also partner with JNF UK projects in Israel — such as its kindergarten regeneration scheme and a leadership programme for underprivileged youth — giving pupils greater understanding of the challenges faced by those living in some parts of the country.

Immanuel, Yavneh College and JFS will use their money to take students to Israel, where they will volunteer on JNF UK projects.

Hasmonean Primary pupils will be creating an Israeli garden after learning about Israeli agriculture and the science involved. Other schools will be assisted by young religious women on the Sherut Leumi national service programme, which offers an alternative to serving in the IDF.

Unveiling the campaign, Yonatan Galon, the JNF UK chief executive, said that, in recent years, “Jewish sensitivities have taken a bashing with incessant attacks on Israel.

“We must provide a framework for young people so they can maintain and strengthen their relationship with Israel and understand the role they must play. We want to provide the tools to ensure their relationship remains strong and unswerving.”

Welcoming the initiative as “a brilliant plan”, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis added: “A strong connection to Israel means a strong Judaism because Israel is a central element of the Jewish faith.”