A record 1,300 young people have already signed up to an Israel tour this year. The previous best for the UJIA Israel Experience programme was 1,272 participants in 2008 and last year's total was 1,213.
Israel Experience director Richard Goldstein attributed the upsurge to increased marketing - including through networks such as Facebook - greater participation from schools and product recognition. "The Israel tour has become an essential element of a Jewish child's identity."
UJIA is working with 11 youth movements from across the religious spectrum and expects to take 35 bus-loads of young people on tours. It is also training 70 tour leaders.
The average tour price is £2,500 and bursaries are available on a means-tested basis. Last year, 276 were awarded and Mr Goldstein stressed: "We encourage applications for bursaries so that even more young people take part in this life-changing experience."
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