The Israel tour programme begins on Sunday with the first two groups of 16-year-olds leaving the UK for their month-long trip, organised by the Jewish Agency and supported by UJIA.

FZY members will be the first of 1,145 participants to touch down at Ben Gurion Airport. Over the next four weeks, they will be followed by 28 more groups from 11 youth movements and organisations.

As well as visiting the major sites, they will meet Israelis from all walks of life and take part in a range of educational sessions.

To ensure the maximum participation, 239 bursaries totalling £213,000 have been awarded to tour members. The average bursary is £923.

UJIA chief executive Michael Wegier said that "supporting Israel tour is one of the most important things UJIA does.

"We shouldn't forget the impact this programme has on our community. At 16, our young people need to be inspired about Israel and being part of the Jewish people. We need to give them an experience that motivates them to stay involved."