UJIA is running its first “Israel tour for grown-ups” which will see participants engage in community projects in the Galil.

Marketed to “empty nesters” — adults without children or whose offspring have left home — the experience will range from assisting “medical clowns” who entertain hospital patients to refurbishing bomb shelters on the Lebanese border.

Six people have already signed up for the pilot “Make a Difference” programme in northern Israel from October 29-November 3, which has a capacity of around 20.

UJIA’s Melanie Kelly said the programme would combine community work with “exploring and experiencing the land and the people of the Galil”.

It had been organised in response to “adults saying they wish they could go on an Israel tour.  This is really for people who want a holiday where they can feel they’ve given something back. It’s an opportunity to feel embedded in a community and to start a lifelong connection.”

The tour group will also help high school students learn English in an area where, according to Ms Kelly, good English teachers are in short supply.

Participants will additionally be involved in ceramics, textiles, carpentry and art classes for adults with special needs and decorating the homes of elderly people.