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UJIA say Israel tours must apply for permission to visit Kotel
The tour body says groups must get approval for visits because it lies across the Green Line
June 15, 2023 09:30
The tour body says groups must get approval for visits because it lies across the Green Line
June 15, 2023 09:30Youth groups have voiced “a lot of disquiet” after United Jewish Israel Appeal (UJIA), which arranges Israel tours for 16-year-olds, said they must apply for permission to visit the Old City of Jerusalem because it lies across the Green Line.
In a policy document sent last week to its 12 partnered youth groups, UJIA said its new “general rule” would be to “not fund or support activities beyond the Green Line” and that its activities “will not be undertaken in a manner which treats areas beyond the Green Line as being part of the State of Israel”.
Any trip beyond the Green Line — the demarcation set out in the 1949 Armistice Agreements — would require “an explanation as to how it justifies an exception from the General Rule”, as well as permission from a guardian and UJIA.
The policy states that trips to the Old City “will likely be approved”, but would be considered on a “case-by-case basis”.
Men praying at the Kotel (Photo: Getty Images)
