It’s great that Israel tours are back. I’m counting down the days to mine

This summer, like hundreds of other Jewish teenagers from around the country, I will be going on Israel tour and to say I’m excited is an understatement. I must have heard my dad tell me about his own Israel tour experiences but I’d probably only half-listened — he does tend to go on a bit.

For me, the build-up really started last summer when I went on a Habonim Dror summer camp for the first time.

I had not been on any youth movement residential before and though some of my friends had told me I would love it, it surpassed all my expectations.

I was totally hooked from the moment I arrived. I just felt so at home with the unique communal atmosphere and the never-ending guitar sing-songs.

It was like nothing I’d ever experienced and I’d advise anyone who has never done it to do so.

People make you feel so welcome and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much in my life! They made all the educational stuff such fun; you don’t even notice that you’re learning loads of great stuff about Israel, Judaism and important issues in the world.

I made friends for life from all over the country but people tell me the experience only scratched the surface compared to Israel tour.

That’s when my friends and I really started looking forward to this summer and spending three weeks together in Israel.

We were all uncertain about whether it would actually happen after the last two years of tours had been cancelled because of Covid-19.

So it was a huge relief when the announcement came that the tour was going ahead.

My friends and I are all working so hard preparing for our GCSE exams and it’s the thought of spending the summer in Israel together that has kept us all going. The tour is the prize for all that hard work and revision and we are literally counting down the days.

Although I’ve got family in Israel and have been there a few times on family holidays, there is something very different about the prospect of going with people of my own age.

People who have been on tour tell me that it is one of those formative events in your life that just can’t be missed.

I’d describe myself as a cultural Jew. I’m very proud of my traditions and it’s a huge part of my identity and my family life. And while it goes without saying that I’m excited to party in the sun with my friends, I’ve always been interested in history and I’m especially looking forward to learning more about Israel and its history.

On social media, we now see a lot of celebrities posting negative stories about Israel.

I have always wanted to challenge these things and feel that by going on Israel tour, and understanding more about Israel and the conflict, I will be in a far better position to put forward an educated and informed alternative view.

When I get back from tour, I’m interested in becoming a madricha (leader). It would be a lot of fun to be involved in planning and leading summer camps — the madrichim I’ve met seem to absolutely love it!

I think it will be great for my own personal development to gain these leadership skills and experiences. And who knows, maybe one day I could go on to be an Israel tour leader.

I’m aware that it costs a fair amount to go on an Israel tour and I am very grateful that my parents are able to send me.

I do know, however, that UJIA offer bursaries to make sure that everyone who wants to go can do, regardless of their financial circumstances.

As Israel tour is one of those must-do experiences that helps affirm your Jewish identity forever, I really hope that as a Jewish community, we can support each other so that every 16-year-old is able to enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Bring it on!

I’m excited to party in the sun with friends but am really looking forward to learning more of Israel’s history

Lucy Sherman, 16, lives in Leeds and will be