British teens on FZY Israel programme get Covid jabs
THE DOZEN teens on FZY’s gap year programme in Israel have received Covid vaccinations, which has been seen as testimony to the success of the country’s vaccine roll-out.
When the movement’s year course staff learned of spare vials that would otherwise have gone to waste in the small southern town of Yeruham, 100 miles from the group’s Tel Aviv base, they speedily liaised with the vaccination centre and arranged transport for the two-hour drive.
Among the group was Mancunian Ariella Basger, 18, who said she was “so excited to receive the vaccine and so grateful to get it so early. I really hope this marks the beginning of the end of a difficult year.”
FZY national director Imogen Wise added: “FZY has always made clear the health, safety and security of its participants is our number one priority. It is truly fantastic that these members have received their vaccine many months before their peers will in the UK — all whilst experiencing a meaningful gap year in Israel, contributing to society.”
The scheme is run in partnership with American sister movement Young Judea and in total involves more than 200 young people. The FZY members have volunteered for Magen David Adom, a number of NGOs and other organisations in need of support.
Despite the regular changes in the programme due to lockdown regulations and safety precautions, Ms Wise said the group had been able to make a significant impact, given that volun
They have received their vaccine months before their UK peers will’
teering was deemed essential work. And living together on a campus, the social aspect has not been affected.
They have visited Eilat, Akko and the periphery of Gaza on educational trips.
Ms Wise expected the year group members to receive their second vaccine dose in mid-February, after which they should each receive a “green passport”, enabling them to do more.
They will soon be moving on to Jerusalem to take part in a Jewish Agency study programme, which will conclude in May.