Jewish teens who couldn’t tour Israel travel across the UK instead
Two groups with BBYO visit the length and breadth of the country, seeing natural and cultural sites including the Peak district, a Beatles heritage tour and a Glaswegian Shabbat
Jewish teens who were denied the opportunity to go on Israel tour this summer have instead travelled the length and breadth of the UK.
BBYO UK arranged its Trek UK amid continued travel restrictions due to coronavirus, with 16-year-olds touring Britain’s natural and cultural sites as an alternative.
The first of two groups embarked on their 10-day trip on 5 July, while the second will commence on 2 August. Highlights include the Peak District and a Beatles heritage tour in Liverpool, a Jewish Heritage walking trail of York, a Glaswegian community Shabbat programme and a lake cruise on Windermere.
Coby Brown, 17, BBYO UK & Ireland national president said: “Over the last couple of years, all youth movements have gone through tricky and troubling times. We’re really lucky that BBYO are giving us the opportunity to tour and explore the country, enabling us to do things we couldn’t have done otherwise, led by our older peers and madrichim. I can’t wait to go on the second trip in August!”
Natasha Shaw, executive director, commented: “We aimed to build something close to the experience you’d have in Israel – but not in Israel. After a year and a half of cancellations and disappointments it was so important for us to create a bespoke programme for our members and they’re absolutely loving it so far.
“The trip is all about having fun after a year of being locked up, bonding with friends, meeting new people, enjoying the independence of travelling around and celebrating Jewish life in the UK.”
While Coronavirus prevented the 16-year-olds from spending a month in Israel after taking their GCSEs, it has not however stopped BBYO ensuring Israel education, with the youth group flying an Israeli educator to join the August trek.
The two trips have up to 20 participants each, and it costs £1,425.
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