The Israel Educational Travel Alliance (IETA) applauds the passage of a critical, ground-breaking resolution by the Government of Israel to support Israel educational travel.
The resolution comes at a critical moment. Israel educational travel remains one of the most powerful tools for strengthening Jewish identity, deepening connection to Israel, and building lasting relationships between Israel and Diaspora communities. But the economics of running these experiences have changed dramatically.
“The passage of this Government of Israel resolution is a meaningful and timely affirmation of the importance of Israel educational travel,” said Anna Langer, Executive Director of the Israel Educational Travel Alliance and Vice President at Jewish Federations of North America. “This resolution responds to a need we have consistently elevated from the field: clear, reliable emergency support systems that help families, organizations, and participants plan with greater confidence. It is an important step toward strengthening safety, trust, and continuity for Israel educational travel.”
The Government of Israel’s resolution comes in response to data and field intelligence provided by IETA, and is a crucial step towards alleviating the tremendous strain – both financial and logistical - that Israel educational travel providers are under. These pressures have forced many to make difficult decisions: shortening trips, cutting meals, reducing educational experiences, reducing staff, shifting flight costs to families, and delaying final program decisions until weeks before departure. Since 2019, providers have seen total cost increases of approximately 70 to 80 percent – a reflection of a longer-term rise of 50 to 60 percent in program operating costs. The sharp weakening of the U.S. dollar against the shekel in recent months has also added an over 20 percent cost shock.
At the same time, Israel’s tourism infrastructure remains strained. According to data released in March, approximately half of all hotels in Israel are closed, limiting available inventory and driving up costs even as overall tourism demand remains depressed. Airfare also remains expensive and difficult to secure, especially for organizations managing group travel.
The Israeli government resolution is a practical response to a changing economic reality — and a recognition that preserving high-quality Israel educational travel will require shared investment, better data, and sustained partnership. Despite the mounting challenges that Israel educational travel providers face, demand for these trips is outpacing supply; thousands of people still want to go to Israel. The steps announced by the Government of Israel will allow providers to better meet this strong demand, helping to revive Israel’s tourism sector in the process.
The Israel Educational Travel Alliance will continue working with government, philanthropic, and field partners to monitor costs, identify pressure points, and ensure that Israel educational travel remains accessible, meaningful, and operationally possible in the years ahead.
