Why are you even considering sending our children to Israel? Isn’t that unsafe and irresponsible? 

We fully understand that families may feel concerned. However we are guided by the expert advice from our partners on the ground in Israel, Cheder Matzav (Israel’s central security coordination body), the Israeli government, our insurers, and other professionals. We would only run Israel Tour if all of those bodies, including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), indicate that it is safe to do so. Until then, no final decision has been made, and we are offering families the option to withdraw now under the same refund terms as if we were to cancel.

How can you say it’s safe when the FCDO is still advising against travel? 

We are not ignoring the FCDO, we are explicitly saying we will not run the trip unless their advice changes. We are simply giving them time to review their guidance now that the ceasefire is in effect and other safety factors are in place

Why are you delaying the decision again?  

This is not about indecision, it’s about giving the FCDO a few more days to make a potentially game-changing update. If they do, we can run Israel Tour safely. If they don’t, we move forward immediately with the alternative plans. Waiting these few days gives us the opportunity to deliver the original programme, which we know many families and participants are still deeply hoping for, without compromising safety.

Isn’t it too short notice to run Israel Tour now, even if it’s allowed? 

Operationally, we are ready to run Israel Tour if the FCDO changes its guidance. Our staff and partners in Israel are prepared. Flights, insurance, security plans and staffing are all in place. We would move efficiently into final preparations.

If Israel Tour goes ahead, will the itinerary need to change due to current security risks? 

Our itineraries are always subject to ongoing review and may be adjusted based on the latest guidance from Israeli security authorities. That said, current regulations from the Cheder Matzav and Home Front Command have returned to their pre-Iran conflict status. Based on this, we do not anticipate major changes to the planned itinerary, but we will continue to adapt in real time to ensure participant safety.

Why can’t we just switch to the alternatives now and give people time to plan properly? 

Because the possibility of Israel Tour is not yet ruled out, and it remains the programme that most reflects the core of FZY’s mission. Waiting until Tuesday gives us one last chance to confirm it. If it becomes clear it can't happen, we pivot to the alternatives with full commitment and clarity.

What if something changes again after Tuesday? Can you delay again? 

No. Tuesday is the final decision point. We will move forward, either with Israel Tour, or with the alternatives. We are offering the option now for families to opt out if they prefer not to wait or travel at all.

How can you assure me that my child could be repatriated to the UK if the situation changed? 

We have been in close contact with the relevant UK and Israeli authorities regarding emergency protocols. All programmes are supported and run in partnership with The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) who take the lead on repatriation efforts, and were able to successfully repatriate participants on programmes over the last two weeks. Israel Tour participants would be treated as a priority group by JAFI in the event of a repatriation scenario. Recent events have significantly strengthened and streamlined these procedures, including by air, land, and sea. While we hope they will not be needed, we are confident that, if necessary, repatriation could be carried out as swiftly as is feasible.

If I opt out now, how much money will I get back? 

We will refund all monies that we can recoup, as if we had cancelled the programme ourselves. The exact amount is not yet known, as it depends on negotiations with suppliers and partners still ongoing, how many people cancel, etc. We understand this is frustrating and are doing everything possible to maximise the refund amount. 

Why can’t you tell me the refund amount now? 

Because suppliers, airlines and insurance companies are still confirming their final positions. These vary depending on whether the programme is officially cancelled, whether a family chooses to withdraw and how many people decide to cancel. We are pushing hard to get clear figures and will share them as soon as we can.

If we opt out now and Israel Tour goes ahead, will we lose our place or be penalised? 

Answer: 
If you opt out now, that is a final decision, your child’s place would not be held on Israel Tour or the alternative programmes.  

What if the FCDO changes guidance after Tuesday? 

We have to draw a line. Waiting indefinitely is not fair to anyone. If the FCDO guidance changes after Tuesday, we will still move forward with the alternate plans, Israel Tour will no longer be an option this summer. This is about certainty and respecting families’ need to plan. 

Are the alternative programmes ready? Why haven’t you finalised them yet? 

Whilst there are final details to confirm, we have alternative options all but finalised, including itineraries and many of the logistics. These will be ready to go immediately should the FCDO not change its guidance by the end of the day on Tuesday.