Despite heightened regional tensions and a recent rise in antisemitism, dozens of British teens have arrived in Israel this summer as part of the FZY Israel tour, organized in partnership with Mosaic United and the Diaspora Affairs Ministry. For many, it’s their first time in the country—and a deeply personal journey.
Among the participants is Emilie Melchak, 16, who told Ynetnews in an interview that her parents’ own formative experiences in Israel as teenagers inspired her to take the same step. “They found out so much more about Israel and their heritage and what it’s like being Jewish and living here,” she said. “I really wanted the same experience.”
Despite tensions: Jewish teen delegation arrives in Israel
(Video: Lior Sharon)
Melchak admitted her parents were initially apprehensive about letting her go, particularly her mother. “She was very worried and very protective of me,” she said. “But my dad definitely pushed it more and I managed to convince them both.”
For Ariel Soskin, the decision to come felt equally important. “Coming to Israel and exploring Israel is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he told Ynetnews. “It really has had an influence on my Jewish identity and the way I view Israel and my Jewishness.”
Soskin said his parents felt reassured once tensions had eased somewhat during the war in Gaza. “They thought it would be very important for me to come and learn about Israel and my Jewish heritage,” he said. “They were willing to take a bit of a risk.”
As first-time visitors, both teens expressed how hard it would be to fully explain their experiences to friends back home. “They won’t really understand what it’s been like,” Melchak said. “They would think it’s crazy that I even wanted to come here. You kind of have to be here to actually understand.”
Throughout the trip, the group visited sites ranging from the Western Wall and Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem to Israel’s northern border with Syria. Soskin said visiting the Western Wall after October 7 was especially emotional.
“It’s not my first time in Israel, but it was my first time back since the attacks. That was really important,” he said. He also described visiting Yad Vashem as “really interesting and meaningful.”
Melchak recalled being moved by stories shared at the Syrian border. “That really clicked more with everything that’s been going on,” she said, adding that the group was also preparing for a visit to Mount Herzl, Israel’s national military cemetery.
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Both teens said the trip had shifted their perspective on Israel and their Jewish identity. “In England, you’re exposed to many different views about Israel and the conflict,” Soskin noted.
“Coming here and hearing stories and getting a detailed description of the history all the way up to today—it’s had a really big effect and has made me want to spend more time here in the future.”
Melchak agreed, highlighting the communal feeling among participants. “It feels like a massive family. Everyone has the same feelings and views. It’s made me feel very comfortable and connected.”
When asked if they see themselves returning to Israel, both teens answered without hesitation: “Love to!”