The impact of these programs is no more keenly felt than by the participants themselves. "These trips strengthen Jewish identity and create connections with the people of Israel through meaningful experiences in the land of Israel," said CEO Amos Hermon.
"Coming to Israel with my friends and spending time with Israelis helps me to get to know and appreciate my homeland," shared Rachel, who participated in an Israel Experience trip. "I have had an amazing summer here in Israel and I hope to take everything I have learned back with me to my community back home," Rachel said.
Israel Experience not only specializes in educational trips in Israel, but also offers Jewish heritage tours in Eastern Europe. The programs bring approximately 30,000 participants to Israel annually. Additionally, some 36,000 olim chadashim (new immigrants) and Israeli high-school students from disadvantaged cities meet on heritage trips and tours in Israel.
In 2013, Israel Experience brought its 300,000th participant on an educational tour to Israel since its start in 2000, making it "the address for quality educational travel within Israel," according to Hermon.
Israel Experience hosted its annual Mega-Event, in partnership with the Maccabiah Games and Jerusalem’s youth movements, hosting 6,000 young Jewish revelers from around the world at Sultan's Pool in in the shadow of the walls of Jerusalem's Old City.
