First Birthright Israel group since Iran war began arrives from Australia
A group of 120 young Australian Jews has landed in Israel, becoming the first organised tourist group to enter the country since the outbreak of war with Iran.
The participants, aged 18 to 22, arrived at Ben Gurion Airport on April 21, marking the start of Birthright Israel’s summer season on the eve of Israel’s Independence Day.
The Birthright group in Israel (supplied)
The group is the first of an expected 28,000 participants set to travel to Israel over the coming months through the organisation’s various programs. According to Birthright Israel, participants will visit cities across the country, volunteer in areas of need, and, for some, take part in eight-week internships with Israeli companies.
Gidi Mark, international CEO of Birthright Israel, said the arrival carried particular weight given the current security situation.
“The first group that landed today, just before Israel’s Independence Day, means a great deal to us, and we are proud to see that most participants still intend to come and experience Israel firsthand,” he said.
“It reflects the trust and deep connection of young Jews in the Diaspora to Israel, even during complex times. We are opening the summer season with renewed momentum and optimism, and in the coming days thousands more young people will arrive to experience Israel up close and become part of its story.”
Birthright Israel said that about 17,500 young people from 34 countries are expected to take part in its flagship 10-day programs over the summer, many visiting Israel for the first time. Thousands are expected to come from the United States.
In addition to the standard 10-day program, Birthright Israel said it expects about 2,300 participants to take part in internship programs with Israeli companies, as well as around 6,500 volunteers who will spend eight days working in agriculture, packing supplies, rebuilding homes damaged during the war, and assisting in other support roles.
According to Birthright Israel, its programs accounted for about 95 per cent of organised group tourism to Israel in 2025, highlighting its role in supporting the country’s tourism sector.
Founded 25 years ago, Birthright Israel has brought more than 900,000 young Jewish adults from 70 countries to Israel, offering short and mid-length programs aimed at strengthening Jewish identity and connection to the country.
