New data from the Israel Educational Travel Alliance (IETA), housed within the Jewish Federations of North America, show that Israel educational travel providers continue to face significant financial and operational challenges, even as the field projects increased participation in 2026. 

 

The findings from IETA’s Summer 2026 Pulse Survey, conducted among 32 organizations between September 18 and October 6, reveal a field that has remained resilient through continued disruption but is struggling with rising costs, cancellations, and barriers to participation, particularly among less-engaged Jewish audiences. 

 

Data collected by IETA show organizations are now reporting a median 15% increase in costs per participant compared to their original 2026 budgets. Rising airfare, insurance costs, and currency fluctuations continue to place financial pressure on providers, making it increasingly difficult to maintain affordable and accessible Israel educational travel opportunities.  

 

Increased prices and the Iran war have lowered projected participants in Israel Education travel to 52,000 for 2026, a 20% drop from pre-war projections. Still, the figure represents a 14% increase from last year's levels, reflecting the field's resilience. 

 

As of early October, approximately 37,000 participants had already traveled to Israel, with additional programs anticipated throughout the remainder of the year. 

 

“Israel educational travel remains one of the most powerful ways to strengthen Jewish identity and deepen connections to Israel, but the rising cost of providing these experiences is creating significant challenges for the field,” said Rabbi David Levy, Executive Director of IETA. “We must continue working with providers, funders, and community partners to ensure these transformative experiences remain accessible to participants from all backgrounds.”  

 

The new data reveal that programs serving less-engaged Jewish participants and non-Jewish or interfaith audiences have been disproportionately affected. Participation among less-engaged Jews is projected to be 40% below original expectations, while non-Jewish and interfaith programs have experienced a 50% decline from initial projections. These findings raise concerns about the field’s ability to reach individuals who may have fewer existing connections to Jewish life or Israel, though many of them rescheduled trips, indicating that they were concerned about current conditions in Israel. The average program saw a 20% decrease from original projections. 

 

As providers navigate these challenges, their priorities are shifting from crisis response toward reducing financial barriers to participation. Financial incentives for participants emerged as the most frequently identified area for additional support, followed by community partnerships and improved impact measurement.  

 

“While the projected growth in participation demonstrates the continued importance of Israel educational travel, we cannot overlook the barriers preventing thousands of potential participants from taking part,” said Anna Langer, Vice President of North American Israel Strategy at Jewish Federations of North America. “Our focus must be on strengthening the field’s financial sustainability while ensuring that cost and uncertainty do not prevent us from reaching those who could benefit most from these experiences.”  

 

Looking ahead, IETA is working to support providers through improved financial planning, stronger community partnerships, and targeted financial incentives, particularly for less-engaged audiences. Through continued research, convening, and collective action, IETA aims to strengthen the sustainability of Israel educational travel and preserve opportunities for meaningful engagement with Israel.  

 

See the slide presentation of the Survey data here.