16 March 2020

Reform Judaism/Liberal Judaism/RSY-Netzer/LJY-Netzer statement regarding Shnat:

In order to protect our young people in Israel, we have taken the decision today to end our Shnat (gap year) programme early due the ongoing situation with the coronavirus.

After careful consideration, and working closely with colleagues from Netzer Olami and the World Union for Progressive Judaism, we have made this decision in the best interests of our participants.

The participants’ response to this difficult situation has been admirable and we are grateful to parents for their patience and understanding at this time.

Our primary concern is the welfare of all our participants, who continue to be supported by a licensed therapist and other local staff while they remain in Israel.

We are working hard with partners in Israel to bring them home to the UK at the earliest reasonable opportunity and will continue to support them on their Netzer journey once back in the UK.