Birthright’s tours to Israel for American students this summer were snapped up in two days this week, leaving 20,000 applicants out of luck.

Just two days after registrations were posted online, the 12,000 vacancies were filled, out of 32,000 applicants.

Birthright has cut the number of young people it will take on its free get-to-know Israel tours this year by 30 per cent because of rising costs.

The organisation plans to take 23,500 young Jews from round the world to Israel this summer, compared to 35,000 last year.

It says there was a surge in demand after it announced a reduction in participants. It blames inflation for a 30 per cent rise in the cost per head.

Current 26-year-olds will not be eligible after 2023, as this is the age limit for participation in the programme. But Birthright officials said they will do their best “to prioritise them if more spots become available, pending additional funding”.

Izzy Tapoohi, president and CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation, appealed for new donors, calling for “the entire Jewish community to help us with the number of future participants who can begin their Jewish journey on this critical programme.

This includes donors who can give at every level. Only with the broadest support of the community will the organisation be able to continue achieving the goal of providing a trip to Israel for all young Jewish adults.”

Some 250 young Britons will be sent to Israel this summer by Birthright Israel UK. A UJIA spokesman said: “Registration is large for this upcoming year. We will likely have people on a waiting list.”

UJIA’s head of Israel journeys Josh Dubell said: “Year after year Birthright Israel participants who previously had little Jewish connection or those who wish to reconnect are inspired to develop a deeper relationship with Israel.”