My mom wants to visit Israel for a holiday, and wants me to go with her. Is it safe?

Question

Please excuse my total ignorance here. I realise we are subjected to generally negative images in the media, and that as a tourist destination Israel may be safe, but I'm not taking chances.

If we avoid the areas where there are outbreaks of violence, will it be ok?

Answer 1

I live in Jerusalem. It is not that violence.

It is not raining with rockets, and boming buses are not a matter of everyday life.

I don't reckon that visiting here take much more risks than driving a highway across teh USA does, or living in a somewhat poluted city. I think that the publicity of the events is what make people scare than real danger.

There was only one case of violence in Jerusalem in the past year, and indeed it was an Italian tourist who went to a remote an muslim area in the old citybut still.
In 2005 the only violence is two Orthodox Jews being stubed.

It doesn't sound good, but again - it has much better statistic than any highway.
If you avoid the occupied territories there is no reason to be afraid.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ai9oz5P0lxKIi54Nrw_9NYQezKIX?qid=20061015223718AA6TPTn

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violence_in_the_Israeli-Palestinian_conflict_2006

Answer 2

There are many negative answers to your question that simply do not have it right.
I went to Israel in 2003 during the intifada and it is completely safe.

It is a trip of a life time. We rented a car and drove the length of Israel from the far south to the far north with its great vineyards.
Jerusalem with its Old City, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Galilee, Eilat , the Golan and many stops inbetween.

The contrast of history with the modern is just amazing. The people including the many Israeli Arabs were just wonderful.
Great night life, awesome food, accomadations and tons of museums.

From deserts to tropical--Israel has it all and being such a tiny country everything is in reach.
Swim with doplhins, float on the dead sea, fish in the Jordan river, shop at the old city bizzares, stand on top of mazada, see the ruins which are everywhere and if you have a spiritual connection--visit the wall and take a tour of the awesome 2000 yr old tunnels underneath in the Old City.

I could go on forever as there is so much to see and do. The media does not tell you this--they only focus on troubled areas which you will not go anyway.

The only thing I avoided was the bus system which isnt needed as you either walk, take a cab or rent a car.
Israel is safer than any major city in the US.

As we all know--no where is 100% safe these days.
So take your mom and have the experience of a lifetime.

If I can be of any help--e-mail me and I will share pictures and anything else you might want to know.

By the way--Palestine has never been nor will it ever be the name of this country. It is a tag that the British used during their occupation.

Answer 3

i am an israeli traveling abroad in south america now, and i can only tell you that i miss the safety of israel and walking around without any worries
to see the replies of thrustrated people that tell you not to go makes me laugh, just enter their profile and see that all they talk about is how bad israel is.
in israel the level of crime is so low, if you just dont use buses in jerusalem you will be fine, now that the entire world is a target of terror, atleast in israel there is such a good security force, that the horrible things that happened in madrid and london cant happen here
go there, have fun, and say hi for me to everyone, you are going to love it, so much to do.

Answer 4

First of all let me assure you is safe to go. I read most of the answers you got and did not know if to cry or laugh. So much ignorance, hatred and politics involved in a simple answer it always amazes me. Even the guy who wrote its not Israel its Palestine did not know how to spell Palestine. Ha. Anyway go
to Israel enjoy the sights and sounds and come back and tell me if you liked it.

Answer 5

You know what, since the beginning of Israel it has been said that this is a dangerous place to visit by every generation that has been.

I have been there and yes, there is always a risk, but it is worth the risk to be there.

Go, be sensible and have the most life changing wonderful time and as mentioned before - don't forget to go and float in the dead sea!

Answer 6

I was in Israel this past Spring--------never felt safer. I was with a tour, and they are constantly kept updated on if a place is not safe.

My best day was the day I got away -alone-and shopped in the old city of Jerusalem. It was great, and I did feel very safe.

Really, Israel is as safe as anywhere, and some say, maybe safer, as it is well monitored by the military. Just stay out of some areas where there is constant trouble.

I honestly felt safer there than I do downtown in my own American city.

Answer 7

Yes. I lived there for a couple of years.
It has it's dangers, that's for sure-- you just have to be as safe as possible. Stay away from areas of conflict, and you should be ok.

Try to stick with a tour group, perhaps. They'll take you "safe" places and you'll get a professional guide to tourist destinations. Israel is really a beautiful country, with tons of things to do and places to see. Don't let the media scare you away.

Answer 8

Most of Israel is safe, although there are areas you do need to stay out of. Visit the UK Foreign Office website http://www.fco.gov.uk/ as they give travel advice on each country. It is generally good and reliable advice, albeit, at times, erring on the side of caution.

Answer 9

Honey - Go !!!
It is 20 times safer the all major cities in America, and some of Europe.
Try to go only to Israeli places - Jerusalem, TLV, Eilat, Dead Sea, Golan Hights, Sea of Galilee, Haifa (all the north is completely safe right now, guarantied, I was there a week ago, Israeli friends of mine took me everywhere, they are going to work, hang out, do everything !
It's beautiful... enjoy!
:)

Answer 10

There are outbreaks of violence even within our own cities.

There are always places that will pose more danger.

This trip is a trip of a lifetime and will change your life. I think you should go. When you know exactly where you will be going research local customs/traditions etc and ways to stay safe.