I'm not sure where to put this thread, it kind of relates to war, but not WWII. In a couple days, December 26th, I'm leaving on a peace mission to Israel. My parents aren't too happy about it because A- they think it isn't safe, and B- It's the day after Christmas, which is our favorite time of year and I leave right after (my parents aren't coming). Do you guys know how safe this place is? They keep assuring us that it's safe, but I still have a few worries. I can't get out of it because someone else is paying for me. Should I be worried or is the area truly safe?
Israel itself, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem are pretty safe as are most of the outlying areas although I would avoid Bethlehem, the Arabs get irate when the Iaraelis have a security crackdown in the area. You have way more of a chance getting whacked in the head by a kid throwing a rock than a bullet though. Still, not a good place to be at times. I definitely stay clear of the northern border with Lebanon. I doubt anything will happen but you never know. I was there this summer north of Tel Aviv and I did hear some gunfire a few times. The mafia is pretty active there too and there were some killings in Tel Aviv. Bombers are a threat but it is very minimal. If the authorities want to search you, they WILL search you. DO AS YOU ARE TOLD. Security is a pain. Best said, don't worry about it and have fun.
Thank you. The people in charge of the trip told me that in the airport they might take people in for hours worth of questioning. Did that happen to you?
It's some sort of thing where we find the common ground between the three major religions in the area and make peace with them. I don't know all the details yet.
I was there for business reasons, in a group and had been there before. We had to go through a short "orientation" besides the customs crap which seemed to take forever. When they looked at my passport they asked me a few questions, just the usual type stuff. The customs and orientation did take about 2 hours though. I'm not a troublemaker, I have been there more than once and they had all of that stuff available it seemed so it was not really a hassle to me. I guess it depends on the individual? You probably hear things about the FSB/KGB in Russia too, I've never had someone following me in Russia or Belarus and when not working I tend to roam at will. I did manage to piss off a junior FSB agent in Belgorod years ago and they damn near arrested me but that happened because of my lack of language skills and the fact that I DID NOT DO AS I WAS TOLD. Remember, do as you are told and just be honest. I've seen plenty of westerners get into trouble forgetting that they are in a different place and the rights they have wherever do not apply to them there.
A few friends of mine went to Israel for the "Birth Right"... Those that are not familiar it is a trip which the Govt. pays for in order for the Jews to visit their homeland. Anyway, they were in a group of about 20 or so and were always escorted by 3-4 israeli soldiers. They all had a good time but the visiting the Lebanon border did leave them with an eerie feeling. They did however very much enjoyed their stay.
lived and breathed in the mid-east, I actually felt quite safe but you can guess what I was doing there, it was trying to keep the peace between mideast factions and the Jews. there will never be peace between the religions, what needs to happen is bring peace between the nationalities.......good luck. My suggestion and have no clue what type of group you are talking of JKilts but we have seen them there before, just please stay tight closeknit with the group and you will be fine. if anything bring back the memories of the area as it is rich in culture, it will change your life, and I will tell you you will say "Thank God I live here".............
