AIBU to worry about telling colleagues that I’m going to Israel?

Good for you, but I was wondering what the poster I was responding to meant by "no it isn't".

I'd say 'I'm going to be a bridesmaid for a good friend'. No need to add any more detail if you're concerned about people making comments..

Nice to know you would judge somebody for supporting Hamas.

No apology given.

There are plenty of other CURRENT genocides happening that aren't popular enough for people to virtue signal over.

I don’t agree with everywhere other people go. I personally wouldn’t set foot inside Turkey or Dubai for example. However, I have a colleague who visits Dubai regularly to see family and I don’t judge her for it at all. Her photos are always nice too.

@Comedycook no, I would not go to China, nor would I go to Dubai, Abu Dhabi etc and a list of others countries for various human rights violations.

Could you go to China?

I clearly said ‘committing’ which is the present tense. Of cause each country has done questionable or terrible things over time.

Apology accepted.

I'm disgusted with what the Israeli government is doing at the moment but it wouldn't occur to me to judge you for going to a friend's wedding in Israel. I certainly don't hold all Israeli people responsible for what their government is doing at all, and I hope you all have a marvellous time. I might worry a bit about your safety though... things are so volatile at the moment.

The political leadership is absolutely dreadful on both sides of this conflict, but hopefully most people are capable of understanding that the vast majority of civilians, whether they are Israeli, Palestinian, Lebanese or whatever, just want to get on with their lives in peace and without fear. I look forward to a time when that might be possible again.

Agree with this. I couldn't possibly travel to a country that is openly committing genocide and expanding their illegal occupation of another state. Just the thought of all those children being starved, maimed, brutalised and murdered right next door would stop me going.

However, this is a workplace, they have no right to comment and you can escalate to HR if needed.

@Doubtfulso

personally I wouldn't go, I'm too fearful of the situation.

However, if I was I'd just say 'to my friends wedding, we've been friends xx years & her partner is lovely too. I can't wait to celebrate with them.

if they ask where I'd fudge as long as possible 'it's in her home town, blah blah blah I've been /not been before blah blah.

basically bore them not asking much more.

I wouldn't lie, but I'd avoid avoid avoid as much as possible!

inhop you have a lovely time.

It’s fighting a terrorist organisation and it is also actively committing war crimes, facilitated by the US and UK governments. The October attacks were a barbaric atrocity and the hostages should immediately be released. The Israeli government has, and is, committing terrible war crimes resulting in the deaths on tens of thousands of people. Both are true. I judge someone who supports hamas as much as someone who supports the Israeli government.

How do you feel about people travelling to China considering the genocide of the Uyghurs?

I would lie and say you are going to the Maldives!

I am muslim and detest the Israeli government and what they are doing in Palestine. But I also feel awful for the hostages, their families and all the many innocent Israelis who find the actions of the IDF abhorrent.

I would not judge you. You are simply attending a friend’s wedding. I think you are amazing. I confess I would be too scared to go and would discourage any close family from attending. What a great friend you are. You should not have to hide this.

I literally put 'side' in those '' to indicate it wasn't a side.

I know it's difficult to be reasonable and measured in these conversations. But I didn't imply anything, you assumed.

Yeah that's it not the thousands of innocent Palestinians killed, children and babies maimed, left orphans, starving etc not that.
Its antisemitism that's it!

This is the sort of comment you are going to get. I would say you are being a bridesmaid and not mention the destination country unless asked.

Honestly if you’re not on the borders you’ll be reasonably safe. I wouldn’t be unduly concerned. The main areas are trying to carry on as normal although there are a lot of anti government protests esp in tel Aviv

I agree, tell the truth. Most habitants of Israel are not involved with the war. They want to live their lives as normally as possible, and that includes getting married.

Go and enjoy your time with them if you are ok with the risks. Anyone judging you are probably not worth your time and energy.

Correct. Your friend is not the government and shes
deserves your support.

Your friend deserves happiness and only you can decide if you feel it's safe for you to visit. Your colleagues don't need to know and there may well be some who don't support you but that's your choice how to deal with them if you do tell them,

Op, I wouldn't judge and I was going to say that others wouldn't either. And then I read some of the replies here. There are lots of strong feelings, and justifiably so, but you just want to be a bridesmaid at your friend's wedding. Lots of people have family and friends out there.

I would however be worried about your safety. Haven't some countries begun advising their citizens not to travel there because the situation is so unpredictable?

You implied there were only non combatants on one side. Otherwise why would you need to take sides?

I don't tell work colleagues anything. They aren't my friends. If anyone asked I'd just say I'm going to a wedding.