Israel holiday - safety?

[Wigeon]

We’ve got the opportunity to go on holiday this Easter holidays to Israel (over Passover), spending some time in Jerusalem with some friends who are a British (the wife) and Israeli (the husband) and their children, as well as visiting other parts of the country by ourselves. My DC would be almost 9 and 12. Having checked flights and Airbnb prices they don’t seem particularly bad even over the peak time of Passover.

I would love to go to Israel but am freaked out by the Foreign Office travel advice about safety and security here. Obviously we could easily avoid going to Gaza, the Golan Heights and the other places the FCO advises against travelling to.

But then the FCO advice also says you shouldn’t catch buses in Jerusalem, and “Take extra care when using public transport in Tel Aviv, in particular at transport hubs, and when using buses in the greater Tel Aviv area. You may wish to consider using other forms of transport.” But then I’ve read taxis often rip off tourists, so not sure how you are meant to get around safely!

Has anyone been with children? Is it a crazy idea to consider going, in terms of the security situation or is it fine as long as you are sensible? I appreciate millions of Israelis live there every day, but we don’t HAVE to choose to go somewhere if the security risks are too high.

Grateful for any advice!

I've just returned from Israel. It was a work trip but had some time to get around.

Taxis have meters so make sure it's on. They're reasonably priced too. Uber is also available (but takes longer to get a ride). Roads seemed in good condition so I think if you were driving you would be ok too - though those with direct experience may say otherwise.

Only had one instance where a taxi driver didn't reset meter from previous fair - after arguing I ended up paying it as I know it claimed through work (it just really annoyed me).

From the airport, you have a couple of options - taxi, trains or bus (and private transfer). There's no public transport from 2pm on Friday until Saturday night - so a taxi is your only option on these days.

It was my first visit to Tel Aviv and had half day in Jerusalem. I loved it so much I would go back again. Avoid areas that FCO have advised against traveling to (if you do go just be aware that it will impact your travel insurance if you've ignored advice)., Just be sensible.

Thanks very much. Did you feel safe? What did you love about it?

Bump?

Can't comment on the current safety situation but but in terms of taking children I can share that I went as a 10 year old (30 years ago) and have the most wonderful memories of the historical sites. Eating a kebab in old town Jerusalem, the wailing wall, having a dip in the Dead Sea, ice cream in Tel Aviv.

I do remember there being a lot of military presence but the food, the history and the people made it one of those trips I'll never forget.

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g293983-i2582-k12954433-Really_How_safe_is_it-Jerusalem_Jerusalem_District.html

Hm, that Trip Advisor thread is a bit reassuring, although I do think it’s quite different to the terrorist incidents which have happened in London, as mentioned by one person on that thread.

The FCO advice says: “ On 12 November more than 60 rockets were launched from Gaza into Southern Israel and towards Rishon Le Zion and Holon. At least two rockets were intercepted over Tel Aviv. Israeli Home Front Command have declared an emergency situation in Southern Israel, ordering all schools and work places to remain closed including in Tel Aviv.”

😱

I am used to going to places like France and the Lake District! And I thought Tel Aviv would be ok (compared to Gaza etc)!

Bump for any more thoughts.

I've been to Israel a few times with work, the last time just last week. I've never felt unsafe there and I've spent time in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Herzliya. There are loads of tourists and the Israelis are generally very welcoming. I used the tram in Jerusalem and it was no different to using public transport in a European city. I've been told that you have to watch out for pick pockets in the old town of Jerusalem but you could say the same for Paris, Rome or Barcelona.

I plan to go back as a tourist soon with my family. The country has a lot to offer and the food is simply incredible!

Oh and the stuff about the missiles sounds more concerning than it actually is. Apparently they have anti missile technology in Tel Aviv meaning nothing will ever get near the city. My colleagues who live there say there are occasional bomb drills but it really doesn't concern them.

I've been several times over the years for family holidays with young children and find it completely safe - the security can be a little off putting at first but actually you stop noticing it after a while and you feel the safer for having it

I've been wanting to go to Israel for a holiday for a while after my younger sister (early 30's) went and absolutely loved it and didn't feel unsafe.

If you google solo female blog Israel (as I would be) it brings up a few blogs from solo females (shock!) who have done the trip, and although you'd be going with your family, the blogs I was reading emphasises things like safety, getting around, where to go/not to go etc.

Just take the relevant bits for your situation.

We've taken dd all over the place since she was a baby. Foreign Office advice tends to be (quite rightly), very cautious.

I've clicked on the link and there's nothing there that would put me off going to Israel. Just play safe and don't go to the couple of areas that it tells you to avoid.

it is not possible to accidentally wander into the golan heights etc
it is years since I went to Israel but it is amazing the food is brilliant the Dead Sea Galilee Jerusalem are all great
The first time I went back in 1990's before intifada you could go upto temple mount and into the west bank which you can't now
Bethlehem can be tricky at times as very close to West bank
if wanting something different the Negev desert south of the dead sea is amazing too

I spent a week there a couple of years ago. I traveled as a lone female but stayed with my friend (also female)
I got a cab from the airport to Tel Aviv and back with no problem (it was a friday so no shuttles were running) and I also did a tour to Jerusalem and we travelled to Masada/dead sea too. Never felt unsafe anywhere to be honest! I say go for it!

Just remembered that I had my bags searched on the way out at Telaviv (coming home) and think this was because my passport had Egyptian and Moroccan stamps in as they spent a bit of time looking at them.

I also went to Bethlehem and you have to show your passport on the way in and out and lots of extra security because of its location obviously

I went to Israel about 32 years ago with my parents. We stayed in Eilat and visited Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea. I'd love to go back. It's such a culturally rich and incredibly interesting country but DH won't entertain the idea.

The only bit I'd avoid is Eilat, which isn't worth the trouble of getting there.

We wanted to go to Jordan (Petra), and the only way in was through Eilat.

Loved the sights especially around Jericho, Hebron and Bethlehem.

Holocaust museum particularly moving (can't remember the name of the place).

And childishly amused by the kosher McDonalds in Galilee!

Would love to go back - easy to get around and Tel Aviv very Eurooean-feeling.

We spent 4 days traveling about a few years ago we hired an official guide it was one of the best holidays we have ever had, we would go back tomorrow if we could afford it
Our guide
info.goisrael.com/en/zissman-mordi-84561

Ok, this is all quite reassuring...We’ve been working our way through Ottenghi’s “Jerusalem” cookbook and the thought of eating the real thing names my mouth water!

We have been about bit and felt its just like other places don't flash cash expensive things etc, plan before you go so you have a great time