Visiting Jerusalem

[dianavirtus]

I have always wanted to visit Jerusalem, so that I can visit all of the historical sites there. Has anyone been as a tourist?

We went about 20 years ago. We’re atheists but visits to Jerusalem and Bethlehem were fascinating

I don't think you'd be able to get travel insurance to go there at the moment.
Unless there are bespoke tours of some kind?

I would love to go and see the historic sites, I really hope there is peace there soon (although not just for my benefit obviously!).

We went for a day from Tel Aviv two years ago. Absolutely fascinating place. I'm not particularly religious - we went for general interest - but there is definitely a strange aura about the place. I am very glad we visited - we had a private tour guide and I think we got more out of our visit by having him - he was very knowledgeable.

We went as part of our honeymoon 27 years ago. It was interesting but also very sad - there was a lot of war damage in Bethlehem & armed guards everywhere.

We went close to 30 years ago ( God I feel old) and it was one of the best holidays of my life. The old town was truly amazing even if you are not a believer and seeing things like the Via Dolorosa and The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was amazing. The food was great as well. We did a two centre with Tiberius, on the banks of the Sea of Galilee which was also great. I'm so glad we got the chance to go whilst it was relatively safe and hope people will one day feel comfortable visiting again.

Yes, we went 20+ years ago - it's fascinating. I'd love to go again, for longer.
I guess you need to check FCO advice.

There are tours that run on a monthly basis. Some tend to be more specific faith based but there are lots that cover all of the abrahamic faiths. A friend of mine is going this week.

I’ve been a few days it’s a fascinating place to visit

you can’t get insurance though at the moment…..I know as I’m waiting to book a family holiday to tel aviv and checked the other day

Took a day trip there from Egypt about 15 years ago. Absolutely loved it. Would love to go back for longer.

Thanks all! Worrying about the insurance point - I just tried on a price comparison website and got quotes. Unsure if these would go through though.

Current FCO advice for Jerusalem is as follows

Since 7 October Israeli authorities have limited access to Jerusalem, and Israel in general, for residents of the West Bank, enforcing age and gender-specific restrictions for entry, particularly during Ramadan. While women aged 51 or over and men aged 56 or over with special permits have been granted entry for prayers, many potential worshippers have been turned away. Additionally, there have been routine instances of physical searches and detentions.

Street protests and demonstrations can happen across Jerusalem, including East Jerusalem and the Old City. Check local news ahead of travel and follow instructions of local authorities. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
There are frequent demonstrations in many of the areas visited by tourists in the Old City and after Friday prayers. Areas include in and around:

• Damascus Gate
• Herod’s Gate
• Lion’s Gate
• the Chain Gate

Some protests have led to violent clashes. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and leave the area if there is evidence of tension or unrest, for example if the shops in the souks of the Old City suddenly begin to close their shutters. The entrances to the Old City may have additional checks, or may close.
There have been a number of violent incidents on public transport and near public transport lines. Take extra care when using public transport in Jerusalem.

I’ve been twice and absolutely adored it. I’m not sure I would go at the moment though. I’d give the ceasefire a year and see where things are.

You could look at Jordan or Oman if you want a Middle East trip?

A lot of the insurance companies will only consider it on a case by case basis and if the FCO advises against travel then insurance is null and void as I understand it
made trickier by fact that parts of Jerusalem may be covered but others aren’t and certain highways between Jerusalem and tel aviv aren’t covered and you could unwittingly end up in an area not covered by your insurance and not know it

id give it 6-12 months. In reality Hamas haven’t upheld their side of the ceasefire in terms of return of hostages bodies therefore it’s highly likely it will all kick off again

I wouldn’t be going there at the moment…..

I went twenty years ago and loved it. Found it a fascinating country and very moving in parts. Got the worst D&V of my life though and was back in the day when I was hostelling so all I remember is spending an extra 50p a night to get a room with a bed instead of sleeping on the roof. There were 4 beds and we had a rotation for the loo we were all so ill.

That aside I very much hope there is peace and safety for Israel in the future as I’d love to visit.

what about a tour of some of the other sites mentioned in the Bible? Ephesus?

A very interesting and moving place. Not sure I’d go right now.

Yes - I’m atheist and found it fascinating.
Its very intense and I found a morning of visiting all the holy sites exhausting. IThere is absolutely no way I would consider visiting now - the place has an edge to it and a sense of things being able to escalate/ change very quickly and that was pre the war. I think it’s a case of watching and waiting. The Israeli friend I visited was very cautious about checking news reports etc before visiting. I do think it’s somewhere everyone should aspire to visit once in a lifetime - it makes you realize how futile religion is

Yes I agree even in more peaceful times there was an edge. We naively ventured to a restaurant in East Jerusalem one night and the restaurant owner was so horrified he insisted on driving us back to the hotel himself after the meal. This was before the days of routine Western hostage taking but we were clearly still taking a risk ( that I was blithely unaware of).