I want to visit Israel, what is it like?

Question

I want to visit Tel Aviv within the next year. I am an American Citizen. I studied religious studies in college and was attracted to Israel for this reason. I am not Jewish and I want to know what to expect.
I know the security is tight, but I am not sure what goes on at the airport.
Also what should I wear and how should I act, I know other countries hate Americans and I don't want to be targeted.
Any insight would be great!!!

Answer 1

Wow, some of these answers really shock me! If you haven;t been there why answer at all, evidently the thumbs down patrol is out tonight also.

I have been to Israel, we went El Al airlines, we were all questioned before boarding, our pocketbooks were checked, We could not pick our own seats on the plane, they were assigned to us..I did get annoyed with this because only the Rabbi's could sit where they wanted.Of course if you are traveling with others they will seat you together..as much as possible.

It's a VERY long flight..over 10 hrs.

When we finally landed I was absolutely shocked at the colors, we arrived just before sunrise and the sun was HOT..everything has a pink beige tone to it, the rocks, sand, house's;;it's just beautiful.

We went to all the tourist places in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Masada, Dead sea, believe me when I say ALL of them.

We went as part of a tour, so our breakfast and dinner were included. Breakfast was everything from fresh fruit to nuts, to cereal, eggs, fish feash dates and figs..it was great..EXCEPT on Saturday. We were surprised to see the elevator didn't work nor did our shower or toilet Not being Jewish we didn;t know nothing electrical works..clocks included on the Sabbath, breakfast that day was cold cereal and juice.



Dinner's were very good to, just don't ask for beef and milk on the same table..it's not kosher, the most you will get is powdered milk.



I found the people friendly enough, but standoffish, there are stray dogs all over the place who look half starved



If you go to any og f the religous sites be aware of the people selling stuff outside, once you stop to look at something..that's it..you almost have to run to get away from them..bartering is a definite game there.



Should you go to the Dead Sea area, they have a wonderful soap they sell made from the salts and minerals from there. it's called Ahava, in the USA it's very expensive, but not there. It has a slight sulpher smell, but not on your body when you shower with it.



Tel Aviv is just like any other large city except you walk along the Mediterian sea to get to the shopping areas.



As for safety, don't walk or travel around alone, and don't expect to much from your hotel. We stayed in a 4star hotel in every city we went tto and none of them were any better than a Howard Johnson in the USA.

If I can be of any help, just email me, I'll be glad to answer any questions.

I envy you, it's a beautiful place..for culture, religion and art, and one day I hope to go back.

Answer 2

Yahoo Answers Israel

Answer 3

Yes, Malaysian passport holders are not allowed to visit Israel. This is cleary stated on every Malaysian passports. Likewise Israelis are not allowed to visit Malaysia too. This is not merely about Malaysia has not diplomatic relation with Israel because Malaysia does not have diplomatic relation with more than 1/2 the countries in the world too but Malaysians are still allowed to visit these countries. Previously Cuba was on the ban list too but the ban has since being lifted. The ban on visits to Israel by Malaysians is due to the never ending Palestinian issues. Malaysia like many Muslims countries not only support Palestine but "look" at Israel and the Jews as their no.1 enemy. Unfortunately for Malaysians, there is no way that Malaysians can visit Israel because it has been clearly stated that Malaysian passports are not valid for travel to Israel. Malaysians entering Israel with their passports will be treated as entering the country illegally and will be detained. The ban on travelling to Cuba has been lifted but i don't foresee the Malaysian government going to do the same for Israel, not now ,not in the near future or probably never will at all.

Answer 4

ITS PALESTINE!!!!! **** the name isreal im from palestine and all isreal did was kill off my family and destroy the arab culture since 1948! Those people took OUR land and OUR homes and called it THEIRS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



If u go, go only to West Bank which is the Palestinian corner thet they stuffed us into!

Answer 5

You are in luck Ditto, because StainlessSteel, your personal tour guide to Israel is here to help and that's a fact!

This here is my "Ten Golden Rules in getting back home in one piece after visiting Israel"

1. Always wear a bulletproof vest, never leave home w/o it!

2. Never come in close, personal contact with Jews. (you'll see what I mean, when you get there, LOL!)

3. Avoid tourist areas, cafeterias, shopping malls, bus stops, camel stops, souvenir shops, waiting lines, banks, airports and hotel lobbies.

4. Never hire a cab unless is one of them bulletproof-shockproof steel armored vehicle types.

5. Never hire a car unless is one of them bulletproof-shockproof steel armored vehicle types.

6. Always try to look over your shoulder for any suspicious activity (pickpockets, exploding arab youngsters, bulldozer drivers etc.)

7. Always keep one sexy ten dollar bill inside your passport. This will save a lot of your precious holiday time, believe me on that. After all you are in ...Israel, LOL!

8. Do not wear any modern clothing, revealing bare skin parts of your body. Jews are easily offended and you will have to pay a lot of cash should you decide to do so.

9. When and if you get back home go to your local hospital for a radiation physical. The Israelis use some very old and undocumented nuclear plants (highest cancer rate worldwide) that leak like crazy.

10. Never speak out words like: Jesus or Christ in public. You will get arrested and fined heavily.



That's it! Feel free to print this small guide and keep it always with you.



I also suggest that it is better to ignore some Israeli Yahoo! Board members saying: "There’s nothing really dangerous about Israel" or "I live here and it's beautiful".

These members are paid Israeli propaganda units. Do not believe a word they say, OK?

Finally get yourself a life insurance from a non Jewish company, covering injuries and death, during your visit .

Have a great time girl! If you won't well, you can't say you had not been warned, right?

Bon Voyage!







Steel

Answer 6

It's like you think this is the Travel section! LOL



Just kidding.



Israel is a wonderful country to visit. Tel Aviv is similar to San Francisco. Some wonderful towns just north of Tel Aviv. And a very, very old section of Tel Aviv (unlike San Francisco!).



Jerusalem is amazing. Ancient, religious, beautiful.



Visiting Israel changed my life. Changed my soul.

Answer 7

Since 1948 Palestine - the former Holy Land - has become a land of endless bloodshed and violence owing to the determination of Russian atheists who had ancestors who practiced Judaism to claim it as their exclusive domain,i.e. drive out all Christians and Muslims. They do not appear to have any particular motivation other than that it is considered a Holy Land by Christians and Muslims. They want it solely because it is of immense value to others; hence they crave it. They will kill as many people as they have to to establish exclusive dominion.

Answer 8

Relax. Just do whatever you would in the US. You won't be identified for being American and no one will care if they do notice you are. It's a very diverse country with people from around the world. They don't have the same hangups as some countries often do about tourists.



You certainly won't find the "hate americans" attitude there at all. For a long time they admired America for being diverse & having a good culture & life & hard work effort. They aren't as amorous now as they've settled into their own life, but it's not turned into hate.



Security is careful & there's a check into your purse & glance at you at every entrance to everything (groceries, movies, mall, etc.) However, it's not that noticeable. It takes a moment -- what they are looking for are the signs of concealment, not a person shopping. You'll be safe in most of the country. East Jerusalem is not a good place when there's unrest & Sderot to the south of Tel Aviv gets missiles. Otherwise crime is low & it's a relatively safe country to travel in.



On dress, they tend to get trends before the U.S., so that's one thing. However, they aren't overly dressed & worried about fashion. No one looked at me strangely (till I tried out my Hebrew - but who could blame them.)



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to asker

There are a number of Israel Travel section frequenters that are part of the anti-Israel propaganda team. Some would be at home at a Hamas meeting. Just so you can put things in perspective. Almost every one at some point has made classic antisemitic remarks about Jews, including links to thinks like KKK. I let you figure out who for yourself.

Answer 9

First of all, no one has the right to tell you what to wear and how to act, just be you and dress like you.



Tel Aviv is a beautiful city, but Tel Aviv is just like an American urban city. There is much more to see, and if you are not going to be visiting Jerusalem, then you can cancel the trip altogether, because Jerusalem is what makes the Holy Land, holy.



Palestine has the three main religions, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, as well as a little of the Baha'i Faith and Druzism.



I hope you have a fun, easy, and good trip. Tourists are safe don't worry, I have not heard of violence towards tourists before.



Like Cher said, make sure you don't visit East Jerusalem. You don't want to see Palestinians being ethnic cleansed and their homes being demolished by the fascist IDF (Israeli offensive forces) on your vacation.

Answer 10

its the most incredible country

Israelis all speak english

security is not extremely tough. when you go into a mall or something they check your bag and have guards for extra safety

Israelis are tough. Extremely welcoming and nice but tough. after all they have to be right?

basically israel is like every other country. a lot of people arent so religious in the areas you probably want to visit [eilat, tel aviv, etc] they dress like everyone else also. if you go to jerusalem or any religious area cover up though. i suggest in a skirt that comes to your knees.



and israelis LOVE americans!! im american and moving there! dont worry! youll have a great time!

Answer 11

hot, good beer, most ppl speak english, its ok....