Many Americans who adore Israel are torn between going now or waiting when conditions are safer.
Israel has been embroiled in a protracted conflict with its neighbors and territories since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas. The two main conflicts are in Iran, where Israel and the United States launched missile attacks on nuclear sites last month, and Gaza, where approximately 50 Israeli hostages are still alive and over 50,000 Palestinians are thought to have been killed. Travel in Israeli airspace was thereafter prohibited until June 24.
Israel’s tourism industry has suffered, and many regular tourists are hesitant to travel there because to the ongoing conflicts. However, several South Floridians with strong ties to the state think that now is a crucial moment to visit, despite vacationers’ reluctance.
Katie Colburn, a resident of Delray Beach who has been to the country roughly 20 times, most recently in April, said, “My first piece of advice is: Go, don’t be afraid.” They urgently need us to arrive.
Travelers are frequently amazed by the tenacity of Israelis, according to Rabbi Josh Broide of Boca Raton Synagogue, who is relocating to Israel this summer.
According to Broide, “life goes on and visitors are warmly welcomed.” Being there to witness, stand with, and feel the strength of the nation is the best way to show your support for it.
If you are thinking about taking a vacation, you can consult a variety of professionals and seasoned travelers, including as the U.S. Department of State, your family, tour guides, and Israelis you know. Here are some suggestions from the State Department and South Florida visitors to ensure a seamless trip if you’re ready to make the commitment.
Examine the advisories.Conditions on the ground are updated by the U.S. Department of State. According to the current recommendation, Americans should think twice before visiting Israel and the West Bank as of July 1. With the exception of the open Taba crossing between Egypt and Israel, the message cautions Americans to maintain a minimum distance of 7 miles from Gaza, 2.5 miles from the Syrian and Lebanese borders, and 1.5 miles from the Egyptian border. Visit state.gov/travel.
Remember your ETA-IL.American tourists have been required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization in order to enter the nation for the past year. A few questions on your passport and the reason for your visit will need to be answered online. The ETA costs roughly $7 and allows tourists to stay in Israel for 90 days. The address is www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il.
Sign up for STEP.The U.S. Embassy is able to communicate and provide security and weather notifications through the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which is supported by the U.S. State Department. In order for the personnel to locate you in case of an emergency, you can also share your itinerary. Visit www.state.gov/s/step/mytravel.
Get the app for Israel Home Front Command.During emergencies, this app will send location-specific alerts. Additionally, it enables users to get in touch with the Israel Defense Forces’ civil defense force, the Home Front Command.
Find out the location of the nearest secured areas before turning in for the night, wherever you are staying.Katie Colburn, a traveler, claimed that she and her husband, David, remained in their room at their hotel in Jerusalem despite hearing sirens while they slept. They had no idea what the procedure entailed. These alarms alert people to impending danger, and the Israeli government recommends both citizens and tourists to seek refuge in a safe room.
If you are out and about, be aware of the locations of the nearest shelters.According to Rabbi Leon Weissberg, there are signs pointing people to shelters in public areas across the nation. The Cooper City resident who came in April stated, “You’ll see security everywhere, and you’ll see arrows to shelters everywhere.” The signs, which are in Arabic, Hebrew, and English, are very noticeable now. In the country’s center, sirens warn of a missile or rocket assault for one and a half minutes; in other regions, the warning time varies from three minutes to fifteen seconds or less.
Avoid attending sizable public gatherings. American tourists are advised by the U.S. Embassy to avoid protests and places where there are a lot of police officers. In a July 1 advisory, the embassy advised avoiding gatherings and protests.
If you wish to visit kibbutzes in the south that were impacted by the raids on October 7, find a qualified guide or travel in a group. According to Rabbi Broide, choose a knowledgeable advisor who can provide context and significance. Some kibbutz are still evacuated and closed to tourists, so check in advance to see if the one you want to visit is open.
