Need to go Israel for a month for work (Is it safe?)

MrWenger1982

Hi,
I seen that one thread was closed on this same forum below about Israel due to people discussing politics. I am not interested in that but just generally want to know if it is safe. Moderators, please move this to the appropriate forum if this isn't it rather than closing it.

I probably have to go to Israel for most of the month of July for work. I could get out of it if I really want to. I've seen the news recently but I know personal experience counts for a lot more. I will be based in Lachish mostly but may have to travel to Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem during my time there.

Is it safe to go there now? Can people list out the do's and don'ts while I am there?

I know a little bit about kosher, dress code, and of course not to go near the Gaza strip

BuffyBot

I'm putting a clear warning on this thread:

Keep it on topic, keep it relevant, keep it within the charter - this isn't a politics forum. Don't spoil the OP's question by getting his thread locked.

http://foreignaffairs.gov.ie/home/index.aspx?id=8773 and http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618385504 are good places to start OP

Gran Hermano

Expect a SERIOUS grilling by immigration, it's standard for all visitors.
Colleagues of mine were interviewed for approx 30 minutes each a
couple of years back as were all passengers.

The_Conductor

As per above- a grilling by immigration authorities is par for the course. 30 mins sounds very reasonable. If they think you have had contact with any Arabs or Palestinians- they will most probably go through any notes you have and demand to see and make copies of files on your laptop.

Life is pretty normal- but there is a massive, very visible military presence everywhere.

Vis-a-vis safety- statistically you are probably as likely to have a fatal car accident here on an average weekend, as you are to get hurt involved in fighting there.

All the usual things apply- keep yourself out of obvious situations which may provoke cultural differences. Some buses going to particular areas will be full of very strict Jewish students- who may not be too happy to have secular company with them. Road blocks and frequent security checks are normal, depending on what part of the country you're in. Just accept them as part of everyday life, and grin and bare it like everyone else.

In general, people are friendly, both Israelis and Arabs, and providing you do not offend their sensibilities, you should have no difficulty whatsoever getting on just fine.

MrWenger1982

Thanks folks. Yeah you have confirmed pretty much what I thought anyway. I will have some people I work with from Israel bringing me about for the first week anyway and after that, I will hopefully have figured out what is acceptable and rent a car and go my own way.