As distressed or nervous as we might be when we see news events reported on television, keep in mind that there are currently over 100,000 tourists in Israel. There is a very good possibility that we will never see or be aware of any demonstrations or violence while we are in Israel.

This picture is of another tour group (from the US) on the Temple Mount taken on Oct 14, 2015.
Folks from this particular group shared that it "was quiet and peaceful with Muslims, Jews and Christians all visiting the site."

Please rest assured that our guides are well connected, they are there to lead us around any trouble, and that the IDF will be aware that we and other tour groups are there. They recognize that one attack on one tourist would be a huge black eye and is detrimental to the number one economic engine of Israel, which is tourism. That in itself certainly makes me feel a whole lot more secure.

Click here for a great article concerning the current wave of unrest.

Also, click here to read a letter from the Israeli Minister of Tourism.

Finally, on October 18th (2015) I had a conversation with a good friend who is an executive at the largest Russian language Christian television network. He was leaving for Israel that evening and assured me we have nothing to worry about concerning security. He is a seasoned traveler to Israel and stated that both the Israelis AND the Palestinians have a stake in keeping us safe during our visit. Neither side wants any trouble or anything to happen to any tourists because both of their economies depend so heavily on tourism. His only advice to me was to advise our tour to dress like tourists!

One more note. You should prepare yourself to see Israeli Defense Force (IDF) troops everywhere with automatic weapons from the minute we land in Israel. Though we are generally not used to that in North America, it should make us all breathe easier. They are there to ensure the security and safety of their own people and of us.

 

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