Dateline Jerusalem — I often am asked if it is safe to visit Israel. I had visited Israel several times over the last 37 years, and I finally moved here nine years ago. I can categorically state that I feel safer in Israel than I do in the States. I never have regretted visiting or moving here. Yet back in 1979, I was afraid to board an airplane bound for Israel. I was scared after reading about and seeing discouraging newscasts. But Israel is nothing like the way it is portrayed by the media. Only bad news seems to make the news. Often news reports are biased, exaggerated. In some cases, there are outright misrepresentations and distortions.
Often for tourists, traveling in Israel is safer than staying at home in many Western countries. For Israelis, even terror threats do not stop them from living life as usual. Museums, tourist attractions, restaurants and cafes remain open despite occasional threats. Israelis and tourists alike go about calmly and securely, enjoying the beauty and wonder of this country. Most tourists I have spoken with have nothing but praise of Israel. They cannot wait for a return visit. More flights to Israel have been scheduled by airlines and planes are filled with tour guides and their minions.
Not All the Time
I admit there is terrorism on occasion, but the entire world is a war zone. Statistically, chances of a terror attack in Israel are lower than being in an auto accident. I would not step foot in Europe now. The U.S. has to contend with both crime and terror. In comparison, Israel is relatively crime- free. It has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. For example, for every 100,000 people, the U.S. is at least twice as dangerous as Israel with respect to homicides, and over 50 percent more dangerous for rape. I have no qualms about walking by myself at midnight in my city. Even more amazingly, the U.S. is 300 percent more dangerous than Israel when it comes to robberies. In the States, my ex-husband had been robbed at gunpoint when I was pregnant with our first child, and I had been burglarized twice. In Israel, I have had a crime free existence, thank G-d.
True, Israelis tend to be security conscious. No unattended package or unusual behavior is overlooked. Because both Israeli boys and girls serve in the army after high school, it is not unusual to see armed soldiers everywhere. Military jets flying over my home have become music to my ears. Entrances to schools and universities are gated. Identification must be shown. Restaurants, department stores, banks, office buildings, malls and government buildings have armed security guards who check purses, backpacks and bags.
Entrances to underground parking lots require a cursory search by a guard of all autos. The driver must pop open his trunk. Bus and train stations have metal detectors. Bags frequently are x-rayed. Some may think that it is an invasion of privacy or a curtailment of one’s physical freedoms. To Israelis, it is everyday life in Israel. There is no greater freedom than feeling safe and secure.
Therefore, I highly recommend Israel as a vacation destination.
L’hitraot. Shachar
