26/11/2024
Hi everyone. 417 days have passed since the start of the war, and it's time for another update.
First of all, there are still 101 hostages held in Gaza. We pray for their return SOON 🙏
The war is still going on, there are still missile attacks, but there are some talks about a potential ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Let's see what happens.
Tourism is quite dead nowadays, but there are still some people who choose to come and travel in Israel, even when there's a war. Usually, they come not only for travel but also for volunteering (I'll attach a post talking about volunteering opportunities in the comments below).
If you plan to come to anytime soon, here are some things to keep in mind:
* Flight cancellations - Many flight companies have cancelled their flight lines to and from Israel until further notice. If you want to make sure that you will reach Israel, it's best to book a flight on one of the Israeli airlines - El Al, Arkia, or Israir. It's not always cheap, but they will not cancel their flights unless something REALLY dramatic happens.
* Keeping safe in Israel - There is no way to ensure 100% protection throughout your trip, but you can act with more caution. Check the Israeli National Emergency Portal for instructions (I'll attach their link in the comments below) and try to avoid areas that are more prone to missile attacks, like the Galilee and Haifa. In general, Jerusalem and the Dead Sea area are quite safe nowadays.
* Get your ETA for Israel - As of January 2025, travelers to Israel must hold a valid visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). I'll add the link to the ETA application website in the comments below.
And... that's quite all. If you don't plan on coming during the war, that's totally understandable. Hope to see you in Israel when things get better!
