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From: am@vilya.UUCP (MALEK)
Newsgroups: net.travel
Subject: Re: Travel to Isreal--Questions
Message-ID: <246@vilya.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 5-Nov-85 19:45:34 EST
Article-I.D.: vilya.246
Posted: Tue Nov  5 19:45:34 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 7-Nov-85 05:16:26 EST
References: <330@whuts.UUCP> <4711@cca.UUCP>
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Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Parsippany
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In article <4711@cca.UUCP>, mickey@cca.UUCP (Mickey Levine) writes:
> Here are my suggestions based on my living in Israel 15 years ago, and
> my most recent visit this past spring.
> >     3.  Cities/Towns that are *not* recommended for 
> >         wandering around in alone, (or specific parts
> >         of a town).
> In general, the country is very safe with the following exceptions:
> 	The West Bank (excluding Jehrico and Bethlehem)
This is not net.politics, so you should not put political opinions
here. To call parts of Israel (I assume you refer to the teritories
which the Jordanians captured in 1948 and occupied until the Israelis
freed them in 1967) West Bank is a political statement. Jericho (sp)
and Bethlehem are in the geographic areas known as the Jordan Valley and
Judea, respectively. The Northern part of this area you mentioned is called
Samaria. As a Jew, you should never refer to parts of Israel by improper names.
(flames to net.politics)
By the way, it is a good idea to carry a weapon in Jericho as well. All
of Israel is quite safe for a group which contains some armed people, 
as many organized tour groups do. Most Jewish bus drivers are army veterans 
and carry a (licensed) concealed weapon.
> 	The poorer parts of Tel Aviv
I do not agree about this one either; all of Tel Aviv is safer than most of
NYC and many other US cities as well.
> 	The docks of Haifa
Are you trying to be funny?
> 	Some parts of Nazereth
Any area of Israel which is primarily inhabited by Arabs can be a source
of unpleasant experiences for Jewish tourists (or any Americans who are
mistaken for Jews) if one goes there alone. In groups it is quite safe.
The actual number of people killed in auto accidents and in terrorist
incidents combined in Israel is much less per capita than it is in the USA.
> > 
> >      4.  Health concerns.  Your favorite diarhea, air....
> >          (food and water, etc.).
> The food is quite good and depending on your own constitution, should
> not make you sick. You can avoid the water by drinking mineral water,
> Coke (classic) or beer.
The water is safe also. In Eilat and some other areas is does taste quite
foul. This is from hardness however, not from pollution.

> >      5.  Weather in Isreal in February (brrrrrrrr?), 
> >          be specific on best combinations of clothes.

> The weather varies from snowy and blustery (far north and Jeruselem) to
> warm and comfortable (Jordan valley, Tibereas, Dead Sea, Negev). The
> most important piece of equipment would be a good raincoat (like Goretex)
> since it rains 4 out of 7 days.
On most rainy days in Israel, you have sun for most of the daylight hours.
Most of rain is at night so winter is a good time for touring. You should 
bring sweaters, since only first class hotels are well heated and most
tourist spots are not well-heated by American standards.

> >      6.  What passes for acceptable attire ....

> Noboby dresses up (that is coats/ties for men, dresses for women).....
Bring at least one "modest" piece of clothing to wear to holy places
and very Orthodox neighborhoods.

>>      7.  Things *NOT* to do, tacky things that the typical
>>American (ME) would not know to avoid, cultural oversights and slights. etc.
> 
See number 6. You should avoid offending the sensibilities of so called
Ultra-Orthodox Jews. This is important especially on the Sabbath, when
one should not drive into certain neighborhoods.
	You also should try to listen to one of the Kol Israel English
news broadcasts, since the only English newspaper is controlled by the
Labor Party. There is broadcast in English several times a day.
	Also, realize that most Israelis and Arabs understand English.
-- 
Avi Malek @ATT Bell Labs Parsippany, NJ