Trip to Israel in August

[Bearcat]

I'm going on a 10 day birthright trip to Israel in August through Israel outdoors and my university Hillel chapter. For those that don't know, if you are Jewish and under 25, you can go to Israel for free. My only expenses will be the flights to the airport in NYC and back and some spending money. Pretty much everything else is covered. So I'm asking any ZSer's who have done the birthright trip or traveled to Israel independently about their experiences, advice or tips about anything from safety to some cool local places that aren't on the main tourist maps.

[jnathan]

My Wife went on Birthright in her early 20s, I was a little too old to go when the program was created. She had a great time and was able to see her brother who was there studying at the time.

In terms of safety in-country, that ought to be a fairly obvious answer; there's more risk and more obvious vigilance by law enforcement and an enormous intelligence effort to keep the populace safe. They're pretty familiar with keeping people safe, and especially on Taglit they're going to keep Americans extra safe.

I'll see if I Can remember to get anything from my wife in terms of specific information.

Enjoy,

-Jeff

I'm going on a 10 day birthright trip to Israel in August through Israel outdoors and my university Hillel chapter. For those that don't know, if you are Jewish and under 25, you can go to Israel for free. My only expenses will be the flights to the airport in NYC and back and some spending money. Pretty much everything else is covered. So I'm asking any ZSer's who have done the birthright trip or traveled to Israel independently about their experiences, advice or tips about anything from safety to some cool local places that aren't on the main tourist maps.

[Alpha-17]

Lucky. Israel's one of the few countries I would love to visit. Not Jewish though, so I'd have to pay for the trip myself. Have fun.

[Regular Guy]

Lucky. Israel's one of the few countries I would love to visit. Not Jewish though, so I'd have to pay for the trip myself. Have fun.

This for me as well. I really want to make it there one day. I'd have to go on tours until I dropped.

[Bearcat]

Thanks jnathan, and I'll send you two some post cards.

[Primed]

I went there about 15 years ago for 6 months, for a work related project, and had a great time. I spent a considerable amount of time in Tele aviv but traveled pretty much through out the country. I found everyone to be very friendly, when there wasn't any screaming(for some reason everyone argues about everything, and just as quick as it started it's over and everyone is smiling). If you are into your heritage or just history for that matter, you will certainly be overwhelmed. I'm not very much into organized religions, but couldn't deny the fact that while visiting some of the more popular areas such as Jerusalem, you'll be overcome with emotions, and left awe struck.

Security is tight, and sometimes it brings you back to earth and reminds you of where you are, but this could be viewed as a good thing.

The only unpleasant experience I had was being interrogated by one of the many state agencies stationed at the airport, I was removed from my group brought into a separate room and questioned for nearly 30 mins. about what I did while there, asked about the people I was traveling with, and my luggage was searched (in front of me) and I was questioned a lot about work related documents and equip. Finally I was starting to consider asking to see a US Rep. when they cleared me and let me board my flight. I was told later that this was normal when trying to catch a flight out of Israel, but i don't know. This was also pre 9/11

I'm sure you'll have a good time, and just like anything YMMV, you may want to keep a journal to record your experiences, so that you can reflect on it in the years to come.

[Bearcat]

Hey I got a new question for everyone, it was recommended to me that I get a camelback for the trip since we'll be hiking a lot and its expected to be 100deg or more. Any thoughts on a light weight, light COLORED pack?