As I shared in my initial post, I wasn’t sure what to expect when visiting Israel. I’d seen so much on the news and heard little rumblings about the people, so I thought I’d share some of the things I found to be true and not true for those of you planning a trip to Jerusalem.
Crowds
Arguably the world’s most historically-significant city, Jerusalem attracts over 3.5 million visitors every year. No matter when you visit, you can expect huge crowds, particularly at top destinations in the Old City.
These crowds tend to be the largest between the months of March and August. Crowds thin out significantly in February and September. For many visitors, these crowds are not something to be avoided, but rather, part of the appeal of Jerusalem. This is particularly true during Purim (a Halloween like atmosphere) and other holidays. When you join the crowds that gather near significant religious sites, you will feel like you are part of something greater.
Safe Streets
Reports regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict should be of little concern for Jerusalem visitors; while violence exists in some regions of Israel, it is not a problem for those hanging out in the Old City. In fact, Jerusalem is one of the safest cities in the Middle East region, in part because nearly all public places feature security checkpoints.
Due to the prominence of these checkpoints, it is wise to carry some form of identification at all times. Armed guards can be found in museums, restaurants, bus stations, and nearly every other spot frequented by tourists. If you often find yourself worrying about security while traveling abroad, you can take solace in the ample security protocols the Israeli government has set in place.
Seemingly Rude Behavior From Natives
Jerusalem has nearly as big a reputation for rudeness as New York City. However, It is important for travelers to take the often brusque behavior of locals with a grain of salt, for, what tourists may perceive as rudeness may, in fact, be ordinary behavior.
A passionate people, Israelis often raise their voices during animated discussions; this is not meant to offend, but rather, to show how much speakers care about a particular topic of conversation. Likewise, natives often ask questions that foreigners find intrusive. Locals do not mean to pry — they merely wish to express an interest in tourists’ lives abroad.
Hospitality
Although some natives may initially come across as brash, they will also express more concern for your wellbeing than those residing in other cities. It is easy to make friends in Jerusalem; don’t be surprised if, half an hour after meeting, your new Israeli friend invites you over for coffee.
In fact, hospitality is a very big thing. It could be due to the weekly Shabbat dinner which is a time for the entire family or a large group of friends to gather for dinner.
Melting Pot
One of the best things about Jerusalem is that it is the true melting pot of the Middle East. Every culture, religion, and socioeconomic status is represented, so there is no need to worry about standing out. Despite stereotypes regarding the area’s allegedly divided populace, most natives are very welcoming of visitors from all walks of life.
Americans especially feel at home in Jerusalem, in part because they make up 18 percent of annual tourists. In 2013, 623,000 Americans visited Israel, as well as 603,000 Russian tourists, 315,000 visitors from France, and 254,000 from Germany. Vacationers from the United Kingdom, Italy, and Ukraine are also common. During your time in Jerusalem, you will make friends from all over the world — and many will be eager to keep in touch after you have returned home.
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