Israel is a beautiful country with so much to offer tourists. From the history to the culture and food, there is something for everyone in Israel. However, there are a few things that travelers should avoid doing while they are in the country.
We will explore what NOT to do when traveling to Israel: From cultural faux pas to things that could put you in danger, read on to learn more about how to make the most of your trip while avoiding any potential problems.
❌Believe the bias from mainstream media
News depicts Israel practicing apartheid and mistreating people with Muslim backgrounds — but if you ever visit Israel, you will very soon find those ideas are part of Fake News (unfortunately, many people believe it). West bank is free to enter for tourists, everyone can go in and out.
In Israel, Jews and Arabs work together. Israeli Arab citizens enjoy the same social benefits as any Jewish citizen.
So throw away those cliché biases and keep your mind clean, you will see the truth with your own eyes.
❌Talk politics
Generally speaking, Israelis are open to different views, and you can talk to them about almost anything. But when it comes to politics, you’d better be a listener first.
For a tourist, it’s not easy to tell the person in front of you is in favor of the left-wing, right-wing, or middle left/ middle right/ religious/ conservative. It is strongly recommended to avoid politics in the conversation unless the other person starts it, and even so it’s better to keep all ears.
Criticizing the government in front of Israelis is not a good idea. Israelis indeed like to complain about the government, but it is a “privilege” for the citizens and not appropriate for a foreigner.
❌Disrespect religious sites
One must to dress modestly when visiting holy sites, it is an all-time dress code for any religion. No matter the holy sites belong to Judaism, Muslim, Christianity, or Bahai, dressing provocative is a big NO. Try avoiding shorts or sleeveless shirts, as they may be considered disrespectful. It is also a good idea to avoid wearing anything that could be interpreted as being too casual, such as flip-flops or track pants. Instead, opt for more conservative clothing that covers the shoulders and knees (even Lady Gaga followed suit).
❌Using racial discrimination words
It’s a big, fat NO – no matter to Jews or Arabs. You will put your life in danger for doing so.
❌Do not take photos of military personnel or equipments
When traveling to Israel, one must be respectful of the local culture and customs. One thing that you should avoid doing is taking photos of military personnel or equipment. This can be seen as disrespectful and offensive, and it is best to avoid doing it altogether.
✅Respect different cultures and learn along the way
There are a few things to avoid when traveling to Israel, such as bringing up sensitive topics like the conflict with Palestine, dressing inappropriately, or being disrespectful at religious sites. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your trip to Israel is safe and enjoyable.
Do you know other things NOT to do in Israel? You’re welcome to share with us!
