Anonymous wrote:Everyone’s overreacting a bit here. First of all, if they are flying a US-based airline, it may not be up to them - many airlines have canceled flights through the summer.

Secondly, it isn’t as ridiculous a question as some here make it out to be - at the moment, things have returned to a relative normal. Sure, it could fall apart at any moment, but frankly that’s always been true there. Things there are always calm until they are not.

This.

Anonymous wrote:Hell no. I’ve been to Israel several times but I will never visit it again after seeing them wantonly murder and starve innocent children.

This is the only acceptable answer.

Everyone’s overreacting a bit here. First of all, if they are flying a US-based airline, it may not be up to them - many airlines have canceled flights through the summer.

Secondly, it isn’t as ridiculous a question as some here make it out to be - at the moment, things have returned to a relative normal. Sure, it could fall apart at any moment, but frankly that’s always been true there. Things there are always calm until they are not.

We go every summer, and will do so again in July. Kids will be in local camps, we will generally work remotely and hang out from family in North. Everything’s relative. We live in DC which always struggles with crime, especially in summer. There have also been numerous attacks on Jews, Jewish institutions, threats, etc. including in DC area. It’s important for kids to see family and friends, etc. Existential threat from Iran vs. existential threat from a racist with a gun.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is risky but chances are they will be fine. Israel's defense system is pretty good and the majority of citizens and people there survive the attacks so it is more than likely they will too unless they just happen to be the unlucky ones in the wrong place at the wrong time. People choose to do all kinds of risky things.

There is also the risk of airspace and airports closing again if the fighting picks up again

No.

You wouldn't say that of any other country at war. And make no mistake, Israel is currently at war.

I didn’t say it was smart, just that if they do choose to go they will more than likely be fine. I would say that about other wars. I know two people who went back to Ukraine. Same thing.

No and I’ve traveled to Israel for work and fun and had zero fear in the past.

Yes.

Are they just going as random tourists? That sounds crazy to me right now for all the reasons PPs mentioned.

If they have family or connections there to help them be savvy in navigating things, maybe it's different.

My neighbors, who are from Israel, canceled their trip to Israel this summer after the war broke out. There is some possibility that they will reschedule it in late July but I really really doubt it.

On the other hand, they do have several kids. It’s a risk, but it’s a risk too grown adults can choose for themselves to make.

Anonymous wrote:Your relatives are suffering from a sort of Dunning-Kruger Effect. The humble tourist who knows they know nothing would never go to Israel at this time. People with ties to the country who know everything are trying to avoid it right now. But people like your stupid relatives know just a little, that is, just enough to feel brave but not nearly enough to be wise.

OP here. First, thank you to all who posted their reactions to my OP. Between my brother and I, I have always been the cautious, risk-averse one so I was not sure if this was yet one more situation where his and my approach are just going to differ. But to read that so many others would not travel there right now is very helpful as I realize that this trip of brother's is misguided.

While I had to google what the Dunning-Kruger effect is, I do think there is a bit of this going on with my brother and SIL. They do fancy themselves "experienced" travelers and feel strongly about Israel especially. That said and to be fair, they did have tickets and plans made for months now to go there this July, so this is not an impulsive trip. Thank you again for your posts.

They are either reckless, stupid or both.

You know how you can drive without a seatbelt, while drunk, and arrive at your destination safely without hurting anyone?

That's what they're doing. Counting on dumb luck.

I know 2 families who canceled trips to Israel scheduled fur July. Both have family there. If they think it’s too risky, then perhaps everyone should. They are at war on multiple fronts and the entire country is a target.

If someone offered me a million dollars in addition to a luxury, all-expenses-paid trip, I would not go there right now. If I saw a headline that read “American Tourists Trapped in Israel” right now, I would shrug and chalk it up to Darwinism.

I would not go.