Update on the Gaza Situation from EO's President-James E. Ridgway, Jr
To update all of our passengers and tour hosts on the Gaza situation, on Saturday, Israel began an intense retaliation for mortar and crude rocket attacks launched from the militants in the Gaza Strip into the State of Israel. In fact, militants launching rockets and Israel retaliating via air strikes has been going on for at least 8 years now. Hostilities have been and are confined to the Gaza and a surrounding 20 mile radius. It is tragic that civilians on both sides of the conflict have been harmed and killed and the grievances on both sides are long and complex. We have been and continue to be supportive of any just resolutions to the ongoing conflicts in the region.
While the current hostilities have received extensive press coverage particularly with a new administration coming into office within 3 weeks, the situation in and in the small area around the Gaza Strip is not new. While careful attention must be paid at all times to any security situation affecting Israel, our tours have continued to operate normally even with ongoing hostilities in the Gaza during these many years. This situation differs from the Lebanon War of 2006 in that much more sophisticated rockets were fired from Lebanon into many parts of our touring route by a much more sophisticated military force. This current conflict is much more localized, following a familiar historical pattern, and does not represent challenges to any of our itineraries. Airline carriers continue to service Tel Aviv normally and there has been no change in aviation or hotel policies related to this conflict.
Thus, at the current time we are continuing to operate all of our tours as scheduled. All of the sightseeing has been unaffected including visits to Jericho, Bethlehem, and the Mt. of Olives.
For over 35 years we have had the privilege of hosting over 300,000 pilgrims in the Holy Land, and we have a spotless security record with our passengers. Security in the airport, at the hotels, and around Jerusalem as always remains very tight. Buses and guides are in communication with our local offices at all times. EO ground staff will be present in Jerusalem and Tiberias hotels from January through March. Safety of our passengers and our staff is our first priority. We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and take the appropriate course of action as events warrant.
12/30/08
Official Press Release from the Israel Ministry of Tourism
What’s happening where?
The Israel Defense Forces’ action to put an end to the firing from Gaza is taking place entirely within what is known as the Gaza Strip. This is an area under Palestinian control that is customarily not visited by visitors to Israel.
Yes, but what’s happening in Israel?
Rockets fired from Gaza have landed in several areas of southern Israel – places that are mostly far from tourist routes.
How does all this affect my travel plans?
It doesn’t. Conditions in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Netanya, the Galilee, the Negev, Eilat and the Dead Sea are completely normal. The tens of thousands of tourists who came to Israel for Chanukah and to celebrate Christmas in Bethlehem are still here and their travel plans continue unchanged.
Yes, but surely…?
There is no sense or anxiety or crisis – life goes on completely unchanged. Shops, restaurants, beaches, clubs, schools, hotels are open throughout Israel and are operating entirely normally.
Yes, but surely…?
As hard as it may seem to comprehend from thousands of miles away, the current action has no affect on daily life in Israel proper. More than 70 airlines are operating their normal schedules to and from Israel, and today, as every day, close to 20 flights are operating nonstop between the United States and Canada and Israel, and vice versa.
So what do I do?
Absolutely nothing.
Yes…but…
Tourists and tourism are very important to the State of Israel so it would be foolish and reckless of us to endanger you. If we felt there was the slightest risk, or that it was inappropriate for you to come now, we would ask you not to.
If you’re already in Israel you know there’s nothing to be concerned about. And if you’re on your way, “Bon Voyage.” We look forward to greeting you.
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