Despite having a lot of family in Israel, I had only visited once. After taking the bar exam in 2009, I participated in a program called Birthright, which offers young Jews a free trip to Israel. For years, I had been telling myself that I should visit Israel again, but the timing never seemed right. In the summer of 2023, some of my cousins visited New York, and I wanted to take my family to see them. However, we were already committed to other plans and couldn’t make it work. I promised my kids that we would go to Israel the following year.Â
Little did I know what would transpire on October 7. In the aftermath of that tragic date, I couldn’t imagine when it would be safe to return to Israel. I was in constant contact with my cousins and worried about their safety. The prospect of a trip to Israel seemed out of reach.
In March 2023, the World Jewish Congress sponsored a delegation of American judges to visit Israel, which garnered media attention. Following this, WJC organized similar missions. In April, I received an invitation to join a mission with other law professors. The timing was less than ideal as Iran launched a significant attack on Israel shortly after. Fortunately, Israel’s allies aided in intercepting most of the threats, minimizing the damage. However, the specter of a conflict with Iran loomed, and airlines suspended flights to Israel through June.
After much contemplation, I decided to accept the invitation. In future posts, I will delve into my rationale for going. Here, I want to emphasize a fundamental point for others: with proper precautions, Israel is safe for tourism. During my travels in Israel, I heard a recurring sentiment: the best way for Americans to show support for Israel is by experiencing it firsthand. Reading articles and listening to podcasts doesn’t compare.
Furthermore, this is a rare opportunity to visit Israel without the usual crowds. Tourism has declined in recent months for understandable reasons. Normally crowded attractions like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre can now be accessed without long lines. I had a solitary moment at the Western Wall without any distractions. (In a small world coincidence, I met two Rabbis who knew my Rabbis from Houston.)Â
Regarding security, Israel is a compact country, about the size of New Jersey. The main threats are missiles from Lebanon in the north and Gaza in the south. Israel has advanced missile defense systems and warning mechanisms in place. Every building is equipped with a safe room, and hotels have designated safe spaces on each floor. The warning time varies based on proximity to the border, with as little as 10 seconds in certain areas. Despite not encountering any alarms during my trip, I was prepared to follow safety protocols. The WJC provided a security expert who ensured our well-being. As he assured us in his Israeli accent, “If you do as I say, you’ll be safe, no worries.” It’s remarkable how people carry on with their lives amidst such uncertainty.
Lastly, I acknowledge that my viewpoints may provoke strong reactions. If this is the case, I encourage you to discontinue reading. My perspectives may not be popular and could spark controversy. However, those who take offense are likely to do so regardless, engaging in performative outrage. It’s a cycle that repeats itself. Remember, these reactions are often superficial. Everyone has a role to play.
