Dear Friends,
With some of the recent events over this past weekend around the Gaza strip, in Israel, we felt it would be helpful to share with you the following brief update.
We have many groups in Israel this week, we have been in contact with these groups and their tour leaders and they have shared with us that they are safe, not in harm’s way and actually have not felt unsafe at any time.
This is not to make light of the situation but to share with another aspect of what’s actually happening with our groups that are in Israel now and who have been there for a few days and had first-hand experience in Israel.
First and foremost, we would like to reiterate that our clients’ safety is our TOP obligation and priority.
In addition, while the scenes and information reported in the news, from the southern part of Israel around Gaza, are worrying (sometimes exaggerated by the media), life in the other parts of Israel are normal without any interference, including the areas included in your programs. In Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, The North (Galilee area), The Dead Sea, Eilat (southern-most tip of Israel) everything is as usual.
Furthermore, we are keeping direct contact with the security authorities and there are no special instructions or alerts for touring Israel. Should anything change, we will update you immediately and will make the necessary modifications to any of the trip program, guaranteeing safe travel.
We are on top of it 24/7.
Right now there are literally hundreds of thousands of tourists touring Israel, enjoying this exceptional land and people. We are of course contacting them frequently and we hear that they are having an amazing time and feel completely safe. All of the sites and attractions are open, with Israelis and tourists enjoying also the beaches, the leisure and cultural options. We are positive that you can keep enjoying Israel as well.
We would like to reiterate that our clients’ safety is our TOP obligation and priority and will take this opportunity to thank you again for your continuing support and bond with Israel.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions or concerns. We will share more updates in the future as needed. In the meantime, business continues as usual and we will avoid all areas near the Gaza strip area. We will continue to be in contact with our Israel partners as well as the US State Department and will do everything we can to assure the safety of our travelers, as they travel throughout Israel. This happens to be an extremely busy time of tourism in Israel, and the Israel Government is doing everything they can within their control to ensure peace and safety throughout the country.
Best regards,
Rick Ricart
President, imagine Tours & Travel