What tourists can not do in Israel. First time in Israel

Israel is a country that attracts foreigners with its hospitality traditions, Mediterranean climate, an endless variety of attractions: historical, archaeological and religious monuments. And the tourist infrastructure - health resorts, luxurious beaches and nature reserves, comfortable hotels, shopping centers and exotic bazaars of noisy cities, numerous religious temples - meets the most stringent requirements.

A trip to Israel is a wonderful choice for a family vacation. Resorts on the shores of the Mediterranean, Red and Dead Seas, numerous attractions for children, a rich program of excursions, medical tourism attract thousands of foreigners every year. And the Russians are also tempted by the current visa-free entry to the State of Israel, and the absence of a language barrier - after all, about a quarter of the country's inhabitants speak Russian.

The uniqueness of this state, national identity, richness of culture and religious traditions of the society encourage tourists to familiarize themselves with the rules of conduct on its territory in advance. Both travelers who use the services of tour operators and those who prefer to plan trips on their own should know how to behave in Israel.

A trip to this country will leave pleasant memories for tourists only if they treat with understanding and respect the laws and regulations adopted on its territory that ensure the safety of Israelis and foreign guests. From foreigners arriving in Israel, already at the airport, they are required to follow the instructions of security officers.

1. Always carry a document with you to confirm your identity, be polite with representatives of state power structures, do not be indignant and, in particular, do not resist the actions of law enforcement officers. To do this, before traveling to Israel, it is advisable to make a photocopy of the passport and other documents, such as a driver's license.
2. He is sympathetic to the inspection of personal belongings in places where a large number of people are present. Know that metal detectors are installed at the entrances to banking institutions, shopping centers, some restaurants and other crowded places, and security personnel are allowed to check hand luggage - bags, backpacks, briefcases, etc. for suspicious items.
3. It should be remembered that an Israeli police officer may require any person to introduce himself, give the address of residence, and present an identity document. A police officer has the right to detain a foreigner and deliver him to a nearby station on the basis of only suspicion of criminal acts or intent to commit them. In doing so, he must present his official ID.
4. It is important to know that the detention of a foreign tourist by law enforcement officers for more than 20 minutes is regarded as an arrest. In this case, he gets the right to file a lawsuit against the police demanding compensation for non-pecuniary damage. To avoid such situations in the police station, an official act is drawn up explaining the reason for the detention.
5. Do not leave personal luggage unattended. Things that the police define as ownerless: suitcases, packages, bags - as a rule, are immediately destroyed.
6. It is not allowed to photograph government institutions, military and special objects (some monuments, power plants, sea and airports, police stations). Filming of local residents is possible only with their consent.
7. In Israel, a tense political situation is maintained, so foreigners are not recommended to visit some cities and regions of the country. Dangerous places, such as the Gaza Strip, territories bordering Lebanon, the Arab quarter in Jerusalem and some others are deliberately not included in tourist routes. And for tourists who want to visit the sights of Palestine, for example, in Bethlehem or Hebron, in the interests of safety and to speed up the passage of control at the checkpoint, it is advisable to take a group tour.
8. In case of loss of important documents, as well as in case of emergency, Russian citizens staying in the State of Israel should immediately contact the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy in Tel Aviv.

The norms of behavior in different countries are often not similar, and sometimes even contradictory. The customs and traditions followed by Russians are different from those followed by Israelis. Therefore, in order to avoid conflicts and embarrassing situations when communicating with the local population, the main rule is observed on how to behave as a Russian tourist in Israel: - be aware of yourself as just a guest in this country, respect the national culture and lifestyle of its owners.

For tourists, there are rules for visiting holy places or other religious monuments. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with them in advance. The necessary information is easily found on the Internet or obtained from a tour operator's guide.

For example, the requirements for clothing must be followed. The length of women's skirts or dresses is only much below the knee, and the blouse or upper part of the dress completely covers the shoulders and arms. Men should also dress appropriately for the occasion. Of course, shorts, T-shirts and other similar clothing are excluded. More often women, but sometimes men need to wear a hat.

In the resort areas, vacationers dress more freely, but it is still better to go out into the city in modest clothes.

Representatives of many nationalities and religions live in Israel, with different rules of behavior in public places, with conflicting views on life in their own country, on the traditional customs and rituals of the Jewish people. Tourists are not advised to discuss such topics with Israelis, to be arrogant, to speak irreverently about citizens and leaders of the state.

In communication with unfamiliar people, they talk about business, health and weather, but do not complain about failures, do not discuss personal, political or social problems.

Planning a trip to Israel should take into account the fact that from Friday evening to Saturday evening in the country is an official holiday. So for many centuries, the Israelis have been celebrating a religious holiday - Shabbat. At this time, most government agencies, shopping centers and just shops, catering establishments - cafes and restaurants, cultural institutions - theaters and museums, etc. do not work. Public transport workers also have a day off, and traveling by taxi on this day is expensive.

In big cities, only duty pharmacies, some restaurants and a small number of kiosks are open on Saturdays. Therefore, it is better for a tourist during Shabbat not to plan long-distance trips, but to stay in one and, preferably, a large city.

On this holiday, foreigners should not visit those quarters of Israeli cities where religious Jews live.

It is better to choose the time for a trip to Israel so that other Jewish holidays, the dates of which are shifted annually, do not fall during the stay. After all, this is a weekend with all the ensuing consequences for tourists.

Most restaurants and cafes in Israel are kosher. They can not order pork or seafood. Such establishments are further subdivided into those where only dairy or only meat dishes are served.

The nutritional requirements of the Jews are not simple, it is difficult for an unprepared tourist to understand them. Therefore, in a kosher restaurant or cafe, one should not demand the preparation of dishes familiar to oneself, risking misunderstanding and hostility of the attendants. It’s easier to look for non-kosher establishments, which are many in every city.

Information that is useful for tourists in Israel

Being guided by the laws in force on the territory of the state, having a clear idea of ​​​​how to behave on vacation in Israel, Russian tourists will insure themselves against many troubles, and a trip to this country will be remembered for exceptionally pleasant moments.

1. The best time for recovery in Israeli resorts is from April to November. When relaxing on the beaches of the Dead Sea, you should be careful about swimming. The duration of the procedure does not exceed 20 minutes. After it, they take a shower, thoroughly washing the salt with fresh water.

2. On the beaches, to inform vacationers about the state of the sea, local lifeguards use multi-colored flags:

• white notifies that you can safely swim;
• red requires to be careful on the water, warns of waves;
• black flag - no swimming.

3. The time for a trip to Israel is chosen taking into account that:

• April, May, September and October are recommended for sea holidays;
• You can visit Christian shrines at any time, but it is better not to do this during the rainy season from December to early March.

4. Resting in Israel, you must follow hygiene rules and precautions when choosing food:

• do not use tap water and food ice, freshly squeezed juices and salads, unpeeled and unwashed fruits, ice cream, and confectionery in dubious places and catering establishments;
• in case of illness, one should immediately apply for medical assistance provided for by the insurance policy;
• medical services for tourists are also provided by the Magen David Adom service. Reception is available around the clock.

5. It is advisable for tourists to carry a first aid kit and the medications they take with them. Vacationers in the summer will need sun hats and glasses, as well as appropriate cosmetic products for the skin.

6. In Israel, it is supposed to tip in the amount of:

• $ 1 - hotel staff and drivers of sightseeing transport, $ 2 - guides;
• 10% of the bill - to the waiters.

7. To avoid conflict situations, foreigners should know that:

• you should not appear drunk or drink alcoholic beverages on city streets and in crowded places;
• in Israel, smoking is allowed only in designated places, and on Shabbat it is forbidden to do so even on the streets;
• it is not safe to visit the controlled territories and the Arab quarters, especially at night.

Russians who have fallen in love with Israel and often visit this country assure that the level of security there is the highest. And the Israelis understand that thanks to tourism, significant investments are pouring into the country's economy, and therefore they are always ready to help a foreigner out of a difficult situation.

- Hello, Rav! Soon I will go to your wonderful country. I will be in Jerusalem, where, as you know, many religious Jews live, and I will have to use public transport often. My question is this: is it customary among believing Jews for a girl to give way to an older man? I know that your men do not sit next to women, so as not to be defiled. Is it possible for a man to sit down immediately after a woman, is this not bad for him? Or will this behavior of the girl be regarded as obscene? Without knowing all this, I do not want to seem ill-mannered. Don't misunderstand me: I heard, I was told that men and women are separated from each other in your country, and I do not want to inadvertently violate the religious precepts of your people. To treat with respect the people among whom I will have to live for some time is the principle by which I live. I apologize for some ornate presentation of the text and thank you in advance for the answer.

Olga, Russia

- It's nice to read your letter. To show respect to the people in whose midst a person is going to be for some time is a worthy life principle. And you, having decided to consult, to find out how best to behave in Israel in certain situations, acted absolutely correctly.
Of course, you are not required to copy the behavioral principles of the Israelis. But it is very important that you do not embarrass the people you will encounter, do not hurt their feelings and do not provoke negative reactions.
In religious Jewish circles, it is really not customary for a woman to sit next to a man in public transport (bus, train or tram). Only husband and wife, father and daughter, or mother and son can sit next to each other.
And in this case we are not talking about defilement - in our tradition there is no such concept - but only about the rules of modesty. Therefore, a man does not have the slightest contraindications to sit in transport in the same place where a woman has just sat. At the same time, a girl or a young woman can give way to an elderly man only if the place next to her is free (knowing that he will not sit next to the woman). If a woman is sitting next to you, you should only give way to an elderly or pregnant woman.
Cities in Israel are different, with different composition of the population and, accordingly, different principles of behavior in public places. And even within the same city, for example in Jerusalem, individual areas may differ from each other in this sense. Therefore, if you see that men and women are sitting in a bus or tram, you, a guest in our country, will not be mistaken if you act in accordance with the rules described above.
However, in Jerusalem and in some other Israeli cities you can find yourself in a bus, the interior of which seems to be divided into two parts. In the one closer to the driver, only men sit, and women sit at the back. Look around and find yourself a free place among women.
I will also give unsolicited advice, also related to the rules of modesty established by our tradition. In order not to feel uncomfortable in any Israeli environment, take only modest clothes with you on your trip. Skirts or dresses (not trousers) are meant about 10 cm below the knee (more possible), as well as blouses (and the top of the dress) with a small neckline (not a neckline) and sleeves, 10 centimeters covering the elbow.
And further. Not even advice, but rather a request. In Israel, apparently, you will have to communicate with different people. With Russian speakers and not only. Including those who have a negative attitude towards their own country, the customs of the Jewish people and our traditions. Try not to engage in conversations with such a bias. In such cases, it is better to remain silent. And if it is appropriate and possible - reduce the intensity of passions or transfer the conversation to another, neutral topic.
And in any situation, wherever in Israel you find yourself, do not follow bad examples that are contrary to Jewish tradition. Be yourself, while demonstrating respect for the standard rules of the Jewish way of life.
Evrey.com

In recent years, restaurants in Israel have undergone significant changes. If earlier local establishments could not offer anything outstanding, especially to foreign guests who were fed up with culinary delights, today in Israel you can find many world-class restaurants. The quality of the dishes and their variety are pleasantly surprising: now you can try almost any cuisine of the world here. The quality of service has also changed for the better. However, despite all the positive changes, one should not forget about the specifics of Israeli restaurants.

Many restaurants in Israel offer a kosher menu, i.e. such dishes that correspond to Jewish religious canons. In short, they boil down to the fact that dishes should not contain pork, seafood, and combinations of meat and dairy products. Therefore, be prepared for some types of restrictions in kosher restaurants: you should not make orders in such places that violate the principles of kosher food, for example, require sour cream or cheese sauce for a meat dish, even if this is indicated in the original recipe.

In some establishments, especially restaurants with local cuisine, visitors are offered free additions to the order - a bread basket, sauces, light snacks, pickled vegetables, etc. All this is brought to the client at the very beginning, while the main course is being prepared. But keep in mind that in tourist areas, a separate fee is charged for such supplements, and they are put on the table by default, without warning the client that they will have to pay for them. The best way to avoid unpleasant surprises is to clarify this issue with the waiter in advance.

It is also worth asking the waiter in advance to show the approximate size of portions. The fact is that many Israeli dishes are very satisfying, and at the same time they are served in a rather large volume. For example, a good portion of hummus or vegetables may come with the main course, so that in the end it can be enough for two. If you came to a restaurant with a large group, then it may be more profitable to order 2-3 dishes for everyone than one for each.

Typically, in Israeli restaurants, tips are not included in the bill, and it is assumed that the client is obliged to leave a tip, unless he has serious legitimate complaints about the quality of service. If, in general, everything went well, and the client did not leave a tip, the waiter has the right to detain him and ask about the reason. In general, the tip varies between 10-15%, in most cases 12% will be enough, if the service was beyond praise - then 15%. You can pay tips either in cash or by credit card. The waiters themselves still prefer cash, even if the main bill was paid by card, as they do not always receive their share from card payments.

Restaurants in major cities of Israel are not much different from establishments in other cities of the world. For a pleasant restaurant experience, follow these simple rules: be polite to the staff, study the menu carefully, and don't hesitate to check the bill.

Israel is a free country. You will be convinced of this after you pass through the airport and find yourself in crazy Tel Aviv, where homosexual couples and freaks of all stripes freely roam the streets ...

Freedom is felt in other cities. But in the Holy Land, there are taboos that are better not to break.

Walking in "indecent" clothes in religious quarters

At the entrance to the religious quarters of Israeli cities there are warning signs: "It is forbidden to enter with an organized tourist group and in indecent clothes." Ultra-Orthodox Jews are extremely negative about T-shirts, shorts, short skirts and necklines. For tourists who want to see with their own eyes the focus of Israeli flavor and feel the atmosphere of the pre-war European ghetto, there is a dress code.

Men must be in long trousers, a shirt and closed shoes, always with a covered head. Women need to cover their knees and elbows. Pants and, especially, jeans will not work: in the religious quarter you can only wear a wide skirt that covers your knees, a loose shirt or a long-sleeved jacket. Clothing should not emphasize the figure. An unmarried woman is supposed to walk with her head uncovered, but long hair must be tied up in a bun. If a woman is married, a headscarf must be worn on her head.

In tourist areas and secular cities, you can dress as you like, but throughout the country, both men and women are forbidden to drive a car with a bare torso.

Provocative behavior in the religious quarter

If you find yourself in the authentic Jerusalem quarter of Mea Shearim, do not provoke the Orthodox with behavior that is unacceptable to them. If you decide to walk around the religious quarter as a couple, it is better not to show romantic manifestations and passion. Do not hold hands, hug and kiss.

You can not point the finger at the locals, speak in a mocking and condemning tone, laugh at them, look at them as something outlandish. There are even posters in religious quarters that say, “This is not a zoo!”

On Shabbat, you can’t drive into Orthodox neighborhoods by car: they can throw stones at you. According to the laws of the Torah, it is forbidden to light and extinguish fire on the Sabbath, namely, such processes occur in an internal combustion engine.

There is no official ban on photography and video filming, but the Orthodox do not like to be photographed, they look at the photographer with a withering look or turn away from the camera. After sunset on Friday and before sunset on Saturday, Orthodox Jews - men in black frock coats and hats and women in dark, closed clothes - cannot be photographed. On Shabbat, the Orthodox cannot participate in creative processes.

Disrespect the Yom Kippur Fast

On the Day of Atonement, life in Israel comes to a standstill: all Jews do not work, do not drive, do not eat or drink. If you find yourself in the country on Yom Kippur (September 19, 2018), don't be indignant at closed restaurants and lack of transport.

It is better not to plan trips on this day, buy food the day before or find an Arabic restaurant.

Photograph strategic military installations

If you photograph a military facility in Israel, certain areas of the airport and its employees, a power plant or port facilities, be prepared for the fact that a person will come up to you and ask you to remove the photos from your camera or phone.

Also, people with cameras are not allowed into some shopping centers, but the ban on shooting in shopping centers is considered illegal by the Israelis themselves.

Be cruel to children

In Israel, children are equated with a national treasure. Orthodox families can have 10-15 children, and this is considered normal. It is forbidden to use both physical and psychological violence against children.

If a child behaves inappropriately, adults must tolerate it. When they see that you are punishing your child, the Israelis may reprimand you in a rude manner.

Talking to Israelis on Forbidden Topics

Most of the people of Israel are friendly, cheerful and easy-going people, but there are topics that it is better not to touch on in a conversation with them.

1. "There are good people among the Arabs." Even if you have a wonderful friend from Iran or Syria, it does not mean at all that he is kind to the Israelis in the same way as to you: genetic memory and influence of the media affect.
2. Business conversations on Shabbat. If your interlocutor is a religious Jew, you cannot talk to him on business topics on Saturday, including discussing what should be done after the end of Shabbat.
3. Anti-Semitism. There is no need to talk to the Israelis about the fact that they are allegedly hated by the whole world. Firstly, this is not true: Jews are not liked only in religious Muslim countries. And secondly, after such statements, you run the risk of being in the police station.

Show aggression or sarcasm towards security personnel

Security personnel may well have a good sense of humor, but they are not allowed to display it at work. Therefore, you should not be ironic, as well as indignant and rude if you are asked to present a bag and other personal belongings for inspection, they ask about the presence of drugs, weapons, explosives.

Jokes about H-bombs and ISIS will be seen as disrespectful and inappropriate behavior. All pranksters are required to be taken to the police station for additional checks and interrogation, and in the worst case, they are deported from Israel.

Dating and flirting with Israeli girls

Under Israeli law, any woman has the right to report rape or assault to the police. The man is arrested immediately, and released only if he manages to prove his own innocence.

Pretty Israeli women are in demand among tourists, and if the signs of attention seem too intrusive to the girls, they can contact the police. If you like an Israeli woman too much, start the conversation politely, delicately, without rude advances. But you should not approach girls in dark maxi skirts and long-sleeved sweaters: religion forbids kosher Jews to have premarital relationships and marry both non-Jews and Jews who lead a secular lifestyle.

Viewing pornographic photos and films in a hotel and public places

At the end of 2016, the Israeli authorities passed a law banning pornography. All providers have blocked resources with pornographic materials. To gain access to them, users must write an official letter to the provider. The ban also applies to visitors to the country.

Swimming in the Mediterranean in summer

If you go swimming during the summer months, no one will arrest you or even fine you. This is dangerous for you: from June to August, a lot of jellyfish swim up to the Israeli Mediterranean coast. Their poison leaves severe burns, and tourists have to seek medical help.

Refuse food

The cult of delicious food reigns in Israel, and Israelis love to treat both each other and guests. If you are invited to a Jewish home, be prepared to have a festive table set for you and require you to try all the dishes.

Do not upset the hosts - come to visit with a completely empty stomach! After all, it is in a Jewish home that you can feel the atmosphere of the country.

Housing

Israel is one of the most expensive countries in the world and a night in a decent hotel will cost more than $300.

In order not to go broke, pay attention to guesthouses, hostels and apartments. Many of them are cozy and comfortable, in addition, they are located close to the old city centers or the sea, which is convenient for wanderers.

Most importantly, before you pay for a room, make sure that you are basically satisfied with everything. So for 80-100 dollars a day you can rent a decent place, sometimes even with a small kitchen. At the same time, you should not expect a lot from him and find fault with shortcomings, because in the hotel you will only sleep and take a shower, and behind its walls there is a new magical world.

There is always a need in Israel, everywhere and a lot. The Israelis have a cult of food, an amazing taste for foods and combinations, and a talent for cooking.

Try everything. If funds allow, go to a restaurant, dinner in it will cost 200-400 dollars for two with a bottle of wine. A cafe in the middle price segment is $100-150 for two, street food in a diner is up to $30, and picking up a bag of burekas (puff pastry with various fillings) in a bakery and eating them with your hands, drinking hot coffee with cardamom is about $10.

For those who want to save money (Jews rarely say "save", instead - "save" or even "earn"), go to the bazaars.

The colorful fragrant stalls are rich in a variety of good quality products. Even those who do not know how to cook will want to cook something tasty from them. And in supermarkets you will find jars of hummus, tahina, labane and other spreads, pates, sauces, pita in a bag and delicious bread. This will make a good Israeli breakfast at the hotel.

Money

In Israel, you can absolutely not hesitate to say "it's expensive." And you don't have to come up with excuses for your frugality. Sometimes the sellers themselves in the store can say “oh, this is expensive!” and recommend another product.

It is better to come to Israel with dollars, but to change them for shekels, of course, not at the airport or at the hotel, but at city exchange offices.

Bank cards, unlike many tourist countries, are accepted almost everywhere, even in small eateries and shops, so you can safely store part of the amount on the card.

Safety

In Israel, I felt completely safe, even at night, even next to "doubtful" drunk people. All because there are young people in uniform with machine guns nearby, who can shoot to kill in case of any incomprehensible situation.

However, there are rules that are better to follow. You can not leave bags on the street, this is prohibited and there may be a fine for this. There may be a bomb in a bag without an owner, so the police are immediately called here, who will cordon off the territory, and the sapper will check for safety.

You can’t joke about security during checks at train stations, in supermarkets (yes, they also check visitors at the entrance), at the airport. The wits face problems, at least interrogation. It is better not to get into the closed Muslim quarters. Their borders are patrolled by the Israeli army, but in the heart of such neighborhoods, non-Muslims can get in trouble.

Language

In Israel, most speak English, and many speak Russian. But learning a few expressions in Hebrew is also useful. First, it pleases the Jews. Secondly, in rare cases, you can pass for a local. I have mastered only a couple of expressions. "Kama ze ole?" - how much does it cost?". Moreover, I didn’t make out the numbers in response, silently, with a businesslike look, held out a card and added “toda!” - "Thank you!".

Transport

Public transport is very well developed in Israel. It is convenient and inexpensive to travel around the country by bus and train. They are clean, comfortable, have air conditioning and wi-fi, go often and regularly. Cashiers at bus and railway stations speak English and Russian, and people at stops will always tell you which bus to take to get to the desired point. But a taxi here is very expensive, a trip around the city will cost from 10 to 50 dollars, and to a neighboring city (despite the fact that the distances are short) - all 100 and 200 dollars. Domestic flights are cheaper.

Directness

Israelis do not like to play up and usually say what they need directly. To an unaccustomed tourist, this may seem rude, but this is just a feature of the mentality, if you think about it, it’s pleasant, because you don’t need to look for the true meaning in the web of subtle phrases.

In Israel, they often laugh out loud and talk loudly emotionally, at first it scares a little, it seems that people swear. But that's okay, you get used to it.

Children

There are two cults in Israel - food and children. Children are little gods here. They can do everything and more, it is customary to take care of them throughout the country. "There are no other people's children" - this is about Israel. Therefore, if you are traveling with children, be prepared for the fact that you can be given advice and touched by your child. If eating without children, be prepared for noisy, out-of-control creatures.

Shabbat

The only public holiday in Israel starts on Friday after sunset and continues until sunset on Saturday. On Shabbat, Jews are not allowed to do anything, neither cook nor tie shoelaces. You need to rest and enjoy the world, pray.

Israel takes this very seriously. Public transport does not run on Shabbat, government offices and many public places do not work. In Jerusalem, this is felt most strongly, in secular Tel Aviv or relaxing Eilat - it's easier, there Shabbat is a time for parties and entertainment.

However, when planning your trip, consider Holy Saturday and at least do not plan to travel between cities, visit museums and markets on this day. In Jerusalem, it can be safely held in the old city in the Muslim, Christian or Armenian quarter (Jewish will be closed), in Tel Aviv or Eilat - on the beach.

Climate

In summer, the temperature rises to +50, hot and stuffy. Drink as much water as possible to avoid fainting. In winter it drops to + 5, sometimes it snows. The swimming season in Eilat begins in mid-April (they swim in March, but still the sea is still cold, not comfortable, there are jellyfish and there are not so many colorful fish in coral reefs that make diving and snorkeling fascinating, so it makes no sense to go before mid-April ). And on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea - in May.