Is Jerusalem safe to visit now?
 

We are interested in doing a one day trip to Jerusalem from Sharm El Sheik, however, I have read a number of travel advisories that advise that tourists must be viligent and aware of their surroundings in Jerusalem (especially in the old city) as there are ongoing reports by local authorities that there are still terrorist plots against Jerusalem.
I would appreciate any guidance or thoughts on this by people who have recently visited or who are planning to visit.

I had a lot of the same fears before I visited Israel. Several times I planned trips to Israel and cancelled for some reason or another. Then about this time last year I made up my mind to just go and I went in February 2007. Once I got there, I discovered these fears were completely unfounded and that trip was like a dream. I even went to Bethlehem (in the Palestinian West Bank) and I never once felt unsafe there.

You've heard there are terrorist plots against Jerusalem. Well guess what--there are terrorist plots against just about every city in the Western world, especially cities in the US and the UK. Nothing ever happened in Jerusalem that even compares with 9/11, so don't be fooled into thinking you are safer in any other city.

Please ignore all of the crap you've heard on the news. The media only wants a good story, and they don't report on the people who live happily and peacefully in Jerusalem. My only regret for you is that you are doing this as a day trip. I was in Jerusalem for 3 days and I wished I could stay longer.

Just GO, life is too short to miss a city like Jerusalem.

We go to Jerusalem several times a year, my husband just came back this week, and we never felt unsafe. Within the Old City, you will notice very visible police/security presence. You will also see many pedestrians and people at open-air cafes.

We rarely venture to East Jerusalem but didn't feel unsafe on limited occasions we were there. Of course you use common sense and don't walk around Old City in the middle of the night by yourself.

Not sure if this was an urban myth or not, but I do recall hearing that Israelis felt Jerusalem was safer because of its sacred sites to many religions during the Gulf War in 1991...

Terror attacks are unpredictable ANYWHERE in the world, these days.... Be it London, Madrid, New York or Jerusalem... But the atmosphere in Jerusalem is very calm and inviting. I've been there just last week...

Don't think about it, just go and enjoy.

One day only?
By the time you arrive, it's not sufficient to even get your bearings and have to be leaving.

As P_M says, even 3/days isn't sufficient.

Jerusalem isn't any more dangerous than anywhere else. In fact, it's probably safer.

We just got back last week from visiting Israel, Egypt, and Jordan. Most of our time was spent in the Jerusalem area. We did not feel unsafe anywhere we went. We walked throughout the Old City, and that felt quite safe too (although someone tried to pick my pocket in the Armenian Quarter!). Most restaurants in Jerusalem now have security guards who will check the contents of your bags, and may run a metal detector over you. If you venture into East Jersusalem, you may encounter checkpoints and the Security Wall.

If you are concerned about safety, I would avoid East Jerusalem and would not take public buses.

Is NYC or LA any safer ?

Jerusalem is safe! But I dunno what you'll do just one day there.. You can still check here.. w[www.foxtrip.net/jerusalem]

Just find somebody who has connections to terrorists and ask them to provide the details of the plots. Then pick a safe date.

:-p

I'm actually here today! Jerusalem is great and safe. Of course, just sue common sense and you will be ok. I've noticed many security officials and don't feel worried at all. I traveled to East Jerusalem yesterday/last night, it was OK. I was a bit nervous, but all went well. Enjoy your trip today!!