Is Tel Aviv safe?
 

My son has been asked to attenda program in Tel Aviv for the month of July. I''m being told this area is safe for Americans. Any first hand advice?

My husband just returned on Sunday from a week in Tel Aviv. Although it was work-related and he stayed in a nice hotel, he felt perfectly safe in the city. They hired a guide and went to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea on the one day they had free.

Tel Aviv is as safe as any typical European or American city. There are the good, safe areas, and there are less "desirable" areas.

No problem, really. Youngsters are known to fall in love with Israel...

...And the girls there are exceptionally cute...

...So, be warned, he might not want to return home.

Tel Aviv is very safe. As a parent who raised children in Israeli and American cities I can definitely say that TA is much safer than any American city. Kids go by themselves anywhere. Just warn your son not to enter any slizzy night clubs or wander in deserted commercial areas at night. He is going to have a blast in July.

Crime-wise, Tel Aviv is probably safer than any city I ever been in with similiar size of habitants.

The north of the city is the high-end, residential, quiet area.
The center of the city is the 24/7 party zone of the youngsters - people there walk to and out of clubs 24/7 from their flats, so this place is safe as well.
The esplanade is safe as well up until Jaffa (don't go further south than where all the people and the cafes are).

It is better to stay away (especially at night) from Southern Tel Aviv (Hamasger street and south, La Guardia / Kibutz galuiot exits on the Ayalon 20 freeway), and especially Jaffa (Ocassional reports of car-jacking and robbings) and the old bus station in southern Tel Aviv, which has became swarmed with many illegal immigrants and has a lot of crime.

I was never been a victim of a crime in Tel Aviv. Having said that, I drove at night through all of the area above, and even walked through Jaffa and southern Tel Aviv at night a few times without any incident - I still suggest not doing so (especially to a tourist), but the point is although there are bad areas these are not "enter and get jacked automatically" zones - just avoid them for your peace of mind and safety, but don't get stressed if you accidently enter them - just find your way up the north.

Elad.

I talked to locals asking them which areas of Tel Aviv are not safe - a mother and her 28-year-old son. They thought hard trying to satisfy me with an answer. Finally they've agreed: I should not go to the old bus station at night alone (older single female).

If your son is on any program, he won't be alone. Israelis are very (over)friendly :))

Yes, in general, the SOUTH SIDE of Tel Aviv is the least favorable area. Even the new central bus station, which is not far from the old one, is not the nicest place.

But many bus routs from outside Tel Aviv are arriving at the North side terminal (near the train station, in Arlozorov), which is a safe area for anybody.

People all around the world say to me: "Israel? Are you crazy????" I have to remind them that when it's a beautiful, sunny day (like most days) and people are drinking beers on the beach, shopping at the malls or taking in a concert, that's not going to be on the news. :) Remember, the media gives a very narrow portrayal of every country in the world.

Tel Aviv is wonderful - I call it "New York light" - many of the same wonderful cultural and leisure venues, but much more laid back, better weather and beaches!!! Enjoy your time!