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03/17/2007 02:38:54 PM · #1 |
Hi all,
I'll be in Israel on business for about 4 days next week. I'll only have one free day, which I was planning to use to go see Jerusalem, the rest of the time I'll be in Tel Aviv. So, I have 2 questions:
1. Is it safe to have my camera there (pretty expensive D2x) or should I take one of my backups? (Please don't find this questions offensive in any way--I don't even take my D2x when I go home to Brazil--it's just not worth the risk) Like I said, I'd only be around Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, I doubt there's much theft or robberies, but I figured I should check with those who know.
2. Does anyone know of any tour group, or what the best way to get to and see Jerusalem is?
Thanks so much! |
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03/17/2007 04:14:01 PM · #2 |
I don't specifically know about those locations but I would just do as anywhere unfamiliar; pay attention to the area and what is happening around you and don't be flashy with all the gear.
Besides, there are probably more photg with expensive SLR's and TV cameras then most places :-)
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03/17/2007 04:39:02 PM · #3 |
Hold on....I need to go cancel my trip to Brazil....
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03/17/2007 09:22:15 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by Cutter:
Hold on....I need to go cancel my trip to Brazil.... |
Haha! Don't worry though, thieves in Brazil are known as some of the nicest in the world! You might even make a friend!
And thanks robs...I know that common sense and a little awareness are always a good thing.
Anyone else know from personal experience? Are these safe places for gear? |
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03/17/2007 09:59:29 PM · #5 |
I̢۪ve been in Israel twice with my old camera and couple of lenses and had no problem at all as far as safety concern.
About tour groups, you can check this site: Personal Tour Guide in Jerusalem, but there are many more you can find on the internet.
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03/17/2007 10:02:34 PM · #6 |
I was in Israel last November. Took my d70 along (admittedly, not as expensive as D2X). I'd say it depends very much where you are even within the city (I mean mostly Jerusalem here, Tel Aviv is pretty safe everywhere). In Jewish areas you are very safe (at least against bulglary), much more so than almost anywhere else in the world. In Arab areas you have to be extremely careful, and it's best not to venture there alone, but have somebody local to guide you (I mean a friend, or a colleague, or a guide hired at an agency, by all means ignore "helful local guides" on the street!). I was in the Old City and some parts of East Jerusalem with a friend, and we were fine. If you don't have anybody to accompany you, don't go to East Jerusalem, visit Old City only during the day, and when you go, don't deviate from touristic tracks. Oh, and also be careful on Saturday (Shabbat). In some ultra-orthodox Jewish areas of Jerusalem (mostly Mea Shoarim) you can be assaulted if you start taking pictures.
I think overall it is much safer than in Brazil (I was there, too). Just excersize common sense, and you'll be fine. It's a most interesting place to visit, and a photographer's paradise. |
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03/17/2007 10:09:18 PM · #7 |
I was only there once, more than 15 years ago, and I had no expensive camera (or other) gear with me at that time.
My impression is that you are not likely to run into strong-arm robbers in the streets, but that -- as in most places -- you probably don't want to leave your camera in your hotel room while you go out to dinner.
It's a fascinating place -- compared to places in the Western Hemisphere everything is very small. Jerusalem's Old City is a glimpse into the way civilization lived a couple of thousand years ago. You may not need a big fancy camera anyway, and I don't think I'd want to be changing lenses much (hot, dusty climate). Remembering conditions like that are one reason I opted for the Canon S3 instead of a dSLR.
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are about an hour apart by car. If you are staying in a hotel in Tel Aviv, I'd start by asking them if they have any kind of shuttle service to Jerusalem, or for a recommendation for either a bus tour or a reliable long-haul taxi (I think called sherut), which functions much like "Airporter" van services in the US (when I was there they were using a Mercedes station wagon).
Took this with a point-and-shoot film camera at the Sea of Galilee, northeast of Jersalem and past the city of Jericho -- probably not a place you can easily go to these days.
Do you ever plan to travel to any Muslim/Arab states? If so, there is (or used to be) a procedure when entering Israel where they stamp an auxiliary form instead of directly in your passport -- I believe there are still some countries which will not grant entry if your passport shows travel to Israel. |
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03/17/2007 10:19:20 PM · #8 |
Wow. Thanks so much guys, especially LevT--I'll be sure to keep all your advice in mind.
I don't plan to be changing lenses much--I only intend to bring my 18-200mm for easy mobility and less hassle. It seems that the general consensus is that my camera will likely survive with a little common sense. Thanks a lot guys for your input. Greatly appreciated! |
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03/18/2007 12:54:06 AM · #9 |
Hi
As someone who lives in Jerusalem (well just a little outside) I can tell you that on crime rate Israel is one of the safe places in the world. It is true thou whats been written here about the Arab parts as they have no real government or police or even laws it is rather risky (I would be worried more for my own skin then for the camera). However if you don't intend to visit any of the Palestinian authority parts of the west bank you should be OK. Jerusalem is governed (and policed) by Israel and the Arab parts of Jerusalem are probably even more safe then the Jewish ones because of the security forces which are everywhere (You will see an israeli solder almost every 50 meters in the Arab parts like the old city of Jerusalem)
There is a top Deck bus toure around Jerusalem every few hours, and if you enter the old city in Jerusalem through jaffa gate you will find a lot of Arabs offering privet tours with explanations, (Don't forget to barter about the price if you decide to take one of those guides)
have a nice time |
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