Israel inspires passion. Whether it be another round in peace talks, controversies over Jewish settlements on the West Bank or the flaring of the Palestinian intifada, emotions often run high in this country. Such tensions should not be a reason to avoid travel to Israel, a touchstone of three cultures where Biblical history is still being played out.
Israel is the ”Promised Land” of Jews, the ”Holy Land” of Christians, the ”Palestine” of Palestinians, the place where the Muslim prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven. So many forces are at work here, forces tempered by the heat of religious fervor, that it is a wonder the place functions at all. But it does, and admirably.
Travel around the country is relatively easy. The nationwide bus sytem is well-developed and the roads are good. Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced in the major cities, and because the country is small the distances between major points of interest are short.
Jerusalem is an extraordinary place and likely will be the focus of most travelers` experiences in Israel. At one time considered the center of the universe and still holy to three of the world`s major religions, Jerusalem has been fought over for 4,000 years. The influences of Judaism, Islam and Christianity are so intertwined that it`s impossible to separate them completely.
There are tensions in the Old City, and travelers should be alert to potential problems. Animosities occasionally erupt in violence, but usually such violence is isolated, and it poses little danger to visitors. The vast majority of travelers visit here without incident, but remaining aware of your surroundings at all times is prudent.
A visit to the Palestinian regions of the West Bank and Gaza Strip is instructive for rounding out your perspective of Israel, but trouble often occurs in these areas. Unrest is likely, and travel to the West Bank and Gaza should be deferred.
Worldwide updates
Algeria: Unrest continues in this troubled north African country, where the government banned an Islamic fundamentalist party when it was on the verge of winning national elections in January 1992. Police battled militants in Algiers Dec. 15, and an overnight curfew was imposed. Exercise caution.
Commonwealth of Independent States: Vladivostok airport closed down completely Dec. 15 because it ran out of aviation fuel. Falling oil production has cut fuel supplies to airports all across the former Soviet Union, and shortages have forced Ukraine to stop all flights within the commonwealth since Nov. 23. Expect transportation difficulties throughout the region.
Corsica: An anti-French bombing occurred Dec. 14, this time in Conca, southern Corsica. Police fear the attacks by Corsican nationalists could become more violent because Independenza, an extremist wing of the Corsican Liberation Front, has threatened to target people as well as property if non- Corsicans do not leave the island.
Czechoslovakia: As of Jan. 1, 1993, this country will cease to exist, peacefully dividing into two countries, the Czech and Slovak Republics.
El Salvador: Many of the requirements of last year`s peace accords between the government and rebel forces have been met, and the final peace agreement was signed Dec. 15. Travel is now permitted throughout the country. Crime is high throughout the country, including in the capital of San Salvador, the beach areas and the road from the capital to the international airport. Road travel outside the major metropolitan areas after dark is not advised because of crime and hazardous road conditions.
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Egypt: The government claims that security operations have crushed Muslim militants responsible for recent attacks on tourists, but the Islamic group vowed to attack tourists and foreign embassies if the government doesn`t stop its crackdown on fundamentalists in the Imbaba area of Cairo.
Grenada: The Seamen and Waterfront Workers Union has threatened to go on strike Jan. 1 and shut down St. George`s port if its demands are not met. The dispute centers on the union`s claim that the Grenada Port Authority is trying to break the union. Tourism officials fear such a strike would be a disaster for the tourism industry.
Hong Kong: Starting in 1993, a likeness of the bauhinia flower will replace the image of Queen Elizabeth II on Hong Kong coins. The flower already has been chosen to adorn the territory`s post-1997 flag.
India: The Dec. 6 razing of a mosque by Hindu fanatics in the northern city of Ayodhya plunged India into perhaps its most severe crisis since partition in 1947. After the incident, riots spread across the country and over the borders into neighboring Pakistan and Bangladesh. More than 1,000 people died in the week of violence that saw curfews imposed in 135 of India`s cities, including Bombay, Calcutta and Delhi. It appeared that the government of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao would fall, but he survived a vote of confidence. Calm has returned, but tensions are simmering beneath the surface. Travelers to India should exercise caution and avoid all demonstrations, which can become violent.
Indonesia: A powerful earthquake devastated the island of Flores in eastern Indonesia and sent huge tidal waves onto the nearby island of Babi Dec. 12. More than 2,000 people died and not a single building was left on Babi Island. Travel to these islands should be deferred until they recover.
Kenya: The first multiparty election in 26 years is scheduled for Tuesday, and the campaign has been marred by violence and claims that opposition candidates have been prevented from registering. Violence has erupted in Eldoret in what appears to be an attempt to intimidate opposition supporters, and in the Rift Valley where police have orders to ”shoot to kill” anyone fomenting violence. Exercise caution and avoid demonstrations.
Liberia: Civil war continues here. Avoid all travel.
Mexico: Pollution season is on again in Mexico City, the world`s most polluted city. Government officials are cracking down on car owners and factories for excessive emissions, but a solution to the problem may be impossible to find.
Singapore: The luxurious Orient Express train, which was scheduled to make its first run between Singapore and Bangkok last November, has been delayed until June.
United Kingdom: Two IRA bombs exploded in London Dec. 16, shutting down the popular Oxford Street shopping center and prompting peace feelers from the British, but IRA hardliners threatened to step up their bombing campaign in an attempt to win more concessions.
Zaire: Spontaneous demonstrations erupted in Kinshasa Dec. 18, blocking streets all over the capital and causing police to fire on crowds. Passengers arriving at the international airport were held there until military convoys were organized to drive them into the city. Avoid all travel here.
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Because conditions can change overnight, always make your own inquiries before you leave home. In the U.S., contact a Passport Agency office; abroad, check in with the nearest American embassy or consulate.