I just got back home from my first trip to Israel; here are some tips.
Mispacha,
What a journey. My first trip to Israel was epic; stirring, life-changing, affirming, and challenging. And that was before the war with Iran.
I’ll expand later on my magical journey with the Jewish Federation and the Pride Mission we did. (As always: Follow @doingjewish for more)
I’ve been home not even 24 hours, and my mind—and soul—are still in Israel. As I write, tens of thousands of people are trying to get INTO Israel—either to return home, or to fight.
This is for those attempting the opposite, the de-Exodus I just did.
Guidance on Getting Out of Egypt Israel
Update: Please note the below is intended for American and other passport holders, not for Israelis.
- 🇺🇸 Above: Contact the US Embassy and State Department for assistance leaving Israel.
- 🧳 If on an organized trip or mission, you should be OK. Birthright is helping its participants get where they need to go.
- 🇪🇬 Back Into Egypt: At Cairo airport, I met many Jews who had left Israel in different ways. Some drove all the way to Cairo; some drove to the south and connected there. Some tips above.
- 🇯🇴🚐✈️ Amman, Jordan: Buses are available for private hire, or contact the Embassy. When we left, there were only two flights out of Amman that night, and we were very uncertain if we’d make it out. Luckily, Iran is running out of steam in their genocidal quest.
- 🛫 There are now direct flights from Amman to other destinations, allowing you to try that route, which I couldn’t do, hence the stop in Egypt.
- ✡️🏳️🌈 Safety: I was with some other queer Jews, with security and a very experienced guide. The guidance was not to show visible Jewishness or Queerness. Wild, but for the best.
- ⛴️🇨🇾 Ferry to Cyprus: I have friends who are taking this option, starting this weekend, as of this writing. This option is very slow—something like 30 hours to the island.
Please be safe, and keep us updated.
Highlights from my Trip
A very small look at my trip; Playing piano in Jerusalem for #alonohel; Jerusalem pride, touring the devastation, and more
