Is it Dangerous to Visit Israel today?
As soon as we arrived back in the USA from Israel this week, a friend sent me an email from the US State Department warning US Citizens about the 'complex security environment in Israel' and his blessings for a safe return. I've been asked quite a few times recently about my thoughts on travelling to Israel during uncertain times.
It's true that Israel is surrounded by bad neighborhoods: Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, West Bank aren't exactly the safest places on earth. 
But Israel herself, remarkably, feels like any other country I've ever visited, if not safer. Indeed, the State Department was sure to state that safety standards in Israeli Cities are 'comparable to or better than those in other major global cities'.
Israel is often called a modern day miracle. We personally witnessed this miracle this past Sunday, when we visited the Golan Heights mountain, Har Bental, a volcano with a splendid view of the Syrian/ Israeli Border region including Quenietra, a Syrian village with heavy fighting. What strikes you immediately is the stark contrast: the Israeli side of the border is green, lush and fertile; the Syrian side is brown, dead lifeless.
Atop the mountain, was an army fort: an intricate labrynth of tunnels, underground tanks, bunkers and sniper positions defended by thick concrete walls. Indeed, before the Six Day War in 1967, the Syrians ruled over the Golan Heights and built countless forts to fight the Israelis. Land mines were planted throughout the mountain range, making it virtually impenetrable.
Yet, in 1967, fighting uphill and facing camouflaged forts and landmines, the Israeli Defense Forces conquered the entire Golan Heights in just two days!?
What is the secret of Israel's security?
The Torah explicitly promises that G-d's eyes are continually upon the land. Take a look for yourself at what the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneersohn said to countless people during the Gulf War in 1991 about canceling trips to Israeli- Its all on video: www.JewishGardens.com/132979
Perhaps this is why the first thing thirteen million annual visitors see in Israel is a Giant Mezuzah emblazoned with three huge letters: Shin Daled Yud which stands for Shomer Daltot Yisrael- Guardian of the Doors of Israel. If you're wondering how big it is, just ask little Etti- she'll tell you all about it!
The story is told of two mischevious boys who saw a sign at their hebrew school: 'Only one apple per person, G-d is watching!'. One turns to the other and says: 'Take as many cookies as you like, G-d is busy watching the apples!'.
So go on and book your ticket to Israel- G-d's eyes are continually upon it that's why it's a living miracle and you've got to experience it in order to feel it!