Security Update - January 31

Dear Parents,

I hope you have all had a relaxing and peaceful shabbat, and i hope that for those of you in the freezing temperatures that i am hearing about in America and Canada, have had a chance to stay warm indoors! I just wanted to update you all on some security changes in regards to the security outlines of the Israel Experience.

The Israel Experience has changed the security outline to what the measures were before the Gaza Operation. In regards to what that means, and how it changes the measures that were last published, the following changes have been made:

- The new 'buffer' zone that cannot be entered into around Gaza is a 7km Radius around the Gaza Strip. That area covers the city of Sderot, as well as a few kibbutzim in that zone.

- Participants are now free to travel to the boardwalk in Tel-Aviv at all time.

- It is free to travel to, and within, the old city of Akko

- Entry and travel to mixed (Jewish/Arab) villages, and Arab villages, is permitted under the new security outlines.

- The warnings that were established around travel to the old city still stand, with entry only allowed to the Jewish Quarter through the Zion Gate, and strong recommendations to not be at the Kotel (Western Wall) between the hours of 11:00 and 14:00 on Fridays.

The past month has not been an easy time for anyone in Israel, or anyone who has loved ones in Israel, but i want to sincerely thank all of you for your patience and understanding through this difficult time in Israel. With the current ceasefire, and with elections in Israel in just over a week, we are all hoping for a future filled with peace, tranquility, and dialogue.

As always, the security department continues to monitor any situations in Israel, and as any updates happen, I will keep you all informed.

Shavua Tov to everyone!

Leon.