Hey people,
I'm considering to venture down south from Tel-Aviv into Sinai, and I just wanted to know how safe (or unsafe) it would be during this time of year (around the start of January). My friend and I are Israeli Citizens, however we are also Canadian and we intend on using our Canadian passports for this trip into Egypt. I basically wanted to know how safe it would be to travel in Sinai (possibly go up Mt. Sinai), and would it matter that we speak Hebrew between us?
Thanks
As everyone knows, there have been bombings in some places in the Sinai in years past. Those were indiscriminate attacks against tourists and some locals were obviously caught up as well. There's no way to guarantee total safety wherever you travel so you have to weigh up the risks and decide accordingly. From the local people that I've had experience of in the likes of Dahab, no one would discriminate against you on hearing you speak Hebrew. Tourists are tourists and business is business.
I travel to Sinai a lot, and surrounding countries. Don't speak Hebrew, except perhaps to some of the older Sinai Bedouin who fondly remember the Israeli Occupation. Speaking Hebrew advertises the fact that you are Israeli, and although most folks in the Sinai won't care, why increase your exposure.
I generally make it known to people that I am Israeli only after getting to know them a bit. Since I was born in Scotland and have a UK Passport I often use that identity when I travel. After all no-one hates the Scots . . . or the Canadians.