Chana's Tours

I love Sukkot. Sitting outside in the nice outdoor air with a breeze and sun at high noon. The weather is cooling off but it's not raining (we don't want rain during this holiday). Over the first day of the holiday, we had 3 of our kids with a total of 10 of their kids. It was so much fun. One set of grandchildren made a 30-meter/90 feet paper chain (photo next week). Others hung the decorations that survived last year's short but heavy rain. We set up the tables. We can sit up to 24 comfortably and thus only 3 kids came. We used to have my husband's family come, but we just can't swing that anymore. Our balcony is only so big. Today another daughter came with her kids, one of whom is two today. We had lunch and then had a birthday party with cake and candles, junk food and of course a present opening ceremony. Elia was so excited and happy to spend time with his cousins, one of which is only 2 months older than him. I was told being a grandmother is the best thing and boy is that true. We truly enjoy their visits and help when possible. Next week will be fun with some of the kids. Each day a different a different adventure, but first Shabbat with 2 kids and 4 grandchildren. Let noise perhaps, but I don't mind it - it keeps me going during these trying times of war. We have plenty of space for everyone in our shelter, but hopefully, we won't need to act on that. Shabbat Shalom!

As Friday comes to a close this week and preparations are being finalized for Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement I would like to wish you all Gmar Chatima Tova. May you be written and sealed in the Book of Life. May the coming year bring you only good health, respect and luck in all of your endeavors.

May you have an easy and meaningful fast.

כשיום שישי מתקדם ואנו מסיימים את ההכנות לקראת יום הכיפורים אני רוצה לאחל לך גמר חתימה טובה. שתהיה רשום בספר החיים. שהחיים ימשיכו במהלך השנה בבריאות, אושר, נחת ושגשוג.
צום קל ומועיל.

עם ישראל חי Am Israel Chai

The new year begins this evening. Wishing you all Shana Tova! May you be written and sealed in the Book of Life. May the enemies of the Jewish people understand that Israel is here to stay and we have the higher power on our side.
שנה טובה וגמר חתימה טובה. שתהיה שנה של בריאות, שגשוג, ורוב נחת. שייבנו יגלו שלישראל ישראל נשארת לעולם ושיש את ה' לצידנו.

Message to U.S. Citizens: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (May 31, 2024)

Location: Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza

Subject: Pilot Phase of Israeli Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) System to Begin June 1, 2024 for U.S. Citizens

From June 1, 2024 toJuly 31, 2024, the ETA-IL system will open for application submissions as a pilot program only for U.S. and German citizens (those holding valid U.S. and German passports). During the pilot phase, submitting an application will be voluntary and free. Beginning August 1, 2024, all travelers to Israel must have a valid visa or ETA-IL approval before traveling to Israel, and it will cost 25 shekels to submit the application.

The ETA-IL website (https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/) is already live, but no applications can be submitted until June 1, 2024. There are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the website.

If this is a pilot phase and voluntary, why should I submit an application?

Beginning August 1, 2024, all U.S. citizen travelers to Israel must have a valid visa or ETA-IL approval before traveling to Israel. ETA-IL authorizations are valid for 2 years (unless you get a new passport), and, during the pilot phase, there is no fee. Beginning August 1, it will cost 25 shekels to submit an application.

Travelers who land at Ben Gurion Airport and have an approved ETA-IL will be able to proceed directly to border control e-gates without going to border control officers if they receive a permit from an automated border control kiosk.

I am a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen and want to travel to Israel. Must I complete an ETA-IL application?

U.S.-Israeli citizens do not need to submit an ETA-IL application and should depart the United States on their U.S. passport and enter Israel on their Israeli passport.

What do I do if my ETA-IL application is denied?

If you are denied, you will be directed to contact the Israeli authorities by email([email protected]) for next steps.

Actions to Take:

· All U.S. citizens should enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and ensure you can be located in an emergency.

· Refer to our website for the latest Alerts and Messages for U.S. citizens.

· Refer to our country information sheet for updated information on entry/exit requirements and safety/security information.


Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser St.
Jerusalem
Online ACS Inquiry System: click here
Phone: +972-2-630-4000
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/

U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv
71 HaYarkon St.
Tel Aviv
Routine: click here
Online ACS Inquiry System: click here
Phone: +972-3-519-7575
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/

State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747or 202-501-4444

The IDF spokeman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari published the following video of the Rantisi Children's Hospital in Gaza today. If you had any doubts of using hospitals for military use in Gaza, this will straighten things out for you.