I'm leaving for Israel in about a week and I really want to see the Biblical sites while I am there. Many of them are in the West Bank, but I'm somewhat afraid to go there. Do you think there is any way a solo, 23 y/o white American male traveler could see the sites there or is it just too risky? As badly as I want to see the sites, I also want to stay safe and not get blown up or kidnapped.

The places I would like to see are Shiloh, Hebron, Nablus (Shechem), Bethlehem, and Jericho.

Thanks

Bethlehem is easy and safe. You can take a ride there from Jerusalem (or anywhere) with an Arab cab driver, or take an Arab bus. I went with a private Arab tour guide to both Bethlehem and Jericho but don't think going to Jericho by yourself is a good idea because there just weren't any Westerners there.

For the other towns you mentioned, you might want to try http://www.toursinenglish.com/. One of the, I think, owners of this company, Fred Schlomka, used to be very active on the Trip Advisor Israel forum. He might still be. At any rate, you can check out things he has to say on Trip Advisor, if you want. I have not toured with this company yet but might do so on my next trip.

Hey Zackyfarms,

I lived in Bethlehem last summer and went again earlier this year for another couple of months. It's perfectly safe (and I'm female, in my 20s, white) and you'll find the people lovely. (Knowing a few words of Arabic might help!).

You can get around to all of those places using the Arab service (servees - Israelis call these sheruts) cars, which look like minivans. It's very cheap (Jerusalem to Bethlehem will cost maybe about 5 NIS - $1), safe, and reliable. You can get from all Palestinian cities using these buses - just ask locals. I would of course advise you that with the economy in the Palestinian areas very bad, they will of course charge you a "tourist price" (which you'll get used to). A taxi in Bethlehem to the checkpoint should at max cost you 20-5 NIS ($4-5) while taxis within Bethlehem should cost 10NIS ($2). When travelling on the service, you will likely encounter Israeli checkpoints. With a Western passport, you will be fine.

I have a friend in Bethlehem who had driven Banksy around during his time spraypainting around the Wall in Bethlehem. He provides tours around Bethlehem & across the West Bank. He can go to the Dead Sea & Jericho, so if you want someone to take you there he certainly can and his English is impeccable. His name is Yamen and he works with the Murad Resort in Bethlehem: http://www.murad.ps/tours/indextours.htm. I have another friend who specializes in the Christian sites around Bethlehem, and if you'd like his contact details you can PM me.

If you're Jewish, don't wear your kippah as you will likely be denied entry into the West Bank by Israeli security. If you're Christian, mind what articles you do have on you (eg At the Western Wall don't bring any religious items). In Hebron, be especially careful because it is an abnormal and tense situation. People are very on edge as there are attacks by settlers routinely, which results in Hebronites not trusting Westerner for fear they may be assaulted. It was a very sad situation there, but I was glad I was able to enter the Tombs of the Patriarchs and afterwards buy a few things.

I loved my time in the West Bank, and loved being back there. Hope you're having fun!