Sarah Goldstein holds her coffee cup in a Tel Aviv café, her phone vibrating with another U.S. Embassy warning. The U.S. State Department’s “Do Not Travel” advisory, updated June 16, has turned her daily routine into a quiet inspection, as warnings of unrest and terrorism threaten Israel. For Sarah, a 34-year-old American teacher who moved here in 2024, the advisory create a sense of unease of living in a region where peace feels breakable.
The advisory the period following missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, paused by a Qatar-mediated ceasefire on June 23. Citing risks of sudden escalation, the U.S. urges Americans to avoid Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and border areas. Ben Gurion Airport, closed during the conflict, reopens fully on June 25, but flight continued delays. A State Department spokesperson said,“Stay vigilant and leave when safe,” noting limited embassy services in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv through June 27.
Israel’s tourism industry, down 30% since 2023 per the Central Bureau of Statistics, faces another blow. “This advisory hurts, but safety comes first,” said Tourism Minister Haim Katz, urging the U.S. to reassess as the ceasefire holds. Sarah feels torn. “Tel Aviv feels normal—kids in parks, full cafés—but the alerts make you second-guess,” she said, her voice catching. She’s staying but checks exit plans daily.
The ceasefire, fragile amid Iran’s conditional restraint and Israel’s West Bank settlement plans, fuels uncertainty. Americans react differently: some, like Sarah, adapt, while tourists like David Weiss, 40, from New York, leave early. “I loved Jerusalem, but the advisory spooked me,” he said at the airport, luggage in tow. Social media reflects expatriate frustration, with posts lamenting the disruption of daily life.
The economic toll is stark—hotels report cancellations, and small businesses lose visitors. “Tourism was just recovering,” said Eyal Cohen, a Jerusalem tour guide. Experts warn prolonged advisories could deter investment. The U.S. will monitor conditions, potentially updating the advisory soon.
Sarah walks Tel Aviv’s sunny streets, weighing her love for Israel against the nagging fear of escalation. For her and thousands of Americans here, the ceasefire’s strength will decide whether they stay or pack their bags.
