Sinai - no cars
Photo: Zvi Gilat
Plenty of sea, sand and tranquility
Photo: AFP
Taba crossing ready for the masses
Photo: Joe Kot
Thousands flock to Sinai
More than 11,000 vacationers already in Sinai peninsula, despite travel warnings in wake of recent terror threats
TABA CROSSING - More than 11,000 Israelis have ignored the anti-terror unit’s travel warning and have chosen to spend their Pesach (Passover) vacation in the Egyptian Sinai peninsula.
hildren and students.
More than 2,500 people entered Sinai Thursday and at least 1,000 were expected on Friday.
Most vacationers include families with young
The Warning
By Attila Somfalvi
High alert issued for Israelis not to visit Jordan and Egypt during the upcoming Passover holiday, warn of attacks by terrorists
The anti-terror unit issued a travel warning at the beginning of the week, calling for all Israeli citizens to refrain from visiting Egypt and Sinai, in wake of recent threats of terrorist attacks such as those that killed 34 people in the two Sinai resort bombings in October.
“Even though these are just recommendations, every traveler should check the meanings of these risks carefully and avoid putting himself or those close to him in unnecessary danger,” the unit said in a statement.
'Sea, sand and tranquility'
However, despite the risks, Tel Avivian Yelena Grosimov has planned a trip to Sinai for four days.
“I’m going to rest and breathe a little fresh air, in a place where there are no cars and buildings,” she said. “Only sea, sand and lots of tranquility.”
Grosimov said she is aware of the Foreign Ministry’s travel warnings and has therefore chosen to vacation in an isolated spot, away from most of the crowds.
“After the terror attack in Sinai, I guess I am a litter hesitant,” she said. “But there are also many bombings here too.”
Manager of the Taba crossing on the Israel-Egypt border, Itzik Chai, said he estimates that more than 15,000 Israelis will cross over during the Pesach break.
“We estimate that after the Seder (Passover dinner), on Sunday and Monday morning, many more will cross the border,” he said.
