ByHERB KEINON

JULY 11, 2026 06:10

Alaska leaves most travelers amazed by its stunning landscapes, impressed by its animals, and respectful of residents who endure extreme weather in remote areas.

For visitors from Israel the experience can also bring a sense of modesty. The reason is not the size difference with Denali National Park but the clear reminder that daily life elsewhere continues without constant focus on events in the Middle East.

That insight emerged during a recent journey The Wife and I made to the northernmost state.

At the Anchorage airport the agent processing our return flight asked with a bright tone where we were headed next.

Tel Aviv, I answered. She paused and inquired about its location.

When I mentioned Israel she nodded with a brief smile and moved on.

The same question arose again once we boarded. Another passenger admitted she had never come across the name Tel Aviv before.

Two encounters do not equal a full survey, yet they provide a useful counter to the impression created by constant coverage that every corner of the planet follows Israeli affairs with intense interest.

During the full two weeks we encountered none of the hostile slogans or remarks sometimes feared. No graffiti calling for boycotts appeared, and casual mentions of our home country drew only neutral or curious responses.

The entire country does not mirror the atmosphere of certain urban neighborhoods, and online platforms often magnify isolated moments far beyond their everyday frequency.

One drawback of constant scrolling is that each reported case of prejudice appears together, giving an inflated view of personal risk during ordinary travel.

After viewing repeated clips of confrontations in major cities it is easy to expect similar trouble on any subway or at any check-in desk.

Reality proves different. Still, the steady stream of stories prompts a brief hesitation about how openly to share ones background before each departure.

Israel Travels With Us

One also learns to gauge the situation quickly. Before entering a ride share in Chicago I suggested to The Wife that we might skip mentioning our origin this time.

She replied that she saw no reason to conceal her identity. I noted the drivers name and asked her to humor me for a moment. We offered no details and none were requested.

That single instance was the only time we held back the information. In every other setting we spoke openly about living in Israel, and the topic usually sparked friendly exchanges.

On a boat tour for marine life we met a young Chinese couple employed by a technology firm. They showed genuine interest in daily routines in Israel and asked why we declined certain menu items.

The Wife used part of the outing to describe dietary guidelines observed at home.

I quietly suggested she focus on the wildlife instead of turning the excursion into a lesson, yet the conversation remained light.

Since the events of October 7 an added concern for many travelers involves possible flight disruptions caused by sudden regional developments.

Reaching Alaska requires advance arrangements and a meaningful reason for the cost. Our occasion was a fortieth wedding anniversary, so reservations were made months earlier with warnings about limited vehicle availability.

We selected one carrier, yet shortly after regional tensions escalated that airline postponed service. The Wife quickly arranged a switch to another flight operator, adding extra steps to the planning.

A deeper question also arose about whether to depart while family members remained on extended reserve duty in active zones.

Initial instinct suggested staying close to home. Earlier patterns of service allowed scheduling around shorter periods, but current demands have changed that calculation.

With hundreds of days already served, waiting for a complete pause would mean canceling travel indefinitely.

That choice carries its own appeal, yet the desire to explore new places prevailed.

We proceeded with the trip, aware that one son continued his duties while we observed wildlife from a distance.

He encouraged us to go, noting that presence at home would not alter the situation and that return would be possible if needed.

I replied that enjoyment would be difficult under worry. He answered that we would manage.

His view proved accurate. Concern remained, yet it stayed lighter than it would have been at home because constant updates were unavailable.

Perhaps that separation proved the most valuable part of the journey. Beyond the impressive natural sights, the time away restored a balanced view that Israel occupies the center of its citizens lives without holding the same position for everyone else. Occasional reminders of that fact prove worthwhile.