HUC-JIR - Your Year in Israel

Your Year in Israel

Health and Security upon Arrival

It is common for newcomers to the area to suffer from dehydration. You will not perspire as much as you are used to, due to the high altitude and low humidity, and thus, you may forget to drink. It is a wise idea to buy a bottle of mineral water to carry with you at all times, and continuously drink and refill it. The tap water in Israel is safe to drink.

The sun is quite strong in Israel. Newcomers are urged to wear a hat at least until they become acclimated. Sunscreen protection is desirable, especially for those with fair skin.

Medical Emergency Telephone Numbers

Magen David Adom - Health Emergency/Ambulance Tel. 101
7 Mem-Gimel Street (near the Central Bus Station)

Hadassah Hospital - Mount Scopus (Emergency) 581-8111
Ein Kerem (Emergency) 642-7427

Security

Suspicious Objects

Do not leave your own belongings unattended. Always carry them with you or ask someone to watch them for you. Otherwise your belongings may be regarded as suspicious objects.

If you see an unattended object, do not touch it. Ask people standing in the area whether it belongs to any of them. If no one claims it, direct people in the vicinity away from the object and prevent people from approaching. Then notify the police. If you are on a bus and see a suspicious object, follow the same procedure, only notify the driver.

Other General Comments

Whether male or female, do not hitchhike and do not tour the Old City alone. It is strongly recommended that female students, in particular, do not walk or jog alone in thinly populated areas. Although Jerusalem is considerably safer than most large suburbs in the United Stats, it is advisable to take extra precautions until you develop a "feel" for the city.

A roommate, friend, or HUC employee should know your whereabouts at all times. This applies to late nights in the city as well as trips within or outside of Israel.

You are urged to always lock up your valuables when leaving your home. This includes your passport and cash. HUC has a safe that is accessible through the Registrar, but HUC does not assume responsibility for items deposited in the safe. Daily hours will be posted. In addition, do not leave your wallet/purse unattended in classrooms or the library.

A Note to Female Students

Standards of dress in the Middle East are, generally speaking, more conservative than in North America. "Short-shorts" and bare shoulders, which seem rather conventional back home, may attract some unwanted attention. The recommended response is to ignore it, since responding verbally could be regarded as a "come-on".

Important Safety Telephone Numbers

Police- 100
Magen David Adom- 101
Fire- 102
HUC Campus Security- 620-3454/5/6 (or simply 454/5/6 from any campus extension)

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