Filipinos told: Postpone pilgrimage, tours to Israel

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday advised Filipinos anew to “postpone indefinitely” non-essential travel to Israel, including pilgrimage and tours to Israel.

In an advisory, the DFA said Filipinos should defer travel until such time that the security situation in Israel has stabilized.

“Non-essential travels include pilgrimages and other tours to Israel. Traveling to Israel to render volunteer work is also highly discouraged because of the continuing risks,” it said.

The reiteration came as it took note of “schemes” by individuals, organizations, companies or tour companies organizing trips or pilgrimages to Israel at this time, or encouraging volunteers to work in farms or hospitals.

“The Philippine Bureau of Immigration has been alerted about these schemes. Therefore, any persons who attempt to travel to Israel under these arrangements run the risk of getting offloaded from their flights,” it said.

The DFA added that the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv would not be responsible for the safety of those who travel as tourists or volunteers at this time.

“The Embassy urges all Filipino citizens to prioritize their safety and security and to heed this advisory until further notice,” it said. — Joyce Ann L. Rocamora (PNA)