The Israeli National Security Council’s counterterrorism bureau has warned Israelis and other tourists and businessmen to stay away from the terror-infested Sinai Peninsula, especially during Passover.

The Counter Terrorism Bureau has posted 33 warnings that terrorists, including those who take orders from Hizbullah, are roaming the world on the prowl for victims, especially Israelis.

Warnings also were posted against traveling to tourist sites, and terrorist hotspots’, such as Indonesia and Malaysia as well as the more popularly known terrorist favorites of Yemen, Tunisia, Afghanistan, Sudan and Algeria.

“According to our information, there continues to exist threats of revenge against Israelis abroad, especially businessmen and former government officials,” according to the Bureau.

It added that terrorists want to kidnap victims as well as murder them. “There have been multiple kidnappings in the Sinai of U.S. citizens over the past four years, and kidnappings of foreign tourists in the Sinai have increased since January 2012.

“Overland travel from Israel to the Sinai in particular is strongly discouraged.”

It added, “Hizbullah blames Israel publicly for the death of Imad Mughniyeh,” the Hizbullah mastermind terroroist who was assassinated in 2008, presumably by Mossad agents.

The Bureau reminded travelers that Iran has accused Israel of being responsible for the deaths of eight nuclear scientists.

Approximately 60,000 Americans and Canadians will spend more than $200 million this Passover, and many of those with enough money are hiring a chef to cook for them in rented private homes in resorts, Kosher Today reported.

Scottsdale, Arizona’s Biltmore is sold out with nearly 1,000 guests coming next week, while many other Americans will celebrate the freedom from slavery at resorts and hotels in Europe and in Israel.

Jay Buchsbaum of Kedem told Kosher Today that more people are demanding not only better foods but also upscale wines. “They no longer are solidified with the Kiddush and sweet wines; they want cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cognac and champagne.” he said.

I love to write; I love the power of words. I can’t carry much of a tune, and what I can carry, you wouldn’t want to hear. Just because I really can’t sing, doesn’t mean I don’t listen. The problem is, the songs I like are those that speak to me, tell me a story. Those that repeat a few meaningless words don’t speak to me, don’t call to my heart and feelings.

It’s sometimes a bit embarrassing to admit who my favorite singers are – my children certainly laugh (except for my oldest daughter, who shares my love of Harry Chapin, Garth Brooks, etc.). Every time Shmulik hears an old English song on the radio, he says, “oh look, Ima, one of your songs.”

Garth Brooks has retired and Harry Chapin is long gone but I think I found a new singer. He isn’t famous yet – well, a little, but he should be more famous. He’s got an amazing story that started several years ago when he got on a plane, only to hear that United Airlines workers were throwing his band’s guitars…his guitar, that is…his TAYLOR guitar…that cost him $3,500…around.

The expensive guitar was badly damaged; United refused to take responsibility. And the rest, as they say, is history. Dave Carroll tried to work through their system but after almost a month, he did it his way. He promised he’d make three videos telling his story, and he did. The full story is posted here: United Breaks Guitars.

He’s got other songs. He came to Israel last week to speak at our conference and he sang several. So many of them touched my heart and reminded me that there are still people who put meaning and stories in song. As a present, Dave gave me two of his CDs. I keep listening to them, hoping others will realize how talented he is; how HE should be on the radios of the world. Before his music career was boosted by United Airlines negligence, Dave and his brother were firefighters. One song – The 911 Song has been made into a video.

It’s just inspiring. I can’t tell you yet which one of his songs are my favorite yet; I can only tell you as I drive from client to client, my car is once again filled with music. Watch this video, and you’ll see why. His website (if you want to buy his amazing music), is www.davecarrollmusic.com.

Visit A Soldier’s Mother.

The US Government has forbidden government personnel from visiting the Old City of Jerusalem on Friday, and is restricting their travel within Judea and Samaria too (no information if that restriction also includes Jerusalem neighborhoods such as Gilo and Har Homa).

The US also recommends that all US citizens stay far away from (presumably Arab) demonstrations today, as they expect they may get violent.

Consulate General of the United States of America

JERUSALEM                               September 14, 2012

Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Possible Demonstrations in the Old City

The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem advises U.S. citizens that due to the possibility of demonstrations on Friday, September 14, the Old City of Jerusalem is off-limits to U.S. Government personnel that day.

U.S. citizens are advised to defer non-essential travel to the Old City and to generally exercise an extra measure of caution.

We remind U.S. citizens that due to the possibility of demonstrations throughout the West Bank, the U.S. Consulate General has limited both official and personal travel in the West Bank until further notice.

U.S. citizens are advised to defer non-essential travel to, and within, the West Bank and to exercise an extra measure of caution.

We also take this opportunity to remind U.S. citizens that demonstrations, even peaceful ones, can turn violent with little or no warning.  U.S. citizens should be aware of their surroundings at all times, and avoid large crowds.

The world is not a safe place, is the bottom line of what our State Dept. wants you to know. But if you insist—heaven knows why—on leaving your safe bedroom and risk setting foot in one of those awful places you hear about in the news, there’s a lot you need to know.

Travelers can become victims of crime and violence, or experience unexpected difficulties, says the special page titled “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the DOS website.

“Happily, most problems can be solved over the phone or with a visit to the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. There are other occasions, however, when U.S. consular officers are called upon to help U.S. citizens who are in foreign hospitals or prisons, or to assist the families of U.S. citizens who have passed away overseas.”

I’ll bet this paragraph alone could convince at least 5 percent of potential U.S. travelers to forget the whole deal, order a pizza and stay indoors with reruns of Battlestar Galactica (first or second version is already up to you). What a fun thing to do on my summer vacation – get a visit from a U.S. consular officer in my prison cell!

But DOS doesn’t want you stuck the whole summer in your mom’s basement, which is why they tell you: “We have prepared the following travel tips to help you avoid serious difficulties during your time abroad. We wish you a safe and wonderful journey!”

Here’s a particularly cheerful tip:

“Have your affairs in order at home. If you leave a current will, insurance documents, and power of attorney with your family or a friend, you can feel secure about traveling and will be prepared for any emergency that may arise while you are away. If you have minor children, consider making guardianship arrangements for them.”

So, like, have a wonderful time on this trip, and also, you’re going to die over there and never come back and your body parts will be divided among the needy and your kids will be raised by your cousin George who used to be a man!

But you haven’t seen scary until you’ve read the section titled “Safety on the Street”:

Don’t use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets.

Try not to travel alone at night.

Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances.

Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments.

Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.

Avoid scam artists by being wary of strangers who approach you and offer to be your guide or sell you something at bargain prices.

Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice who will: jostle you, ask you for directions or the time, point to something spilled on your clothing, or distract you by creating a disturbance.

Beware of groups of vagrant children who could create a distraction to pick your pocket.

Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers.

Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. Try to ask for directions only from individuals in authority.

Know how to use a pay telephone and have the proper change or token on hand.

Learn a few phrases in the local language or have them handy in written form so that you can signal your need for police or medical help.

Make a note of emergency telephone numbers you may need: police, fire, your hotel, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

If you are confronted, don’t fight back – give up your valuables.

By the way, that last tip is kind of the foundation of American foreign policy everywhere…

Yes, I understand that all these tips actually make sense, and they’re just as useful in downtown Manhattan as they are in Calcutta. Still, I don’t know of any other government that goes into such amazing lengths to school its potential world travelers about the all the dangers lurking out there.

“As much as possible, plan to stay in larger hotels that have more elaborate security.”

Really? Do they realize how much those hotels cost?

Then there’s this one:

“Safety experts recommend booking a room from the second to seventh floors above ground level – high enough to deter easy entry from outside, but low enough for fire equipment to reach.”

And practice jumping to the street from the seventh floor at home, just to be prepared…

Is there really anyone out there who will follow this tip? “When there is a choice of airport or airline, ask your travel agent about comparative safety records.”

I have a really cheap flight for you, but in the airport you’ll be using only every other flight actually reaches its destination. You want the kosher meal?

The part about traveling on trains is pure Hitchcock:

“Well-organized, systematic robbery of passengers on trains along popular tourist routes is a problem. It is more common at night and especially on overnight trains.

“If you see your way being blocked by a stranger and another person is very close to you from behind, move away. This can happen in the corridor of the train or on the platform or station.

“Do not accept food or drink from strangers. Criminals have been known to drug food or drink offered to passengers. Criminals may also spray sleeping gas in train compartments. Where possible, lock your compartment. If it cannot be locked securely, take turns sleeping in shifts with your traveling companions. If that is not possible, stay awake. If you must sleep unprotected, tie down your luggage and secure your valuables to the extent possible.”

Stay awake, for heaven’s sake, stay awake! You’re on vacation! Stay up and make sure no stranger stabs you for your valuables – which, by the way, the advisory suggests you should have left at home in the first place.

I’ll tell you, after reading some of these sections I feel like I’ve already been to Europe, got smacked around by all the crafty robbers over there and now I’m back, a little out of breath and worse for wear:

“Carjackers and thieves operate at gas stations, parking lots, in city traffic and along the highway. Be suspicious of anyone who hails you or tries to get your attention when you are in or near your car.

“Criminals use ingenious ploys. They may pose as good Samaritans, offering help for tires that they claim are flat or that they have made flat. Or they may flag down a motorist, ask for assistance, and then steal the rescuer’s luggage or car. Usually they work in groups, one person carrying on the pretense while the others rob you.

“Other criminals get your attention with abuse, either trying to drive you off the road, or causing an “accident” by rear-ending you.

“In some urban areas, thieves don’t waste time on ploys, they simply smash car windows at traffic lights, grab your valuables or your car and get away. In cities around the world, “defensive driving” has come to mean more than avoiding auto accidents; it means keeping an eye out for potentially criminal pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders.”

And don’t even get me started on the special travel warnings DOS issues now and then, telling U.S. citizens half the world is full of people itching to kidnap them for ransom—and those are the nice ones.

Maybe the world has changed radically since the time I was 17. When I was 17 the year was 1972, and my girlfriend and I hitchhiked across Europe from early May to late September. We slept in parks, we roamed, we worked here and there when we had to (my hair was down to my belt). We came home unscathed, two white, Jewish, middle class kids. Is it really that much worse out there, or have our DOS officials just figured out an ingenious—though truly elaborate—way of being able to say “I told you so” no matter how crazy your experience abroad should be.

Tell you what, if you’re reading this in your prison cell in Rwanda, then, first, I’m sorry, then, of course, didn’t we tell you not to go? Also, nice to see they give you Internet, and, finally, please, contact your nearest U.S. consulate…

Earlier this month, a pricing error in El Al’s reservations system resulted in tickets to Israel being sold online for prices as low as $325, all included.

Word of the fare went viral via consumer websites, tweets and e-mails. Before El Al could fix the error, some four hours later, somewhere between 5,000 and 8,000 people were flying high on cloud nine.

There may be a positive and even inspiring aspect to this story. Our bond with Israel is real and it is strong. We have a constant yearning to visit it, to walk its streets, to touch its stones, to be enwrapped in its holiness. If the “right” price comes along, we’ll drop everything and go.

Alas, this was not the “right” price. It was the wrong price.

With the computer error fixed, word spread quickly that there was no “wild sale.” Rather, a data entry mistake – human error – caused the online systems to display the fare at some 75 percent less than the actual price. Though El Al is taking a huge loss, it will honor the tickets. The airline also offered buyers the chance to forgo the ticket and get a full refund.

Many people did the right thing and cancelled their tickets. The overwhelming majority, however, have not.

To those who choose to travel to Israel on the wings of someone else’s loss, I ask: What if the shoe were on the other foot? We’re all human. We all make mistakes. Do you want to live in a society where any error on your part will be exploited by others, causing you huge financial losses?

What does it say about us when websites look to find a supplier’s glitch or error and then (with great glee) advise their members to pounce on it?

One such website, run by an Orthodox Jew, set out a list of “The Rules of the Deal” – the first one being, “Don’t talk to the airline or companies offering a deal that seems too good to be true. Do you really want to kill it for everyone?”

I would ask this webmaster: Are these the ethical Jewish teachings of your rabbis?

Think about it: An employee of yours makes an innocent mistake. The potential loss to you, to your pocket, could be in the tens of thousands of dollars. How you would feel if someone was on the Internet telling the world to “hurry up and take advantage” of your mistake? How would you feel as you saw thousands of your hard-earned dollars going down the “human error” drain?

Is it the price of doing business? Yes.

Would you like it if you were the one losing money? Obviously you would not.

I have a strong sense you would hope for a friend who would break your “Rule of the Deal” – a friend who would urgently alert you to the error while “killing” it for all others.

Sadly, Mr. Webmaster, your first “Rule of the Deal” is the farthest thing from Judaism’s First Rule, the most basic lesson we are taught from childhood. It is Hillel HaZaken who encapsulates the entire Torah into the Jewish “Rule of the Deal”: Do not do to others that which you would not want them to do to you.

While there were some rabbis who wrote long, intricate articles explaining why it’s not assur (prohibited) to exploit the error of the Jewish airline, that’s far from the end of the matter.

In a session about Jewish monetary law, the respected halachic authority Rabbi Yisroel Belsky, discussing the illegal copying of music CDs, said: “People write all kinds of teshuvos [halachic responsa, to explain] why it’s mutar [permitted]…. I [say] it’s absolutely assur.”

By copying rather than purchasing a CD, he explained, you are obviously causing the publisher to lose money on his large initial investment.

“The greatest achievement of a Jew” said Rav Belsky, “is to develop the sensitivities…that a Jew is supposed to have…. [The Torah teaches us, in Shemot 23:9] ‘Don’t be cruel to the stranger, because you were once strangers in Egypt’…. [As Jews we need] to have the hergesh [feeling] of someone else’s pain, [especially] when you are [the one] causing that pain…. If the person [who is illegally copying a CD]…doesn’t feel that he’s doing anything wrong, then I think he has another problem; it’s not a problem of gezel [theft].”

An El Al spokesperson said the airline had not decided whether or not to honor round-trip tickets to Israel that were offered erroneously for prices as low as $330.

On Wednesday afternoon, the airline issued the following statement via Twitter: “Thanks for your patience. Details/decisions re incorrect fares that were briefly sold on Monday are not finalized. We will update tomorrow.”

The announcement came two days after El Al codeshare flights from several U.S. cities to Israel went on sale for bargain-basement prices due to an error by a subcontractor handling El Al’s winter promotional fares. The round-trip tickets ranging from $330 to $460, including all taxes and fees, were for travel between November and March and included layovers in Europe.

On Monday, El Al said via Twitter that it would honor the tickets, which reportedly numbered in the thousands.

“An outside company posted incorrect fares on travel websites, so all tickets sold will indeed be honored,” the company wrote at around 6 p.m., once the inexpensive prices were no longer available.

But on Tuesday, the airline appeared to backtrack, suggesting in a comment to The New York Jewish Week and later in emails to JTA that El Al had not decided conclusively whether or not to honor the purchases.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said it found out about the incident late Tuesday. A department spokesman, Bill Mosley, told JTA that “We’re looking into it.“

The Muslim Brotherhood, the movement to which newly-elected Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi belongs, released a statement on Monday claiming the Sinai border attack that left 16 Egyptian security officers dead “could be attributed to the Mossad,” according to Egyptian daily Al-Masry Al-Youm.

The Muslim Brotherhood found proof for the ‘Mossad-as-perpetrator theory’ in the fact that Israel “had several days ago instructed Israeli citizens who were in Sinai to leave immediately.” The Islamic movement also said that the incident “attempts to claim the failure of the new Egyptian government that was formed only three days ago” and is “also an attempt to disrupt the president’s reform project and drive a wedge between the Egyptian administration and its people, and the Palestinian government and the people of Gaza.”

Israel indeed renewed its travel advisory against traveling to the Sinai last Thursday. “The information we have indicates that terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, as well as other groups, are continuing to attempt terror attacks… against Israeli tourists staying in the Sinai in the imminent future,” the National Security Council’s counterterrorism bureau stated at the time. Even after publicizing the travel advisory, Israel received more specific intelligence information of a terror threat emanating from the Sinai, which according to Israeli media was passed on to Egyptian authorities. The Egyptians “made light” of the warning, while Israel’s vigilance allowed its security forces to foil a deadly terrorist attack within Israel.

Abdallah Gohama, the the top tribal chief in Central Sinai, confirmed that the Egyptian authorities were on notice of impending terrorist threats prior to the attack on Sunday night. “Sinai chiefs warned against the precarious security situation in Sinai months ago after extremist groups spread there, and they told authorities that the situation is critical,” he said in an interview with Al-Sharq Al-Awsat. Gohama added that Morsi’s decision to open Sinai-Palestinian border crossings and ease security measures facilitated the proliferation of such groups in the Sinai and Gaza.

In related news, protesters from across the Egyptian political spectrum marched to the residence of the Israeli ambassador in Cairo on Tuesday, chanting anti-Israel slogans and demanding his expulsion.