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Nearly 40 Bay Area Jews just returned from a solidarity mission to Israel sponsored by the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation.

And guess what — they not only had a safe trip but a fun time. To boot, they got a good education on Jewish-Arab coexistence and a greater understanding of what is causing the latest crisis in the Jewish state.

They also found out what any visitor to Israel already knows: The country is still a safe place to visit. And vacationers can have a good time far from the areas of violence.

Few Jewish vacationers travel to the Gaza Strip or the West Bank towns of Bethlehem and Ramallah, all scenes of recent conflicts between Palestinians and Israelis. Cities such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, by contrast, are generally safer than most American cities.

Most Israelis do not come in contact with violence. They live a normal life even during these times of upheaval. They go to work every day and come home every night to their families.

Yet American Jews are too afraid to go to Israel. Hotels throughout the Jewish state are mostly empty. Tours are being canceled. Visitors are afraid.

That's why the JCF and other federations throughout North America are sponsoring solidarity missions. They want to show American Jews that they can have a safe, educational and fun trip to Israel.

And just as important, those federations want to show Israelis that American Jews still care. With few tourists on the street, it is no wonder that many Israelis feel abandoned by their fellow Jews in the diaspora.

The San Francisco delegation was one of the largest from any American city to go on a solidarity mission. We can be proud that nearly 40 local residents demonstrated their love for Israel by making this important trip.

There will be more missions that Bay Area Jews can go on. The area federations have details.

Now, more than ever, is an important time to visit Israel. It's the best way we can show our support for our fellow Jews.