Need some help Israeli ladies :)

Posted: Fri, May 25 2012, 1:47 am Post subject: Need some help Israeli ladies :)

My DH and I are BH going to Israel in the very near future. We are thrilled to be going but have a couple questions I was hoping someone could help us out with.

First, I recently read there is a light rail or monorail that goes through some areas of Jerusalem. Can anyone tell me where the monorail begins and ends, and how expensive it is? Does the monorail stop at any stations my DH and I should avoid?

Also, while there we will have to make some trips from Ramat Eshkol to Ramat Beit Shemesh( I think it's RBS, is this near the Shaare Tzedek Medical Center in Jerusalem). How far are the from each other? How long would it take to get from one place to the other? Is there a good place to meet in the middle?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Gold Member Joined: Jan 01 2007 Posts: 2430

Diamond Member Joined: Mar 29 2005 Posts: 3580

http://www.urbanrail.net/as/jeru/jerusalem-map.png

That's a map of the light rail. You want to avoid getting off at the stops marked Shuafat. I think the fare is 6.60 shekel.

Ramat Bet Shemesh is a city a good 45 minutes out of Jerusalem.

Gold Member Joined: Jan 01 2007 Posts: 2430

if you avoid "the stops after the depot" you wont be able to go to Pisgat Zeev/Neve Yaakov.
And FYI the latest incident (the stabbing) was in Pisgat Zeev, not even at train stop in the arab areas. If anything there is more security at the arab stations. And if you're going to avoid 'arab stations' what about Damascus Gate? Its where you get off to go to the kotel.....the whole avoiding stations is a bit ridiculous to me.

Gold Member Joined: Jan 01 2007 Posts: 2430

I actually think the train is safer than buses - there are so many security guards and inspectors on the trains every ride - whereas the buses there are none. There are only 2 or maybe 3 stops in Shuafat/Beit Hanina and thent he train goes onto Pisgat zeev (nice big Mall there) and then to Neve Yaakov, which has the closest swimming pool to Ramat Eshkol.
Good luck with the move - is it permament or a visit?

I don't think there's any reason that you would get off at the arab East Jerusalem train stops... there's nothing there that you want. That being said, you really can't avoid the arabs, unless you never leave Ramat Eshkol. You will see arabs in the city center, in the hospitals and in shopping malls. Usually, there's nothing to worry about. If there were no arabs, none of us could get our groceries delivered!
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Look, I get that the chances of anyone here getting on or off a stop in Bet Hanina or Shuafat are slim to none, however the train does pass through there, it does travel at a fairly slow speed (relative to cars and buses) and quite frankly, I will admit, I was a bit uncomfortable traveling through these villages and feeling rather exposed.

And I've been living on the West Bank for 15 years now, so I'm pretty jaded about some things.

Thanks both EWA and Yesha. I used to know Israel so well, and now I'm embarrassed to say I can barely remember where everything is.

But, in my own city I do know where not, to go, and I really think it's great that you ladies can advise me. Thanks!

I know you probably got your answers, but Ramat Eshkol to Shaarei Tzedek isn't such a bad commute as commutes go. There are buses that take anywhere from 20 minutes to 50 minutes depending on the time of day, and the train which is probably about 1/2 an hour or so, but that probably also depends on the day. The transportation from those areas are both very good, with lots of buses and the train passing through.

Moderator Joined: Dec 18 2008 Posts: 3611

hey, I live right by the train and use it alot to get to the central bus station, rechov yafo, the shuk...
you will see arabs especially that it does pass arab neighborhoods like shaar shchem. but there are security guys and train guys all around and alot of jews. you will be surprised at how may arabs u see on the train but just dont pay attention to them and you'll be fine Smile

I waited with my husbad at the shaar shchem train station few times, there r jews there as well as arabs and BH its not dangerous.
have a safe trip here and back Smile

And I know a few people from Neve Yaakov who get off in Ramat Eshkol to switch, rather than French Hill (which is more convenient) because of the Arab issue.

Thanks so much everyone!! Really appreciate everyone help and info!!