Tourists and schoolchildren in Israel participate in observing the destruction of Gaza

The Nature of “Resilience Tourism” in Israel

Tours in Sderot, Israel, allow visitors to observe the destruction of Gaza. These are marketed as “resilience tourism” within Israel. However, internationally, this practice is widely condemned as “genocide tourism.” The tours provide a disturbingly casual approach to the suffering of Palestinians. Participants, including schoolchildren, observe the devastation from close proximity, sometimes employing coin-operated binoculars to gain a closer view.

The Role of Schoolchildren and Educational Context

The inclusion of Israeli schoolchildren in these tours is particularly concerning. Teenagers travel from hours away to participate, indicating the normalization of this perspective within their education. This suggests the tours are not merely tourist attractions but integral to a broader curriculum that dehumanizes Palestinians and presents the destruction of Gaza as an acceptable or even celebratory event.

International Condemnation and Ethical Concerns

The tours are available in English, targeting international tourists and are incorporated into Birthright Israel trips. This suggests an attempt to normalize the perspective to an international audience, further exacerbating the ethical concerns. The practice has sparked widespread outrage globally, highlighting the deep moral issues involved. Former U.S. State Department officials have also criticized the tours, highlighting the dehumanizing effect of this form of tourism.

The Expansion of “Genocide Tourism”

Beyond observation platforms, boat tours have been organized to provide a closer and more comprehensive view of the devastation. This expansion underscores the problematic nature of the tourism and the seeming lack of remorse or consideration for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The accessibility and normalization of these tours raise significant concerns regarding the long-term effects on the perception of the conflict and the dehumanization of the Palestinian people.