top of page

They Arrived in Israel... and Had Nowhere to Stay

  • Writer: Suzanne Lieberman
    Suzanne Lieberman
  • 9 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Imagine landing in Israel after a 10-hour flight with five tired children... only to discover you have nowhere to sleep.


That's exactly what happened to Leah and her family. After months of planning, they were finally on their way. Flying from New York with five children isn't for the faint-hearted. Between the packing, the airport, the flight, and collecting a rental car, all they wanted was a few peaceful days in northern Israel before continuing to Jerusalem.


Leah's sister, who lives in Israel, offered to find them an apartment. She searched through the weekly frum newspapers, made countless phone calls, and eventually found what sounded like the perfect place. It was in a suitable neighborhood, had enough bedrooms for the whole family, air conditioning for the Israeli summer, and everything else they were looking for.


A deposit was paid. The booking was confirmed. The balance would be paid on arrival.

Everything seemed set.


After landing in Israel, the family drove straight to Tiberias. Tired but excited, they called the owner several times along the way to let her know they were getting close. There was no answer.


Finally, just a few minutes before they arrived, she picked up. "I'm sorry," she said, sounding confused. "You're not coming this week."


Leah thought she'd misheard. "Of course we're coming this week."


"No... I have guests in the apartment. Your booking is for next month."


It wasn't. Somehow, the apartment had been double-booked.


The owner apologized and returned the deposit, but that didn't solve the real problem.

It was late. They were exhausted. They had five children, suitcases, and absolutely nowhere to sleep.


Instead of beginning their vacation, they ended up sleeping on the floor at Leah's sister's home until they could find alternative accommodation before eventually moving into their Jerusalem apartment.


It wasn't the relaxing start they'd spent months planning.


Sadly, stories like this aren't as rare as you might think. Most private owners are completely honest, but mistakes happen. Calendars aren't always updated, communication breaks down, and when something goes wrong, you're often left to sort it out yourself - usually after a long international flight.


That's one of the reasons we only book accommodations through reputable suppliers and carefully verify every reservation before our clients arrive.


We confirm the booking, check the details, and make sure everything is in place so that, when our clients pull up outside their apartment, the only surprise waiting for them is how quickly they can put the kettle on and start enjoying their vacation.


Because after a journey halfway around the world, the last thing any family should hear is:

"I'm sorry... we have nowhere for you to stay."


If you’re planning your own Israel journey and want things to run smoothly - even when the unexpected happens, I’d be happy to help. You can reach out via my contact form


If you’re planning your own Israel journey and want things to run smoothly - even when the unexpected happens, I’d be happy to help. You can reach out via my contact form


More Thoughts on Meaningful Travel in Israel


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page