Thanks everyone for your replies.
It bothers me so much that my sister has been convinced that this is "essential" travel.
Like you llamallcool, personally I would love to visit Isreal and tour the holy land - there is so much amazing history there. But to travel there now for pleasure, with the way the political and social climate is, would be too risky in my opinion. That the GB is sending Witnesses there to preach a message that is controversial to say the least (I love how you put it Sapphy) is dangerous and irresponsible.
Of course, there is a possibility that nothing will happen, and the trip will go as planned and everyone will return home safely and in one piece. I hope with all my heart that that is how the way things turn out. But the GB always seems to capitalize on tragic events. The Brothers and Sisters in Rwanda? May that inspire courage and boldness in the rest of you as you carry out your ministry. I remember reading an article in one of the magazines about a young pregnant sister who was murdered and her baby taken from her womb. It was essentially used as a platform for touting the ressurection doctrine.
My husband and I get closer and closer to our tipping point. If something happens to my sister while on this trip (and especially if they were to use the experience for their own gain) there will be hell to pay!
Oh and to answer your question NVR2L8 - they are all technically "volunteering" and paying for this trip out of their own pockets.