Israel is safer than Kansas City. Seriously. The Beach in Tel Aviv is really nice and the people are all way cool.
If you have time its worth it to climb Masada near the dead sea, especially if you leave early so you can be on top before sunrise. Sunrise on top of Masada overlooking the dead sea is pretty amazing.
In Jerusalem, take the Western Wall Tunnel Tour, one of the coolest things you can do.
http://english.thekotel.org/VisitorInfo.asp?id=2, also, visit the Wall at the beginning of Shabbat if you are there on a Friday night, also worth the experience.
